Transfer Stories
Justin Mendez
Meet Justin Mendez, a third-year communications-journalism student who transferred from Fullerton College to Cal State Fullerton.
Justin Mendez first discovered his love for sports at the age of six. Born and raised in Fullerton, California, he dove headfirst into a variety of youth sports, including baseball, basketball and flag football. But one sport in particular won over his heart.
“Growing up as a kid, I’ve always loved baseball,” Justin said.
After long days spent at school and practice, he would come home and watch ESPN and SportsCenter with his father, enjoying quality time together while cheering on their favorite team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
These moments, both on the field and on screen, gave Justin a deeper appreciation for sports and also sparked his interest in bringing the action to life visually. “I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in journalism,” he said. “I’ve always liked the media side—news, sports, anything that involved the news.”
Now a third-year transfer student at Cal State Fullerton, Justin is ready to turn that passion into a career in sports journalism.
Trading the Cleats for a Camera
A standout youth baseball player, Justin played competitively through his junior year at Sunny Hills High School. But as he considered playing baseball in his senior year, an emerging interest stayed on Justin’s mind.
Ready for a changeup, Justin stepped away from the diamond to take a video production class instead. He quickly fell in love with being behind the camera, gaining first-hand experience with the creative side of sports by capturing football games on the sidelines.
Justin Mendez taking staff photos with Titan Athletics. (Courtesy of Justin Mendez)
“It’s just stuck ever since,” Justin said. “I’ve made a ton of friends, a lot of good memories and it’s not the end. I still have got a lot in me.”
Homefield Advantage
After graduating from Sunny Hills, he chose to stay local and enrolled at Fullerton College – an easy decision thanks to the Promise Program’s two years of free tuition.
At Fullerton College, Justin got involved with the photography department and student newspaper Hornet Media.
“I had an awesome time in the photography department,” he said. “They welcomed me with open arms and it felt like family. All the staff there were very helpful, helping me learn new things and opening more creative doors.”
Fullerton College graduate Justin Mendez celebrates graduation alongside his family (left to right) Jazmin, Victor, and Lorena Mendez.
In spring 2026, Justin graduated from Fullerton College with high honors and a strong foundation in digital media and journalism. Looking back on his college experience, he said, “I really was proud of myself and how far I came in college.”
As a first-generation college student, Justin didn’t have to navigate the process of going to college alone. He looked to his older sister, Jazmin, who was already in her second year at Fullerton College, as a role model. “Luckily for me, she taught me everything I know,” he said.
Today, the Mendez siblings are attending Cal State Fullerton a year apart. For their parents, Lorena and Victor Mendez, it is an emotional moment watching their children navigate higher education together to pursue their dreams.
“Watching Jazmin and Justin grow into capable and self-reliant young adults brings a deep sense of peace and joy. We are amazed and grateful that God has blessed us with wonderful, humble and loving children,” they said. “We believe that their experiences at Fullerton College and Cal State Fullerton have given them a great opportunity that offers many interests and passions.”
From Sunny Hills to the Big Leagues
Justin’s early work caught the attention of Cal State Fullerton’s Titan Athletics, earning him a marketing and creative media internship during his senior year of high school.
Since then, Justin has unlocked new field opportunities, including covering games for UCLA softball and baseball. In spring 2025, he also worked his first major career assignment, documenting CSUF softball at the NCAA softball regional at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles.
Titan Athletics has provided Justin with opportunities to expand his network beyond Cal State Fullerton while elevating his professional portfolio. From that point forward, opportunity after opportunity came flying fast.
Mike Trout signing autographs for young fans at a Los Angeles Angels baseball game. (Courtesy of Justin Mendez)
Through The Sporting Tribune, Justin was given an opportunity to shoot for the Los Angeles Angels, his first Major League Baseball game. He captured a special moment of baseball player Mike Trout signing autographs for young fans.
“There were kids and fans everywhere screaming for him to give autographs, and I’m right there taking his picture,” he said. A surreal experience, he recalls it as being one of his favorite memories of his career.
A longtime Los Angeles Dodgers fan, Justin hopes to one day become a live content creator alongside Cal State Fullerton alumnus Tom Wilson and family member Brandon Cervantes.
But in the meantime, he’s excited to experience campus life as a Titan. Now a third-year student at CSUF, he will step into a new role as a marketing, outreach and design social media student assistant for TitanHEALTH this semester, promoting student wellness on campus.
He’s already found amazing role models at Cal State Fullerton, including fellow Titan Athletics intern Tony Macon and photographer Katie Albertson.
“I’ve been here since senior year of high school, it feels like home,” Justin said. “It’s such a memorable experience and I can’t wait for the next two years.”
For more of Justin’s work, check out his Instagram.
Transfer Success Starts Here
These students successfully transferred from Fullerton College to CSUF. With the Future Titan Center, so can you!
