CARSON -- A number of former Cal State Dominguez Hills student-athletes have turned in one uniform for another, currently finding themselves in the middle of today's fight against COVID-19.  

GoToros.com salutes these alums, and will recognize their heroic efforts on the front line as the pandemic continues to alter the way we go about our daily activities.

This profile in courage features Toro All-American Charlene Brown, a 4-year member of the women's track & field team who currently is in Nursing School at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing, and expects to graduate in 2021.

Charlene, who earned her BS in Biology from CSUDH in 2016, was an alternate on the 4x400 track and field relay team that won the program's first NCAA National Championship in 2011, and also claimed a pair of All-America awards in her four years.  Additionally, she earned three All-Region and 10 All-CCAA honors that include six 1st-team selections.

Thank you, Charlene, for your commitment and dedication to serve.

Vitals	Hometown	Victorville
	Sport (Years)	Track & Field (2011-14)
	CSUDH Graduation	2016 in Biology
	Postgraduate Studies	Expected 2021 from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science, Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing
	Current Profession	Nursing Student

 
How I'm helping:
"Assisting at the COVID-19 testing site located at Charles Drew University. This includes data input, handing out tests, demonstrating the proper way to test, appointments and check in."

My motivation to help is:
"My motivation is to become the best nurse that I can be. I believe that everyone deserves proper health care, and I take honor providing for those in my community, especially during times like this."

How life has changed in 2020:
"Classes have been moved online, and social distancing has definitely caused a halt in regular everyday activities. But, I've gained deeper connections to loved ones and have personally learned to appreciate the little things that we sometimes take for granted."

How my participation in collegiate athletics influences me during the current pandemic:
"When it comes down to it, we are a team, and we are all in this together fighting the same fight. We can't give up, and when things seem like they are falling apart, we have to keep going and pick each other up . Running track pushed me physically and mentally. Having a winning mentality doesn't just go away, it stays with you, and you are reminded that you can get through anything."