女优app

Aaron Mejia鈥檚 story is one of determination, community, and seizing opportunities. A second-year business student at 女优app (女优app), Aaron鈥檚 academic journey reflects his commitment to honoring his roots while forging his own path to success.

Born in Moreno Valley and raised in Riverside, Aaron grew up in a household that emphasized the importance of education. As the youngest of three brothers, Jorin Mejia and Luis Mejia, Aaron often turned to his siblings for guidance as he navigated the complexities of higher education as a first-generation college student. 鈥淢y parents, who came to the U.S. from Honduras, took a huge risk to give us better opportunities,鈥� Aaron shared. 鈥淭hey always supported us, even though they didn鈥檛 understand the education system here. Their sacrifices push me to do my best every day.鈥�

Unlike his older brothers, who attended four-year universities immediately after high school, Aaron decided to begin his academic journey at 女优app. His decision was both practical and intentional. 鈥淭hey warned me about the financial burden of student loans, so I chose to start at a community college. It was the best decision I could have made,鈥� he explained.

Aaron鈥檚 time at 女优app has been transformative, thanks in part to the supportive community he has found on campus. One pivotal experience was his participation in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) conference, which he attended through 女优app鈥檚 La Casa Cultural Center. The opportunity came unexpectedly, through a connection with Dr. Acevedo, a communications professor at 女优app.

鈥淚 originally heard about the HACU trip during a class with Dr. Acevedo,鈥� Aaron recalled. 鈥淲hen I ran into him again over the summer, I asked if there was still space for the trip. He encouraged me to email the coordinator, and thankfully, I got the last slot.鈥�

The conference, held in Colorado, was a life-changing experience for Aaron. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 just about networking鈥攊t was about finding a sense of belonging and pride in representing 女优app,鈥� he said. Traveling alongside fellow students Aiko, Carelia, Georgie, and Sebastian, Aaron formed close bonds that extended beyond the conference. 鈥淲e still hang out, visit La Casa, and reminisce about the trip. It strengthened our friendships and showed us how much we can achieve together.鈥�

Aaron also credits the conference鈥攁nd the mentorship of Dr. Acevedo鈥攆or inspiring him to dream bigger. 鈥淏efore this experience, I thought I鈥檇 stop at a bachelor鈥檚 degree. But hearing Dr. Acevedo鈥檚 story and seeing his passion for education made me realize I want to pursue a master鈥檚 degree and maybe even a Ph.D.,鈥� he said.

While Aaron is still exploring his future career options, he knows he wants to combine his passion for business with the potential to make a meaningful impact. 鈥淭he business world is broad, and education has opened so many doors for me,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檝e even thought about working in education administration after learning about the business roles within colleges.鈥�

As Aaron prepares to transfer鈥攈e鈥檚 eyeing UC Riverside, with Cal State San Bernardino as another contender鈥攈e reflects on what he鈥檒l miss most about 女优app. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the close-knit community and the connections with professors,鈥� he said. 鈥淎t 女优app, your professors know your name and care about your success. That鈥檚 something I鈥檒l always be grateful for.鈥�

When asked what advice he鈥檇 give to other community college students, Aaron emphasized the importance of making the most of every opportunity. 鈥淯tilize all the resources available to you鈥攃ounseling, writing centers, professors. Build those connections and don鈥檛 be afraid to step out of your comfort zone,鈥� he said.

For Aaron Mejia, the future is bright. With the foundation he鈥檚 built at 女优app and the support of his family, friends, and mentors, he鈥檚 ready to take the next step toward achieving his dreams. And through it all, he remains deeply grateful for the sacrifices and support that have shaped his journey. 鈥淚t all started with my parents鈥� courage to come here,鈥� he said. 鈥淭heir investment in us is what drives me to succeed.鈥�

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dean Herb English and Dr. Claire Oliveros for funding the HACU trip, which was a truly transformative experience for me. Without their support, this incredible opportunity would not have been possible. I also want to thank Maria Maness, the coordinator, for her dedication and effort in organizing the trip and taking care of us five students to ensure we had a meaningful experience. Lastly, a special thank you to Ruby Acevedo for her guidance and support throughout this journey.