Legacy Leaders Recipients

Name: Ausen Espinosa 
What is your Major? Political Science 
What is your favorite book? The Great Gatsby 
What is your favorite music artist or genre? Red Hot Chili Peppers 
What is your favorite movie? The Butterfly Event 
What is your favorite food? Pizza 
What is your favorite hobby? Writing 
What is your favorite candy? Sweet Tarts 

What encouraged you to become involved at Mt. SAC or the community at large? 
I saw an opportunity to expand my campus' study abroad community and acted through founding the Study Abroad and Travel Club at Mt. SAC. Studying abroad in Rome for my Fall 2023 semester changed my life in so many positive ways. I wished to both share my experience with my peers and others at Mt. SAC and work to provide resources and opportunities for students who wanted to study abroad themselves. I have loved contributing to building the study abroad community at Mt. SAC and developing my own personal ecosystem and network of friends and mentors. 

What advice would you give to fellow students about leaving a legacy? 
Follow your heart and pursue what you are passionate about, work hard, and never give up! 

Name: Camila Garcia 
What is your Major? Political Science and Administration of Justice 
What is your favorite book? The Book of Revelation 
What is your favorite music artist or genre? Latin music always! 
What is your favorite movie? Coraline 
What is your favorite food? Pasta, can’t go wrong with a classic. 
What is your favorite hobby? Snowboarding 
What is your favorite candy? Gummy Bears 

What encouraged you to become involved at Mt. SAC or the community at large? 
What encouraged me to become more involved was my desire to be the person I once needed. As a first-generation student born outside the U.S., I came to Mt. SAC feeling lost, afraid, and often alone. Over time, I discovered support programs like EOPS, who held my hand through every step of my college journey. Their community inspired me to give back that same guidance to others while pushing for representation and support for individuals of all backgrounds. Starting my mentoring and advocacy journey as an EOPS Peer Navigator helped me pursue my purpose: uplifting students who, like me, are navigating unfamiliar systems. It quickly became a passion to advocate for equity, amplify student voices, and help others feel seen and supported. 

What advice would you give to fellow students about leaving a legacy? 
Anyone can become an impactful leader. To do so, be kind, be confident, speak up, lead with purpose, and stay true to what matters to you. Your legacy is built through the way you treat others, the people you uplift, and the courage to keep showing up. Making a difference takes effort, consistency, and heart; but in the end, it leaves you with one of the most rewarding feelings. 

Name: Vanessa Rodriguez 
What is your Major? Agriculture Plant Science 
What is your favorite book? Hunger Games Series 
What is your favorite music artist or genre? Green Day and Tyler the Creator 
What is your favorite movie? Howl's Moving Castle 
What is your favorite food? Pozole 
What is your favorite hobby? Crochet 
What is your favorite candy? Sour Rainbow Strips 

What encouraged you to become involved at Mt. SAC or the community at large? 
I believe in the power of community. Throughout my journey, I've been fortunate to be supported by incredible people, and that experience has inspired me to be that source of support for others. Knowing how much it meant to have someone in my corner encouraged me to be that person within the Mt. SAC community. I’ve learned that seeking help is not a weakness, it's an essential part of growth and success. That belief drives me to engage with others, contribute where I can, and help foster an environment where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered. 

What advice would you give to fellow students about leaving a legacy? 
Legacy is about giving back to the community that supported you. Always show up, try your best, and truly care about what you do. Step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself to grow, because growth inspires others to do the same. Help those around you succeed. Uplift them, encourage them, and create a space where people feel valued. The impact you make today, no matter how small, can help build a community that continues to thrive long after you’ve moved on. 

Name: Victor Sierra 
What is your Major? Rehabilitation Counseling 
What is your favorite book? Art Of War 
What is your favorite music artist or genre? Oldies but goodies 
What is your favorite movie? Heartbreak Ridge 
What is your favorite food? Steak 
What is your favorite hobby? Welding 
What is your favorite candy? Snickers almonds 

What encouraged you to become involved at Mt. SAC or the community at large? 
It started with rising scholars giving me a place to embrace my identity. From there I was mentored and given encouragement to start my own club that’s when the Student Veterans of America came back to MT SAC. 

What advice would you give to fellow students about leaving a legacy?
Strive to be uncomfortable to build growth. Once you’ve mastered something, teach it, move on and learn something new.