Aaron Mejia: A Journey of Resilience, Community, and Aspiration

Aaron Mejia’s story is one of determination, community, and seizing opportunities. A second-year business student at Riverside City College (RCC), Aaron’s 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. “My parents, who came to the U.S. from Honduras, took a huge risk to give us better opportunities,” Aaron shared. “They always supported us, even though they didn’t understand the education system here. Their sacrifices push me to do my best every day.”

Unlike his older brothers, who attended four-year universities immediately after high school, Aaron decided to begin his academic journey at RCC. His decision was both practical and intentional. “They 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,” he explained.

Aaron’s time at RCC 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 RCC’s La Casa Cultural Center. The opportunity came unexpectedly, through a connection with Dr. Acevedo, a communications professor at RCC.

“I originally heard about the HACU trip during a class with Dr. Acevedo,” Aaron recalled. “When 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.”

The conference, held in Colorado, was a life-changing experience for Aaron. “It wasn’t just about networking—it was about finding a sense of belonging and pride in representing RCC,” he said. Traveling alongside fellow students Aiko, Carelia, Georgie, and Sebastian, Aaron formed close bonds that extended beyond the conference. “We still hang out, visit La Casa, and reminisce about the trip. It strengthened our friendships and showed us how much we can achieve together.”

Aaron also credits the conference—and the mentorship of Dr. Acevedo—for inspiring him to dream bigger. “Before this experience, I thought I’d stop at a bachelor’s degree. But hearing Dr. Acevedo’s story and seeing his passion for education made me realize I want to pursue a master’s degree and maybe even a Ph.D.,” 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. “The business world is broad, and education has opened so many doors for me,” he said. “I’ve even thought about working in education administration after learning about the business roles within colleges.”

As Aaron prepares to transfer—he’s eyeing UC Riverside, with Cal State San Bernardino as another contender—he reflects on what he’ll miss most about RCC. “It’s the close-knit community and the connections with professors,” he said. “At RCC, your professors know your name and care about your success. That’s something I’ll always be grateful for.”

When asked what advice he’d give to other community college students, Aaron emphasized the importance of making the most of every opportunity. “Utilize all the resources available to you—counseling, writing centers, professors. Build those connections and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone,” he said.

For Aaron Mejia, the future is bright. With the foundation he’s built at RCC and the support of his family, friends, and mentors, he’s 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. “It all started with my parents’ courage to come here,” he said. “Their investment in us is what drives me to succeed.”

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.