Aaron Reyes
Winter Quarter
2026
Getting into my Grad Program

Getting accepted into graduate school felt very surreal, especially because my journey has felt a bit unplanned and uncertain at different times. As a first-generation student I only came in with the knowledge of graduating with my degree and not knowing what would come after. Pursuing graduate school felt like an impossible barrier to get over when I was finally starting to realize I was completing my undergraduate degree. There was so many moments when my confidence went down and I doubted my own worth. This is a huge milestone and serves as a testament to the resilience I’ve built while figuring things out on my own. This does not exude the fact that I am terrified for what these next 3 years will bring but am more than eager to start.
Failing my First Class
Failing a class for the first time in my entire academic journey was a huge blow, and having it happen during my senior year of college made it feel even worse. To face that type of setback so close to the finish line, and on a topic that no matter how hard I tried, I simply could not grasp, was very discouraging. Learning to navigate this challenge was a humbling experience that showed me how hard work alone isn't always enough if you are trying to figure it all out on your own. While the experience absolutely sucked, it forced me to confront the reality of my limits and taught me the importance of not only doing the best you can, but also advocating for yourself and asking for help the moment you begin to stumble. Ultimately, that failure reshaped my perspective on resilience by showing that true strength isn’t about maintaining perfect grades, but about having the vulnerability and courage to speak up when you need support.
Seeing Garfield Students Protest

Seeing the high school students I work with stepping up to be activists and lead a protest against ICE on their campus was a very empowering experience. In a political and social climate that constantly makes us feel small and powerless, seeing these students boldly claim their space and stand up for their community was a huge breath of fresh air. They didn’t just sit back and accept these systemic injustices but decided to organize and demand safety and respect for many of their peers and families. Witnessing their courage and determination didn’t just make me proud, but completely restored my sense of optimism. It reminded me that the youth are not just the future, but are also a part of the present. Standing on the sidelines of that protest gave me a deep hope for what is to come, proving that even when the system feels impossible heavy, a unified community will always have the power to strike back.