Juan Aguirre

Juan Aguirre, a University of The Pacific (UOP), and Community Involvement Program (CIP) alumni shares his authentic background, campus life, and personal accomplishments in this interview. Aguirre is the son of two Mexican-Immigrant parents from Mexicali, and Guanajuato, Mexico; with Catalina Islands, Southern California roots (dating as far back as the 1800’s) as well. Being born into these adverse family circumstances rendered him to experience the arduous field-labor many immigrants faced. Our interviewee humbly states, “I did not even have to ask what I was going to do every summer; I already knew what I was going to do.” To reiterate, this manual physical labor was already expected from him, regardless of any objections. Furthermore, Aguirre elaborates on his decision to firmly pursue education, even though his father opposed the idea. However, he demonstrates a life-long respect for his family, because they were instrumental in his success; especially his father, and mother. Throughout the middle of this session, Aguirre comments on how he came across the C.I.P. program, the application process, and appreciation for this foundational opportunity. Further on, he highlights his campus life as fulfilling his obligations as a family man, and scholarly student. As our session comes to a close; we receive inspirational words of encouragement in order to propel C.I.P. scholars forward in their studies. Overall, this interview insightfully provides us with the consequential opportunities this program rendered possible. We come to understand a period of C.I.P history, and compassion for the Stockton community.