Keep reading to learn how their experiences are creating lasting impact.

Pictured: Maria Gonzalez (L) and Jasmine Sanchez in the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Office at the Oceanside Campus.

Jasmine Sanchez:

In the summer of 2022, Jasmine Sanchez made a bold decision. She would give college "one more chance." 

Jasmine, a dedicated and ambitious student, had previously faced systemic barriers that made continuing her education difficult—not because of academic struggle, but because of transportation challenges and a lack of supportive infrastructure.

Attending college in Los Angeles meant waking at 5:30 a.m. to access Paratransit services, often taking three hours each way. Days were long and energy-draining. Yet, even in the midst of exhaustion, Jasmine remained committed to her education.

“I found myself crying daily,” explained Jasmine. “I would spend hours every day traveling to and from school. And on top of that I was getting conflicting information from my counselors when I was on campus.”

That’s when her boyfriend, Erik Garcia, encouraged her to explore a different option. He was already a student at MiraCosta College at the time and told Jasmine about the resources that the college provides, including an Uber Discount Program that helps students get to and from school on their own. 

“As a student dealing with blindness, just hearing about that was a gamechanger,” shared Jasmine. “The thought of not having to sit in traffic most of the day was incredible. It meant I could focus on school and take more control over my schedule.” 

It wasn’t an easy decision, though. MiraCosta College was still hours away from her hometown in Los Angeles, and enrolling meant that she would have to leave her family behind, including her little brother with whom she shares a special bond.

“Leaving home for community college was unheard of,” recalled Jasmine. Plus, as a blind female, it was extra scary to go to a new place where I didn’t have a community of family and friends to lean on. I was unsure what it would be like.”

Despite her fears, Jasmine made the move, understanding it was necessary for her growth. 

Shared Jasmine, "I had to tell myself, you need to do this for yourself and your little brother. Especially if you want to show him that anything is possible.'"

At MiraCosta College, Jasmine found the support she needed through the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office. She particularly credits Aaron Holmes and the SAS team for helping her develop confidence and advocate for herself.

"They're so helpful, they quickly became my community,” Jasmine explained. “At my previous school, I felt lost. But at MiraCosta College everyone takes the time to get to know you as a student and as a person so they can find every way possible to support you.”

Continued Jasmine, “The Student Accessibility Services team treats every single person with genuine care. They are our biggest advocates and our success is their success.”

One example of this support came after Jasmine found herself lost on campus on a rainy day when she had particularly bad vision difficulties. She called her boyfriend, who was in the SAS office then. Immediately, the SAS team sprang into action and safely tracked down Jasmine on campus. But it wasn’t just that moment that proved to Jasmine she was in the right place. In the days and weeks that followed, the SAS team made it their mission to ensure this would never happen again to Jasmine or any other students facing accessibility issues. They advocated for the adoption of Aira, a mobile app that provides real-time visual assistance for navigation, reading, and other visual tasks. 

"I had never had anyone advocate for me like the way that Aaron and the SAS team did," she said. 

The support goes far beyond the practical elements, too. As Jasmine describes, MiraCosta College has helped her grow as a person and artist.  

When Jasmine began losing her sight years ago, she thought she would have to give up her biggest passion– dance. But at MiraCosta College, she started to realize there was still a pathway to continue living her dream. In one particular English class, Jasmine’s professor pushed the class to explore trauma through storytelling, concepts that resonated with Jasmine’s journey and passion for creative arts.  

"I think in that class I really got to understand more of who I was, who I am, and who I want to be,” said Jasmine. “I started to think about how I could still have a successful career in dance and even use that to help others like me.” 

Initially uncertain about her academic path, Jasmine declared dance as her major. She plans to graduate in May, becoming the first in her family to do so, and then pursue a bachelor's degree in dance, followed by graduate studies in movement therapy.

Beamed Jasmine, "I want to work with adolescents living with substance abuse, trauma, disabilities, and help them find a way to cope through movement, just as dance has helped me. 

Reflecting on her journey, Jasmine acknowledges that while she didn't expect college to help her grow personally, MiraCosta College has done that. And now, as she prepares for her next chapter, Jasmine carries with her the confidence, skills, and support network she has built at MiraCosta, proving that sometimes giving something "one more chance" can lead to discovering exactly where you're meant to be.

Maria Gonzalez:

Maria Gonzalez believes in leading by example—and she’s rewriting her story through education.

 

In 2023, Gonzalez enrolled at MiraCosta College to earn her high school equivalency diploma.“I wanted to be somebody,” she said. “Not just for myself—but to show my children what’s possible.”

Maria quickly found her stride. After earning her diploma, she transitioned into college credit courses, now holding a 3.5 GPA and membership in Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for high-achieving students.

 

At 59, Maria brings a wealth of perspective, compassion, and resilience to her college journey. While her path has included past adversity, she now focuses on the future she is actively building—one marked by leadership, service, and purpose.

 

MiraCosta’s flexible learning environments and tailored support helped Maria flourish. She credits her instructors for taking the time to understand her learning preferences—particularly her success with audiovisual content and transcriptions.

“There were so many instructors who believed in me,” she said. “They saw my potential and encouraged me to keep going.”

Beyond academics, Maria has accessed vital student support services, including transportation passes, grocery assistance, scholarships, and book grants. But more than the resources themselves, Maria sees these supports as affirmations of her hard work and progress.

“The scholarships mean a lot to me,” she said. “They show that others see the effort I’m putting in—and they believe in me.”

Maria’s vision for the future is clear: she plans to transfer to Cal State San Marcos and become an alcohol and drug counselor, using her lived experience to uplift others.

“I feel good about myself now. I’m proud of who I’m becoming,” she said. “Wherever I end up, I know it will be for good.”

Juan Castillejos:

Every student deserves to be seen — not just accommodated but truly supported. 

 

As a part-time math faculty at MiraCosta College, Juan Castillejos draws upon his own journey as an English learner and first-generation college student to create an inclusive learning environment where students of all abilities feel supported and empowered.

 

Math is often seen as a difficult subject — even more so for students who learn differently. But I’ve realized that with the right support, every student can grow their confidence and succeed. That perspective comes from my journey as a newcomer to this country and continues today as I strive to support students of all abilities in reaching their potential. 

 

I first experienced what it meant to feel different when I first moved to the U.S. from Tijuana in my junior year of high school. My parents valued education, and I’d always been a good student, on track for college. But after the move, I struggled with my classes — not because they were too difficult. Although I knew how to read and write to some extent, I was still considered an English learner and placed in “sheltered classes.”

 

I was a dedicated student, used to rigorous coursework, but it felt like little was expected of us in these special classes. Some of us seemed placed there just to satisfy a requirement. That experience stuck with me.

 

Later, as a student at MiraCosta, I became a tutor to support fellow English learners and discovered my passion for tutoring math. I’m not very extroverted, but when I talk to students about math, that’s when I feel most comfortable communicating.

 

These early life experiences broadened my perspective, opening my eyes to the importance of specialized education and the limitations some students face. They also shaped my future, as my pursuit of a medical degree evolved into an aspiration to teach the next generation. 

 

Everyone learns differently, and students with accommodations are no different. I’ve never underestimated them or expected less. Instead, I try to get to know them and learn what I can do to help them succeed.

 

I work closely with MiraCosta’s Student Accessibility Services to support and empower my students. I check in often with them and their tutors and constantly adapt my teaching strategies to meet each student’s needs. 

 

Castillejos’s philosophy extends beyond accommodations. He views each student’s journey as a story of growth, and he works to ensure that no one feels left behind.