Back to Work at MJC

I was born and raised in the Central Valley – I am happy to call it my home.  However, I didn’t always feel this way.  Growing up I fantasized about leaving California to attend college out-of-state.  In high school I was energetic, committed, and a risk taker.  I was ready to leave the comfort of my small town and take on the world.  Somewhere along the line my plans changed; moving away was not an option.

When I graduated from high school my parents gave me the choice to attend Modesto Junior College or San Joaquin Delta College.  I decided on MJC.  My parents attend MJC in the late 70’s, so it seemed like a natural choice.  My father transferred to Sac State, so this was my plan too. I attended MJC for three years before transferring to Stanislaus State (somehow, my plans changed again).  During my second year I took an Introduction to Physical Geography course with Cecelia Hudelson.  Hearing her MJC story influenced me in a major way – I realized the Central Valley was my home and I wanted to invest in it the way MJC invested in me.  MJC is where I learned to prioritize my time, utilize the resources around me, and love my community.

After graduating from Stanislaus State, I began working there in the Admissions and Outreach office. I spent seven years working with transfer students.  I knew I wanted to work with community college students; my goal was to, eventually, make my way back to MJC – my home. In February 2017, that goal became a reality when I was hired as the Director of Admissions and Records at Modesto Junior College.  It’s exciting to be back where it all began.  In some ways, I feel as though my journey has come full circle. I’m excited to make a difference, give back to my college, and my community.

- Angelica Guzman