Three Jobs, a Second Chance and a Mission to Make College More Affordable
Turlock, CA (11/06/2026) — Manteca resident Israel Aguilar knows firsthand how financial barriers can derail a college education.
Aguilar began community college in 2013, working to pay his tuition. When the pandemic cost him his job, he stepped away from school and worked three jobs to support himself and his family.
He returned to college in 2024 and is now a business administration major at Stanislaus State, studying finance with a goal of helping other students navigate the financial challenges he faced.
Recently named a Mary Stuart Rogers Scholar, Aguilar offers a personal perspective on college affordability, financial aid and the obstacles students face when trying to complete their degrees.
His experience also raises broader questions about what it takes for students to return to higher education after financial circumstances interrupt their plans. Read more.
Please let us know if you're interested in speaking with Aguilar. We'd be happy to help coordinate an interview.
California State University, Stanislaus
Kristina Stamper, Strategic Communications and Marketing, kstamper@csustan.eduShare this Story
Recent News
- Watching Her Daughter Graduate Inspired Turlock's Brandy King Her to Pursue Her Own College Dream
- The Central Valley's Next Generation of Biotech Scientists Are Training in Turlock
- Yanomami Scientist and Filmmaker David Ayopewe Good Brings Indigenous Knowledge and Science to Stanislaus State
- Free Presidential Celebration Concert Featuring Julian Leyva Set for Oct. 28 at Stanislaus State
- Stan State Earns the Seal of Excelencia
- Stan State Earns the Seal of Excelencia
- Stan State Earns the Seal of Excelencia
- Stan State Earns the Seal of Excelencia
- Stan State Earns the Seal of Excelencia
- Stan State Earns the Seal of Excelencia