current scholar

Alejandra Arguelles was born in Mexico City and lived in the Los Angeles Area since she was twelve years old. Upon graduation from Manual Arts High School, Alejandra entered the work force. She worked for several years until she realized she needed a higher education in order to achieve her dreams. Alejandra attended Los Angeles Trade Tech College and received her Associates Degree in Accounting before transferring to the University of Southern California. Alejandra hopes that one day in the near future her dream of becoming a CFO will come true.
Rutilio Castor Jr. was born in Los Angeles California, but was raised in Mexico. After graduating from Lakewood High School, he enrolled at Long Beach City College to become a Recording Engineer. After completing his first semester, Rutilio dropped out in order to join the labor force. After years of working at a dead-end job, Rutilio decided to go back to school. He enrolled at Los Angeles Trade-Tech College in the Machine Shop Program. After completing the program, Rutilio took the advice from his English professors and declared English as his major and put all his focus and dedication into being admitted to USC. Rutilio knew that USC would push him to another level and after he was admitted, he realized he had made the right decision. While attending USC, Rutilio plans to obtain a Master’s in Education and become an English Professor. Currently he is working closely with a program called “Colleges against Cancer” which raises funds for the American Cancer Society and cancer awareness. His goal in life is to teach, inspire, and motivate just like his peers and mentors have inspired him to never give up.
Jesus Escobar was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, California. Upon receiving his GED at Bell Alternative Education and Work Center, Jesus began his college experience at East Los Angeles College (ELAC) where he developed a passion for learning. At ELAC, Jesus made it his priority to one day become a Trojan and transfer to one of the most renowned schools in the country. At the University of Southern California (USC), Jesus is majoring in Sociology with the anticipation of obtaining a second major in Political Science. He has completed numerous hours of community service, including helping with the construction of homes for needy families and removing litter from the L.A community while working with organizations such as Caltrans and Habitat for Humanity. Upon graduation from USC, Jesus plans to enroll in a postgraduate degree program in the social sciences.
Edgar Escobedo was born in Mexico. At the age of fourteen, he and his brother migrated up north to reunite with their parents in East Los Angeles. Edgar attended Roosevelt High School where he graduated with honors and was offered a scholarship to attend UC Irvine. His migratory status made him ineligible to receive the scholarship earned or to attend any other college or university at the time. Edgar had no choice but to join the workforce where he held several minimum-wage jobs over the years. In 2002 he finally had the opportunity to return to school and resume his dream of getting a fine education. He enrolled in Los Angeles City College where he received his Associates degree in Liberal Arts ten years after graduating from High School. At USC, Edgar is a Policy, Planning and Development major. He plans to attend law school and focus on immigration law.
Christopher Juarez graduated from Alhambra High School in Alhambra California, and attended East Los Angeles College before transferring to USC. In line with his current interests, Chris spent over four years serving on the Alhambra City Youth Commission which is an advisory board to the City Council tasked with ensuring the city is appropriately serving the young citizens’ needs. Chris is a sophomore, currently studying political science and plans to pick up a double major in policy, planning and development. He plans attend law school after graduation and continue his passion for government and civil service with a possible career as a municipal attorney.
Hung Lac grew up in Vietnam and came to Monterey Park in 2002 where he attended Mark Keppel High School. He continued to pursue his academic goal at East Los Angeles College with a major in biochemistry. He recently transferred to USC due to the wide array of potential opportunities that USC offers to science majors and the great help that USC students receive. Hung is determined to achieve his goal of becoming a pharmacist. He plans to continue his education after USC undergraduate as a pharmacy student, possibly in USC School of Pharmacy.