MOHAVE COUNTY – Martha Aguilar has been selected as the 2024 Commencement Student Speaker for Mohave Community College. Aguilar is a student on the Kingman Campus, and is working toward earning her associate degree in life science and general science.
“It feels great to be chosen as student speaker,” Aguilar said. “I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to share with my peers that investing in themselves is worth the time and effort.”
On the Kingman Campus, she’s a very involved student. She’s President of the Student Activities Council, President of the Bighorn Science Club, President of Ovis (Art & Literature Club), Vice President of Service for Phi Theta Kappa, Vice President and co-founder of National STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Honor Society and a member of Psyched Out. Being part of student organizations means she really gets to enjoy getting to know other students and faculty.
She said she was fortunate to work on different projects and events that gave her a better idea of what it means to be a student leader.
Aguilar is a first-generation student, meaning she’s the first in her family to attend a college or university. At first, grasping the college life wasn’t easy but she overcame her struggles and learned what it meant to be a college student.
“When I first began, I didn’t know what to study or how to even seek help. I really felt out of place and struggled a lot with imposter syndrome, feeling like I didn’t belong or that I didn’t deserve to be here,” Aguilar said. “Over time, I was able to build relationships with staff, faculty and other students who have all helped me. They gave me resources and opportunities that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
After completing her associate degree at MCC, she will transfer to Arizona State University where she will double major in chemistry and mathematics with a minor in fashion. Her ultimate career goal is to earn her doctorate degree in chemistry and become a professor of chemistry.
Before heading to ASU for the fall semester, Aguilar will spend her summer at the University of Pittsburg for a week-long internship program that specializes in particle based functioning materials.
Aguilar decided to attend MCC after moving back from Tucson. She noticed her life going in a path she didn’t like and decided to go back to school. MCC has helped her a “great amount” through the community support and support system she found through faculty, staff and peers.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading and exercising. She has lived in Kingman for 15 years on and off, and is an alumna of Kingman High School.
MCC’s 53rd Commencement Ceremony will take place at 3 PM Friday, May 10 at Anderson Auto Group Fieldhouse, 3663 Bullhead Parkway, Bullhead City, AZ.