Legacy Leaders Recipients

Name: Ava Gallegos
What is your Major? English 
What is your favorite book? The Black Tulip by Alexander Dumas
What is your favorite music artist or genre? Big band (1940s music)
What is your favorite movie? Lord of the Rings trilogy or Pride and Prejudice
What is your favorite food? My dad’s homemade recipes
What is your favorite hobby? Reading and embroidery
What is your favorite candy? Reese’s peanut butter cups 

What encouraged you to become involved at Mt. SAC or the community at large? 
I like helping others and wanted to build a community that shared similar interests with me. 

What advice would you give to fellow students about leaving a legacy?
Be yourself and don’t be afraid to do a little extra work to make something truly wonderful happen.

Name: Uriel Cardenas 
What is your Major? Psychology
What is your favorite book? Gabi, a Girl in Pieces
What is your favorite music artist or genre? Brent Faiyaz
What is your favorite movie? Spider-Man
What is your favorite food? Seafood
What is your favorite hobby? Basketball
What is your favorite candy? Gummy Bears 

What encouraged you to become involved at Mt. SAC or the community at large? 
I am a first-generation student who did not know how to manage college life. I had many questions about how I could succeed in life while educating myself through the process. Being part of a student worker position helped me realize that my life has a purpose: to give back to the community that once gave me the same support.  

What advice would you give to fellow students about leaving a legacy? 
Continue being the person you are, even after you leave the place that helped shape a better version of you. Leaving an impact may mean the world to others, even when you are unaware of it. Make every move meaningful and act with purpose—whether it is to better yourself or to help your community succeed along the way. Never underestimate your actions, no matter how small or big they may seem. Your growth and commitment can inspire others to believe in themselves and create positive change within their lives and many others to come. 

Name: Cassidy Carranza 
What is your Major? Nutrition Science 
What is your favorite book? The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho 
What is your favorite music artist or genre? I like rock and indie music mostly. My all-time favorite artist is Arctic Monkeys and right now I really like Brent Faiyaz 
What is your favorite movie? 13 going on 30 
What is your favorite food? I love steak and mashed potatoes 
What is your favorite hobby? I enjoy writing and reading. 
What is your favorite candy? I'm a big fan of gummy candy. I usually reach for starburst or the life saver gummies. 

What encouraged you to become involved at Mt. SAC or the community at large? 
I first became involved here at Mt. SAC through the internship program. I worked with Dawn Finley who is a Career Services Specialist here on campus, and she referred me to the Basic Needs Resources Department. My thought initially was that working here would be a good opportunity to build my resume and college applications; however, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the work that I do here. 

Aiding my fellow students in accessing their basic needs in both an office and food pantry setting has given me the wonderful chance to directly connect with my peers and personally see the difference I can make in my community. 

What advice would you give to fellow students about leaving a legacy? 
Everyone's definition of legacy can be and is different! If being remembered is the most generic meaning of the word, there are several ways one can leave their mark. Whether your presence reaches one person or thousands, the world can be changed for the better because of the time and effort you give. 

Name: Antonio Watson
What is your Major? Drone Camera Operator
What is your favorite book? The Invisible Man
What is your favorite music artist or genre? Jazz
What is your favorite movie? The Color Purple
What is your favorite food? Catfish and Spaghetti
What is your favorite hobby? Photography
What is your favorite candy? Peanut clusters 

What encouraged you to become involved at Mt. SAC or the community at large?
I wanted to leave a lasting impact for others to follow. 

What advice would you give to fellow students about leaving a legacy?
Accountability for each other equals progress.