Ohlone College is proud to announce the newest group of alumni, including the inspiring Joshua De Miguel, whose journey exemplifies the college’s commitment to nurturing leaders and change-makers. The May Commencement ceremony, held on Friday, May 17, 2024, was a testament to the bright futures that begin at Ohlone and continue into the professional world.
Joshua De Miguel’s path to becoming a student leader at Ohlone College is a story of transformation and dedication. Initially enrolling in classes just weeks before they started, Joshua found his way through the Puente Project, which opened doors to numerous opportunities on campus. “Coming into Ohlone, I had no idea what would be ahead of me,” Joshua recalls. “At first, I was a deer in headlights. I had a leadership role representing students and didn’t know what to do with it. I started with smaller educational events for students and then moved on to leading larger projects and teams.”
Joshua’s connection to Ohlone College is deep and enduring. He describes the college as his “second home,” where he invested significant time and effort, driven by the dedication of the Ohlone community. This sense of belonging and support empowered him to pursue leadership roles and make a tangible impact.
Inspired by his childhood interest in politics and a desire to be an innovator, Joshua overcame his shyness and stepped out of his comfort zone. “I wanted to be a change-maker,” he shares. This determination led him to pursue opportunities that would shape his future, including his next steps as a new alum at UC Berkeley. Joshua plans to participate in the UCDC program, securing an internship in Washington, D.C., to further explore national politics while continuing to support Ohlone students as an Alumni Advisor for the Associated Students of Ohlone College (ASOC).
Joshua’s tenure as ASOC President has left a lasting impact on Ohlone College. He spearheaded key initiatives such as the Resilient Roofs Grants, providing essential funds to students facing homelessness and housing insecurity, and passed a record amount of legislation despite budget constraints. His leadership has set a high bar for future student government leaders.
Reflecting on his experiences, Joshua acknowledges the challenges and triumphs of being a Person of Color in leadership. As the first Mexican/Latino ASOC President in recent history, he is proud to uplift and inspire other Latino students to pursue leadership roles. “I love the diversity of this college, and I believe that our Senate reflects that,” he says.
Balancing professional and personal commitments is an ongoing challenge for Joshua, who emphasizes the importance of utilizing available resources, such as Ohlone’s free therapy services. His advice to aspiring leaders is simple yet profound: “You earn respect from your peers when people see you putting in the work. Demonstrate your commitment, and you will be set.”
As Ohlone College celebrates graduation month, Joshua De Miguel’s message to future alumni is one of empowerment and pride: “Celebrate your story. Your unique background is a strength, not a weakness.”
Ohlone College congratulates Joshua De Miguel and all the new graduates, wishing them success as they embark on their bright futures.
For more information about Ohlone College, please visit www.ohlone.edu.
