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Volunteer Spotlight on Joaquin Sagun

Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Joaquin Sagun! We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!

What or who inspired you to pursue your major/career?

Currently, I am a freshman student at Los Medanos College, pursuing a degree in Business Administration for Transfer. Initially, I was uncertain about which profession to pursue. However, as I study Business Administration, I have realized the degree’s versatility, allowing me to explore fields such as finance, marketing, and management, to name a few. This flexibility opens up multiple career paths that not only align with my interests but also provide opportunities to help others. Whether it’s through creating impactful marketing campaigns for nonprofit organizations or supporting community initiatives, I am excited to make a positive difference in the lives of others as a Business major.

What is one thing you are most proud of achieving in your life?

What I am most proud of about myself is adapting to living in an entirely new country. As someone who has recently moved to the United States from the Philippines, I found it challenging at first to navigate through life. However, with the help of my friends, mom, and family, I was gradually able to find myself, pull myself back up, and make a positive difference. At my college, I was able to become a Student Ambassador for Equity and Inclusion, among the opportunities that I have taken. Despite being thousands of miles away from what I am used to, I am proud of the person I have become. I have grown more independent and, more importantly, more resilient.

What keeps you motivated? What maintains your passion for and commitment to the work you
are doing?

What keeps me motivated to work hard in school and maintain my commitment to my work is the beauty that the next day may bring. The possibility of new opportunities and experiences inspires me to keep pushing forward. Knowing that each day holds the potential for growth and positive change makes me motivated to wake up every morning. Additionally, the support and encouragement from my family and friends, whether in the United States or in the Philippines, play a crucial role in sustaining my drive. Knowing that they are supporting me from afar motivates me to give my best everyday.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?

I am grateful for what my mom has done for me. Despite losing my dad during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was able to support me through high school, both in good times and tough times. Her strength and dedication, even amidst her own sadness, have inspired me to persevere in both my academic and professional pursuits. No matter how busy or tired she would get, she was always there for me when I needed someone to talk to. Even if she was hurting, she always encouraged me that everything would be better.

Why did you choose to be a professional volunteer for Educate. Radiate. Elevate.?

I chose to volunteer for Educate. Radiate. Elevate. because of its strong advocacy and mission. I wanted to make a difference in my new community after moving to a new country. When I discovered E.R.E. on Handshake, I realized this internship was perfectly aligned with my goals. It allows me to utilize my existing skills, learn new ones, and, most importantly, contribute to the community. Additionally, it offers the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share my passion for making a positive impact.

What about the Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s Purpose, Mission, and Core Values speaks most to you and why?

What appeals to me about Educate. radiate. Elevate. the most is its mission to minimize the disproportionate learning losses for low-income students. As someone who grew up in a third-world country, it was prevalent how a lot of less-fortunate students lack access to quality education, as they are unable to pursue their schooling due to the lack of resources. Despite now living abroad, I am committed to giving back to the less-fortunate communities by using my skills, talents, and privileges to help mitigate these educational disparities. As stated in the website of Educate. Radiate. Elevate., “…learning shouldn’t be a privilege, all children deserve a quality education.” Given this, I am committed to working with this organization that advocates for the greater good of others. Everyone has the right to learn, and this organization has inspired me to be a man for others.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy exploring cities and discovering new places. Since moving to the United States, my favorite spots in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berkeley, and Monterey. I love experiencing and seeing different views, whether it’s skyscrapers, hipster artsy neighborhoods, or the beach. Seeing new sights beyond my usual surroundings always excites me. Additionally, I love spending time with my friends, whether we’re visiting thrift shops, dining out, or just having great conversations. These moments with them make my day infinitely better. I always bring my Sony Cybershot digicam with me to capture my memories!

Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? What is it and why did it
resonate with you?

My mom’s favorite book, The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, has had a significant impact one. One of my favorite takeaways from the book is that we must cherish relationships with those we encounter in our day-to-day lives and not take them for granted. Once the people we love inevitably leave, we should not stay in the dark corner and cry over it forever. Instead, we should recognize the positive impact of these relationships we have established, and how they were able to make our lives meaningful. The people around us taught us how to love others, and especially ourselves.

The road to success is difficult and requires tremendous dedication. What advice would you give to a young person who aspires to follow in your footsteps and emulate your success?

As cliché as it may sound, I would advise a young person that everything gets better. I know there are times when life feels overwhelming, and it seems like there is no way out of the darkness. However, with time, you will find the light and get back on the path to success. Even when everything seems hopeless, hold on to that tiny glimmer of hope in your heart, no matter how miniscule. Eventually, you will blossom into the person you have always wanted to be.

Please share your favorite life lesson quote. How is it relevant to your life?

One quote that I have heard when I was still in high school was “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” by Wayne Gretzky. This line has always motivated me to seize every opportunity that comes my way. Even when I have doubts, I believe it’s better to try than to regret not trying at all. This quote taught me not to doubt my capabilities. In essence, I must embrace every challenge with confidence; even if I do not think I am the best at something, it is still better to give in and take the opportunity. You never know far you will go from that one decision you make.

Joaquin Sagun

What are you most passionate about? Can you share a story?

I’m incredibly passionate about helping underserved students gain access to the educational tools they need to succeed. The reality is that many students of color face significant disadvantages in the current system. This lack of access to essential resources hinders their ability to reach their full potential. Witnessing these challenges firsthand has fueled my desire to bridge this equity gap. Ultimately, I hope to leverage my skills and experience to advocate for educational equity and create a future where every student, regardless of background or race, has the opportunity to thrive.

Please share your favorite Life Lesson quote. How is it relevant to your life? 

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated” – Maya Angelou

This quote by Maya Angelou is a powerful mantra that I carry with me in all aspects of life. Setbacks and challenges are inevitable, whether it’s a personal goal we’re striving for, a difficult situation at work, or obstacles faced during volunteer work. However, Maya Angelou’s words remind me that these defeats don’t have to define us. Instead, they become opportunities for growth and learning. By embracing perseverance, analyzing what went wrong, and picking ourselves back up with renewed determination, we emerge stronger and better equipped to overcome future challenges. This unwavering spirit and commitment to keep moving forward, even when faced with setbacks, is a crucial life lesson that allows us to navigate the inevitable difficulties of life and ultimately achieve our goals.

Thanks, Joaquin! We Are So Lucky To Have You On The Team!

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