Juan Camara Pech was sworn in by the Board of Trustees during the regularly scheduled meeting on February 15. Camara will serve as student trustee for the spring 2022 semester.
Camara is a U.S. Army veteran, first-generation college student, and first-generation immigrant, originally from Yucatán, Mexico. A second-year COM student majoring in sociology, he plans to continue his education to receive his bachelor’s degree before attending law school. Camara’s long-term goal is to become a defense attorney and an elected official who serves as a voice and advocate for people who are voiceless in society.
Camara explained that as a first-generation college student, he sometimes did not know how to navigate higher learning, but he was pleased to find guidance and support at COM.
“One thing I have enjoyed most about my experience is being a part of the Puente Learning Community and finding mentors that have constantly supported me throughout this learning process that has been higher education,” said Camara. “They have always tried to ensure that I felt supported, even outside the academic piece, and taught me what I needed to know in order to succeed.”
At COM, Camara has been a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma honor society, the Social Justice Club, and has served in other roles through college work-study. As student trustee, Camara hopes to represent the voice of COM students at Board meetings.
“During my time on the Board, I would like to be an equitable and representative voice for students and leave a positive impact on campus,” he said.
“The Board of Trustees is thrilled to have Juan Camara join us as student trustee this semester. In just a few meetings, Juan has already brought a beneficial perspective to our discussions, and we know that with his background and experiences, his contributions will be very valuable,” said Board of Trustees President Stephanie O’Brien. “We are grateful for his willingness to participate in the governance of the District.”