Miguel Ayala's Story

Miguel was born in a small town in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. Since he was little, Miguel was incredibly curious and eager to learn. His hardworking parents always supported him in his desire to study and always hoped that his son would have a better future than them.

At 15, Miguel's life took a turn when the Ayala family was forced to emigrate to Yakima, Washington, in search of the “American dream.” From that moment on, the apple trees became their home. It required a lot of work under the hot sun, but Miguel never stopped dreaming. He knew that every apple he picked brought him closer to a higher education.

From the beginning, Miguel demonstrated exceptional determination at Heritage University. Business Administration became the best exponent of his passion for business; However, it was more than just a place for books and lectures because it was fertile ground for applying the skills learned.

During the last two years of his university career, Miguel has obtained continuous and indispensable support from OIC. OIC provided academic resources, such as college books, as well as emotional support through dedicated career counselors who guided him not only in his studies but also in life situations

Like any freshman, Miguel faced the new and stressful lifestyle of someone who has just entered college. Only thanks to the help of OIC was he able to continue his studies without worrying about resources. OIC was able to provide for his basic needs but also took him under its wing, both to help him academically and personally.

While OIC assisted with books and a caring career counselor, it also gave him the opportunity to do an internship in their Public Relations and Development Department. This experience has contributed enormously to his professional growth, giving him the tools he needs and allowing him to reinforce all the knowledge acquired in class.

Miguel’s journey at Heritage began with challenges – language, his culture, and the distance from his family, but he never stopped clinging to his dream, he found great support among classmates and teachers and every challenge became an opportunity for his growth.

OIC has proven itself to be much more than just a resource. Thanks to OIC's dedication and the investment of others, Miguel has been able to achieve everything he envisioned for himself academically and as an individual, both personally and professionally, throughout his years at Heritage.

His journey is a testament of academic and professional intelligence. Now in his third year of studies at Heritage, Miguel’s story is an important reminder that a combination of educational access and family support can turn dreams into achievements. This serves as a fitting reminder that, no matter how hard life can be, the perseverance, support from OIC, and love of a family can create hope for tomorrow.

Watch the full interview in English: https://youtu.be/ur2NDSmhK9Q

Mira la entrevista completa en español: https://youtu.be/A13ZN-yHTkw 

Posted July 24, 2024