Stephany Aguirre is a new math teacher on campus this year whose entire life has revolved around the desire to help others. 

“I went into Cal State Fullerton with [an intent to pursue a] pre-law major,” Aguirre said.

When Ms. Aguirre was younger, she saw many people receive lengthy sentences that she felt were unfair. She wanted to make a difference by helping deserving clients win their cases.

“I wanted to help out minorities and people with low socioeconomic backgrounds,” she said.

However, Aguirre unexpectedly changed her major to mathematics on the day before her college orientation.

“I did what was called supplemental instruction,” Aguirre said. “I ran [a] workshop for classes that have a high expectation of failure.”

This experience led her to realize she wanted to teach mathematics at the secondary school level.

“My parents almost got deported by ICE, so I became a mini-lawyer to figure out how to get them out of there,” Aguirre said.

Her parents have always been the most inspiring people in her life, so she has always tried to lead by their example.

“Students have trust and a relationship with me and I think that’s the interesting part of my job,” Aguirre said.

Through these bonds with students, Aguirre gets to help them with not just math, but with challenges in their personal life. 

“One of my goals as a teacher is to show my students that they have a voice,” Aguirre said.