#CYPossible: Jesse Aguilar, Veterans Resource Center, Culinary Arts
Completing coursework calls for celebration, and we are proud to celebrate with Cypress College’s newest degree- and certificate-holders. By achieving these education goals, graduates and certificate-earners are equipped to continue on their college path or find strong footholds in the career fields they’ve chosen. We’ve taken the journey with these outstanding students, and know that when they look to the horizon, they see what is #CYPossible.
Please tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests? What is your story?
I was born and raised in Orange, and have always felt deeply rooted in Southern California. I’m an Army veteran, student, and community advocate, but outside of school and service, I also enjoy hobbies that keep me grounded — like going to the shooting range, cooking, and running my small chamoy candy business.
My story is one of resilience and service. After serving 10 years in the Army and facing the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life, including being medically retired with fibromyalgia, I realized how many veterans and their families were struggling just like me. That realization inspired me to create Operation Nourish, a nonprofit food truck concept dedicated to serving homeless veterans and struggling military families.
Why did you choose to attend Cypress College and how has being a student here helped you?
I chose Cypress College because of its supportive environment and strong Veterans Resource Center, which made me feel like I wasn’t alone in my transition. Cypress gave me a sense of belonging and provided the tools to grow academically and personally. The support and resources I’ve received here have helped me develop the confidence to pursue both my entrepreneurial work and nonprofit mission.
Where are you now and what are your academic or professional plans?
I am currently still a student at Cypress College, working hard on completing my studies with plans to transfer to California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). While pursuing my education, I’m also continuing to build Operation Nourish and grow my chamoy candy business. Balancing school, nonprofit development, and entrepreneurship has been challenging but rewarding, and it keeps me focused on my long-term goals.
What are your long-term goals? What do you aspire to?
My long-term goal is to expand Operation Nourish into a sustainable, multi-city nonprofit with a fleet of food trucks serving veterans and military families. I also aspire to create pathways for struggling veterans to find employment and training opportunities within the food trucks — gaining culinary and business skills while regaining a sense of purpose.
What are you most passionate about? Why?
I am most passionate about serving veterans and their families. This comes from my personal journey, because I know how difficult it can be to transition into civilian life while dealing with financial instability, health challenges, and uncertainty about the future. Providing food is more than nourishment; it restores dignity, creates connection, and opens doors for long-term support.
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud that despite my own challenges — including my fibromyalgia diagnosis and the struggles of transitioning out of military life — I’ve used those experiences as motivation to help others. Creating Operation Nourish has been one of my proudest accomplishments because it reflects both my resilience and my dedication to supporting fellow veterans.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would have reached out for support sooner. Transitioning from military to civilian life can feel isolating, but I’ve learned that seeking help and leaning on community resources, like the ones I found at Cypress, is one of the best decisions you can make.
What one bit of advice would you give to current and future Cypress College students?
Take advantage of every resource available: professors, student services, veteran programs, and more. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, get involved, and make connections. Your time at Cypress is more than just academics; it’s about building a foundation for your future.