2026 PSD Science, Engineering, Math: Angel Hernandez-Martinez
The clubs and affinity groups at Cypress College are lucky to have Angel Hernandez-Martinez. He enrolled in 2024 and along the way joined MESA, EOPS, Associated Students, Pride, Honors, DSS, and Puente. He became Vice President of Puente and President of Associated Students.
Angel says he is passionate about advocating for communities and assisting students in need. As AS president, he organized programs to serve non-traditional students.
This pursuit could come from his own path as a first-generation, immigrant student. Angel was born in a small village in Oaxaca, Mexico, where he first spoke Zapotec, a native, indigenous language villagers learn before Spanish. He moved to the United States before entering grade school and went on to higher levels of education than any other member of his family. Although his first attempt at college at another school fell through, he most definitely thrived at Cypress.
“The biggest piece of advice I would give to both current and future Cypress College students would be to take every opportunity our campus has to offer as one, or multiple, may just be the stepping stone to your ultimate success.”
He plans to transfer to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and eventually become a physician, as his drive to help others continues.
Please tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests? What is your story?
I was born in a small village in Oaxaca Mexico. With our village being so secluded we actually learn our native tongue first, Zapotec, before learning spanish. I came to the U.S. when I was 2 years old and grew up in Orange County, where I continue to reside. I am a first generation, low income, immigrant student who, with the help of Cypress college, has accomplished countless achievements that I once believed were impossible. Being the first to go to college in my family navigating college was not the easiest, but with the programs Cypress had to offer and the many directors/professors on campus, who make it their goal to help students succeed, I was able to connect with/be a part of internships, non-profit humanitarian programs, family resource centers, and multiple clubs both on and off campus. Being in the position I am today, I have been able to surpass so many barriers that have stood before me for years.
What are you most passionate about? Why?
I am most passionate about advocating for the needs of communities facing disparities in education, income, and education. Being the by-product of immigrant parents and residing within the poverty line I have witnessed first hand the harsh reality of what occurs when disparities like these are ignored. Initially, as the former Vice President of the Puente club I made it my goal to assist the first generation students of our campus who were having difficulty navigating through college. Within my first year at Cypress college I was elected as the President of our Associated Students program where I was able to advocate for the needs of our students at a higher level, organizing multiple programs to serve our non-traditional students in need. Receiving the opportunity to shadow a doctor, primarily serving low income families, I was able to witness first what disparities in healthcare look like and joined programs aimed at assisting communities by sharing health information as an attempt to prevent long term health problems.
Why did you choose Cypress College?
I chose to go to Cypress college due the many programs they have to offer, all aimed to help students succeed, and all the ways they are able to help the countless students who attend despite their background. After initially struggling at a former college, I was recommended to Cypress. I initially started by taking one class here in the spring of 24’ and immediately felt at home. I then proceeded to enroll as a full time student the following semester, where I joined MESA, EOPS, and Associated Students all within my first week of school here. This dramatic shift of experience I had in college allowed me to switch gears and succeed.
What have you been involved in at Cypress College? How has your path unfolded?
Within my time at Cypress College I have had the opportunity of being a part of MESA, EOPS, Associated Students, Pride, Honors, and DSS. Two impactful leadership positions I have held have been the current president of Associated Students and the former Vice president of the Puente Club. Through my continued involvement in these programs and from what I have learned being a leader it has brought forth countless opportunities that have allowed me to both grow and succeed as a student.
Share a memorable event or experience while you’ve been a Cypress College student.
A memorable moment I’ve had while being at Cypress college was the time I was invited to panel at the NOCCD campus at their second annual Latinx Summit. Having the opportunity to panel in our district community and the many directors from Cypress programs reminded me how far I have truly come since starting my college journey at Cypress.
Who are the faculty and staff (in your major, academic or other support program, etc.) who have helped you get where you are today?
I would say the director of MESA, Sandra Rosa, has been vital to my college journey. When officially switching my major to biology I found it extremely difficult to adjust, having taken not a single AP class in high school, as I entered the field of STEM. She has motivated and inspired so many students, including myself, constantly going the extra mile to help students like me receive an equal opportunity.
When completing my first major required bio class, molecular bio, I remember having severe imposter syndrome as I constantly questioned if I belonged among my peers. He may not be aware but Dr. Adel Rajab, my molecular bio professor at the time, assisted me through my journey as a biology student. Completely clueless of the level of investment my major required, I was glad to have a professor like him as no matter how much I struggled he constantly reminded me that with enough time and discipline anyone is capable of majoring in this field.
How has Cypress College supported you throughout your time at the college?
Cypress has supported me through my college journey by the countless directors and faculty that reside within the college who have done more than they had to to make sure I was heard. Being undocumented there have been countless opportunities that were unavailable to me but Cypress taught me that when ninety percent of places tell me no do to my status there will always be ten percent who are more than willing to have me and the programs offered here have made that ten percent margin of yes steadily increase.
What are your immediate plans after completing your studies at Cypress College (at your transfer institution, in the workforce, etc.)?
I plan to transfer to San Luis Obispo to continue chasing my degree and being the first in my family to hold a bachelor’s degree. Immediately after completing my studies at Cypress I will begin an undergraduate research experience internship that I had the opportunity of being accepted into this coming summer.
What are your long-term goals? What do you aspire to?
My long term goal is becoming a physician. With my growing interest in research I plan to choose a specialty that would allow me to be in a lab.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of everything I have accomplished, surpassing the obstacles that I once believed were immovable, being able to grow alongside countless of my peers sharing similar experiences, reasons of motivation, and goals. Cypress has continued to enable growth within the countless students here at Cypress, including myself.
What bit of advice would you give to current and future Cypress College students?
The biggest piece of advice I would give to both current and future Cypress college students would be to take every opportunity our campus has to offer as one, or multiple, may just be the stepping stone to your ultimate success.
Is there anyone in particular you’d like to thank?
I would like to thank my parents for all the support they have given me through my time at Cypress college. My parents have given so much for me to be where I am today and seeing them constantly work continues to be a reminder as to how much work and sacrifice it has taken to get me where I am today.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I speak a native language called Zapotec, it’s really cool because it has been around for over a thousand years.