When Israel Meza enrolled at Lemoore College, he wasn't sure what his future would look like. What he did know was that he needed an opportunity close to home. Transportation was limited, finances were tight, and attending a university wasn't realistic. Choosing Lemoore College changed everything.
Today, Meza is graduating with associate degrees in Liberal Arts and Agriculture, multiple agriculture certificates, leadership experience as Associated Student Government vice president, and plans to transfer to Fresno State University. More importantly, he leaves with something he never expected to gain: Confidence.
"The main reason I came here was that it was close to home," Meza said. "At the time, I didn't have transportation or the financial support to go somewhere else."
Like many students, Meza didn't arrive with a clear career plan. He first explored kinesiology before shifting to Liberal Arts and eventually discovering a passion for agriculture.
"I didn't know what I wanted to do," he said. "I've been here for quite a while because I was figuring things out." Along the way, he found something even more valuable than a major. He found people who believed in him.
"When I first enrolled, the thing that stood out to me was how helpful the instructors and counselors were," Meza said. "Everybody was willing to help."
Living with ADHD presented challenges, but programs including DSPS and EOPS helped remove barriers by providing accommodations, school supplies, transportation assistance, and academic support.
"From the beginning, I felt very supported," he said. "The counselors, instructors, and tutors were always there to help me."
As a first-generation college student, Meza also learned lessons beyond the classroom.
"In college, you have to understand you're stepping into adult life," he said. "You have to stay on top of your own things and take responsibility for yourself."
Balancing classes, tutoring, student government, and daily responsibilities wasn't always easy, but the experience taught him patience, discipline, and time management.
"The biggest challenge was managing my time," he said. "Learning patience helped me get through everything."
As his confidence grew, so did his involvement on campus. Meza became a tutor, helping adult learners complete educational programs and career certifications. Later, he was elected Vice President of Associated Student Government, a role that challenged him to grow as both a student and a leader.
"I never thought I was going to be a leader," he said. "The college helped me understand how to help people in a more professional way."
Working with students became one of the most rewarding parts of his college experience.
"Having people thank me for the help that I provided always gave me joy," he said.
Looking back, Meza says his proudest accomplishment isn't earning degrees or certificates.
It's becoming someone who believes in himself. "I've completed a lot of things that I never thought I could get done," he said. "I'm proud of the education I've received and the friendships I've made."
This fall, Meza will transfer to Fresno State University, where he plans to pursue bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Agriculture. He says Lemoore College prepared him for whatever comes next.
"I have all the tools that I need," he said. "Lemoore College gave me the confidence to keep moving forward."
When asked what foundation the college gave him, his answer came without hesitation. "It taught me not to be afraid of succeeding in education or in life."
For Meza, Lemoore College became far more than a place to earn college credits.
It became the place where he discovered confidence, leadership, and purpose.
Now, as he prepares for the next chapter, he carries with him the lessons that shaped his journey: stay positive, be patient, help others, and never stop learning.
Those lessons will continue guiding him long after graduation.
See Isreal Meza in our new Lemoore College commercials here:
