Student Speaker

Oscar Arreola Buendia
Class of 2025 Student Speaker

Oscar Arreola Buendia is a proud Latino, immigrant and first-generation college graduate who has balanced the roles of full-time single father, son, brother, employee and student leader with courage and commitment. Throughout his time at Cañada College, Oscar has served with distinction as a Senator and as Commissioner of Activities in the Associated Students of Cañada College (ASCC), dedicating himself to building inclusive and empowering spaces on campus.

Oscar’s journey to this moment has been anything but easy. As someone who came to the United States as a child, he carries with him the sacrifices and dreams of his parents, who believed in a better future for their son. Oscar has taken those dreams and turned them into reality - earning not just one, but three Associate degrees, and transferring to the University of California, Berkeley to pursue a Bachelor degree in Politics.

As a student leader and advocate for equity, Oscar is committed to the values of justice, representation and community. He believes deeply in the power of education to transform lives and in the importance of showing up and speaking out - especially for those who have historically gone unheard. Oscar is ready to be a voice for his peers at Commencement, and to honor the strength, diversity and shared struggles that unite the graduating Class of 2025.