Arianna Aguilera: Finding Confidence, Community, and Her Voice at Crafton Hills College
Publish Date: Feb. 13, 2026
Arianna Aguilera is a Communications and Theater Arts student at Crafton Hills College, set to graduate in December 2026. A first-generation college student from Redlands, Arianna’s journey to higher education has been shaped by resilience, determination, and a deep appreciation for community.
When Arianna began exploring theater programs, Crafton Hills College immediately stood out. Rather than feeling overcrowded or stagnant, the theater department felt full of possibility. “It felt up and coming,” she shared. “There was space for students to grow, contribute, and truly be part of building something.” That opportunity—to develop alongside the program and gain hands-on experience while forming strong connections with faculty and peers—was exactly what Arianna was looking for.
Her decision was further confirmed by friends who were Crafton alumni. They spoke fondly about the supportive staff, the close-knit environment, and the meaningful friendships they formed. Their stories made it clear that Crafton Hills College is more than just a place to earn a degree—it’s a community where creativity, passion, and personal growth are encouraged.
One thing Arianna believes more people should know about Crafton is how deeply the college supports students beyond academics. CHC looks out for the whole person, not just their coursework. From food resources to counseling and campus programs, the college ensures students have what they need to succeed. “I have never gone hungry while attending Crafton,” Arianna shared. “That level of care is rare, and it creates an environment where students feel valued, safe, and able to focus on their goals instead of worrying about basic needs.”
Crafton Hills College has also played a major role in helping Arianna believe in herself. She began her educational journey without a high school diploma, later earning it through Redlands Adult School—a milestone that already felt monumental to her. Still, when she arrived at CHC, she wasn’t sure what she was capable of academically. Today, Arianna maintains a 3.8 GPA. “That’s something I never imagined would be possible for me,” she said. “CHC gave me structure, encouragement, and opportunity—and because of that, I’ve grown not just as a student, but as a person who knows they can succeed.”
In 2023, Arianna’s perspective on life shifted even further when she survived a major accident. The experience required her to step away from school for a year to focus on physical and mental recovery. That time away became a turning point. “It made me realize that life is too short,” she said. When she was ready, Arianna chose to return to Crafton Hills College full-time, recommitting herself to her education with renewed purpose and clarity.
Arianna’s strength was forged long before she stepped onto a college campus. She grew up in poverty as the oldest daughter of a single mother in the rural mountain town of Running Springs. Her childhood was marked by instability and abuse, which forced her to grow up quickly. As the oldest sibling, she became a “second parent” by the age of fifteen, helping support her family financially. At eighteen, she moved out on her own, facing financial hardship, emotional strain, and the challenge of rebuilding her life without a safety net.
Despite already being in debt and lacking critical documents like her birth certificate and Social Security card, Arianna refused to give up. Instead, she used those experiences to build resilience, empathy, and determination. “They taught me how to advocate for myself, rebuild from setbacks, and keep moving forward,” she shared. “They shaped me into someone who values education and believes growth is possible no matter where you start.”
After graduating from Crafton Hills College, Arianna plans to continue her education at Cal State San Bernardino, where she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in communications. Her long-term goal is to build a stable career in human resources or publicity—work that allows her to combine professionalism with compassion. She also hopes to stay connected to the arts by promoting theater programs and supporting creative spaces. Whether through outreach, publicity, or behind-the-scenes organizational work, Arianna wants to help performers and the people who support them thrive.
For Arianna, Crafton Hills College isn’t just where she studies—it’s where she reclaimed her confidence, found community, and chose to move forward with purpose.
