Oscar Madrigal is a double alum who got his Bachelor’s Degree in History with a minor in Spanish in 2006 and his Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration in 2010. Oscar is a first generation college student. He is currently a Spanish teacher at Oaks Christian School as well as a soccer coach. Madrigal is also an Oxnard City Council member who was elected in November 2016. He has three sisters. He’s a Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Bulls, and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Read on to learn more about Madrigal and what he is currently doing!Her Campus Cal Lutheran: What was your major during your undergrad and why?
Oscar Madrigal: I majored in history. Going into college, I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to do. When I started at CLU, I was still a bit unsure but after I took a couple of history classes I knew that was the right place for me. I was influenced into history by my U.S. history teacher in high school. Because of him, I wanted to be a teacher too.
HCCLU: Throughout your time at CLU, what were you a part of?
OM: I was a member of Student Support Services. I helped out with multicultural events like Multicultural Overnight and being a multicultural ambassador. My senior year of college I was a member of student government, I was a member of senate; it was a great learning experience. As a member of senate we wrote a resolution to try and get the CLU housekeepers to be employees of the university and not be subcontracted. I was president of a club called Crusade for Justice.HCCLU: What’s your favorite memory from your undergrad?
OM: How helpful everybody was in helping me during my four years. I enjoyed the family atmosphere from different parts of the CLU community. There was always someone that I was able to go and talk to.HCCLU: What did you get your masters in and why?
OM: Public Policy and Administration. When I graduated from college I was doing the credential program at CLU. There was a downturn in the economy so it was hard for me to get a teaching job as many teachers were being laid off, so I decided to go back to school. I have always had an interest in working in the public sector and in public policy, so if education didn’t work out, I wanted to open other opportunities for myself.
HCCLU: What do you do now?
OM: I have multiple duties. I am a Spanish teacher at Oaks Christian School; I teach Spanish 1 and 2. I help out with the boys soccer team at the school as well. I’m also an Oxnard City Council member where I am the council representative for downtown and I am a member of the homeless committee.
HCCLU: Why did you decide to become a teacher?
OM: Because of experiences I had throughout my journey. I had positive experiences, all the way from elementary school to college, of educators going out of their way to help me succeed, and I wanted to do the same.HCCLU: What’s your favorite part about being a teacher?
OM: Seeing students grow and become lifelong learners, seeing them be happy because of their accomplishments, and learning from them. As a teacher, you teach and learn from your students. Every day is a new day in education, no two days are the same.
HCCLU: What made you decide to run for city council?
OM: I always had an interest in city politics and I have a deep love for my community. Doing student senate showed me that anything is possible, so I decided to run for city council.HCCLU: Can you describe what being a councilman means to you?
OM: Being a council member, you are one of five representatives of a city of over 200,000 people. You are entrusted to make the best decisions for the community. You not only represent yourself, but you represent the city in everything you do. I look at it similar to teaching where it’s not just an 8:00-5:00 job; anytime you leave your house you are working because your every move and action may be looked at.HCCLU: Who has inspired you the most in life?
OM: My mom because she would do anything for my sisters and I. She works hard and goes out of her way to make sure that we are all well taken care of. She always puts others before herself.HCCLU: Do you have any piece of advice for current undergrad students?
OM: Anything is possible, do not let anyone hold you back in you trying to accomplish your dreams.
HCCLU: Do you consider yourself to be an inspiration to people?
OM: I don’t consider myself, but I know others view me as a role model. Seeing past students has shown me that other people view me as a role model.