From the vibrant streets of Honduras to student leadership, Carlos Matute, also known as Pacheco, has defied the odds with resilience and determination. He currently serves as vice president and GCC’s delegate for the Student Senate for California Community Colleges in the 2024-2025 cycle, inspiring the campus with his journey and vision.
Pacheco, from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, described his upbringing as incredible. His mother pursued a better future in the U.S., prompting him to migrate to Los Angeles to learn English and understand the country. He attended Miguel Contreras High School in 2019 and joined the soccer team as a goalie during the 2022-2023 season, achieving the fewest goals conceded in the league. After graduation, he joined I Learn America, welcoming immigrant students and helping them express their stories and culture. He now aims to transfer to a four-year university, pursuing an associate degree in Political Science and a Bachelor’s in International Relations at UC San Diego.
After training with the GCC soccer team, Pacheco saw a sign about open leadership roles and attended the interview. He soon learned he was accepted as an administrative senator and ran for vice president in May 2024, winning the position for the 2024-2025 school year. His responsibilities included engaging with the campus community and Glendale, advocating with the California Senate and local representatives for better laws to assist students, and ensuring AB540 students receive the necessary resources. The Dean of Students suggested he become the California delegate, an idea ASGCC accepted, leading him to attend meetings in Sacramento and support Dr. Ryan Cornner, GCC’s superintendent.
“My biggest challenges were learning English and adapting to a new culture, different people, and different points of view on the world. I believe that in high school, I learned English because I didn’t have any other option since everything was in English; however, when I was learning it, everything was fun, and it made me feel very comfortable learning every day, and I didn’t care about having an accent or difficulties,” Pacheco said, reflecting on how he overcame his most significant challenges when faced with an entirely different reality during his first year in an American high school. “I would like to ensure that everyone, regardless of whether they are Americans or immigrants from different parts of the world, is treated equally. The impact I have been leaving at GCC has been very productive for American and foreign people because everyone should be respected. I believe GCC is an excellent place for our people, including everyone, to be proud of themselves and proud of being part of a great community such as Glendale City.”
Dr. Ryan Cornner, GCC’s superintendent, who has collaborated with student leaders, states that Pacheco stands out not only for his dedication but also for his passion. “Pacheco is an enthusiastic leader that brings a new energy to those around him. In his support of the College advocacy efforts, he is able to make policy recommendations real and demonstrate the true impact on students,” Dr. Cornner said. “He is always able to see the good aspects in all situations and support others in their own positivity.” Faculty and students alike express this sentiment, often describing Pacheco as a positive and friendly builder—someone who unites people across various backgrounds and opinions.
As he wraps up the spring semester of 2025, Pacheco is completing his final duties as vice president before graduating and transitioning to UC San Diego. He spends his days balancing classwork with campus leadership, meeting with administrators and fellow student leaders, and organizing activities. He has become a consistent presence among students and faculty, known for his outgoing personality and intentional leadership. Looking ahead, Pacheco hopes to take the leadership skills he has developed on campus into a broader arena. He plans to pursue a leadership position at UC San Diego and a political career. His current work is not just about college; it’s about laying a foundation for lasting impact beyond it.
For Pacheco, leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about purpose. From his first steps on campus as a newcomer to shaping his future, his journey reflects something greater than personal success: the quiet power of resistance and the belief that change begins with initiative, listening, and leading with heart.
Marco Rivera can be reached at [email protected].