For Marcos Aguilar, New Experiences Bring an Important Voice to the Isla Vista Community

Wanting to have a new life experience, Marcos Aguilar left his home in Fresno, California to attend college at UC Santa Barbara.

Now, more than a decade later, Marcos is a proud alum working at the university library and serving on the board of the Isla Vista Community Services District. “My priority was to have a new experience and to change the way my life had felt up to that point,” said Marcos. “For me, UCSB and Isla Vista were always places where I could explore new ideas and friendships. All these years later, I am still here because of the connection I have and the joy I feel for this community.”

Marcos works in the Ethnic and Gender Studies Collection where he helps manage the space and the physical collections. His daily interactions allow him to answer questions while assisting in student and academic research. He has also benefited from good relationships with mentors at the library who provided a strong professional education. “I enjoy being a part of the living network of academia and like the service aspect the library provides to the campus community,” said Marcos. “People talk about libraries as quiet and peaceful places, and that is true. But on this campus, the library is busy and alive, which is very special to me.”

An important component of Marcos’ work is supporting student success, focusing on first generation students, students of color, and students from underserved communities, to make sure they have the resources they need to graduate. “I am a first-generation college graduate, and I see the substantial number of students at the university that are first generation college students,” said Marcos. “I am proud that we have a transfer center in the library that is connected to the first-generation student center, and that these students have a more physical and visual presence on campus.”

As a resident of Isla Vista, Marcos appreciates the vibrant community – from the sunsets to the music and visual arts scene and everything in between – and can be found grabbing a bite to eat at Freebirds, Super Cucas, or Dank Bowl Kitchen, a business started by a friend and fellow UC Santa Barbara graduate. “I have lived in Isla Vista for a decade. I’m really into surfing,” said Marcos. “The magic of the ocean and the natural beauty of Isla Vista has taken its roots into me. There is a gathering nature to Isla Vista. The communal nature of sharing space, ideas, and resources allows for really powerful bonds to be built.”

His passion for the community and a chance conversation with a district board member, led Marcos to run for a seat on the Isla Vista Community Services District, which he won in 2020. For Marcos, the opportunity felt like the next step in the evolution of his career. It was a way to connect with other populations and demographics in Isla Vista while learning more about social services. “Being on the district, I am constantly learning. There is always something new to consider as we juggle all of the concepts of this ecosystem,” said Marcos. “My heart is in giving Isla Vista a real voice while being respectful of the vision of its residents. I want to follow their tradition of what makes Isla Vista their home. I’ve learned so much about how to be a good citizen and a good neighbor – how to do this job and to be a good official. I feel very lucky to be on such a strong team.”

Working at the library and living in Isla Vista has provided Marcos with endearing community connections and lasting friendships. “I love the people I get to meet on campus,” said Marcos. “At the library in particular, I see the strong culture of learning and mentorship. I feel lucky to engage in conversations where I am able to talk about the balance I see between UCSB and Isla Vista and how integral both communities are to one another.”

Favorite Spot on Campus:

Because I’m a surfer, I like the corner near Campus Point. When I was a student, I also liked to wait in between classes by the small amphitheater next to the Music Library in the Music Building. There is a little corridor of greenness with beautiful plants, shade, and red bricks that I really enjoy.