By Amalia Escobedo

Wesley Hickey was born on January 13, 1980. He was raised in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Hickey comes from a strong family background of educators. His grandparents were educators and taught a vast majority of students from elementary to high school until retirement. His Grandfather was an encouraging role model who loved to teach and also coached the University of La Verne’s basketball team. His uncle and sisters followed in their grandparent’s footsteps and graduated from the University of La Verne and became teachers as well.

Having come from an extensive line of educators, Hickey has always put his best foot forward to exceed in all his educational endeavors. He was admitted to UC Riverside straight out of high school with a major in biochemistry, only to switch it halfway through to business. Although, his journey hasn’t been smooth, he has faced some road blocks along the way. In 2003, he was diagnosed with Lyme disease, which attacked his nervous central system taking away his cognitive and physical abilities. He became bed-ridden for five years and couldn’t go to school or work due to the chronic pain and fatigue he would feel through his entire body. His goals and dreams came to a haltering stop for thirteen years as he fought for his life. Through physical therapy he was able to regain his strength and learn how to do basic things like reading. Finally, in the Fall of 2015 he enrolled at Chaffey Community College, although he faced a slight problem. Aside from the pain and fatigue he still encountered, he didn’t know what he wanted to do or what he was capable of.

Through this humbling experience, he appreciates Chaffey College for helping him get his feet wet again. Not only has he proven to be capable of holding a high grade point average, but also engaging student government positions. During his first year at Chaffey College, he served as treasurer of the legal society. He then became president of the legal society the following year. Now, he gives back to the community college working as a tutor for the multidisciplinary success center; after being nominated by professor Carp as one of his top Business Law students.

On April 17, 2018, he had the privilege of presenting alongside Professor Brusselle, a business professor at Chaffey College, at the Living Lab Symposium. Wes says, " the thing that helped him get through the tough times is having hope and a growth mindset." Fortunately, students who attend Chaffey College are able to learn from Wesley’s story and attend his workshops on hope and mindset in the multidisciplinary success center. He enjoys sharing his experience with others and encouraging them on their educational journey. He is very grateful for the time he has spent at Chaffey College and the contributions it has had on his character. He hopes to take everything he has learned during his years at Chaffey College and apply them to his future dreams and aspirations.

Wesley Hickey: Hope Through the Struggle