For Mily Patton, finding community was an important step to getting involved in MiraCosta College.
Patton arrived at MiraCosta looking for a strong academic foundation before transferring to a four-year university. As an aerospace engineering major, a first-generation student, and a daughter of two military veterans, she wanted to surround herself with something bigger: a network of mentors, classmates, and opportunities that helped her grow as a student, professional, and leader.
Throughout Patton’s time at the college, she has been involved in programs such as Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services, and the Veterans Education Office, each of which has helped her build connections and navigate her academic journey.
After immersing herself in campus life and serving in a variety of student programs, Patton has been elected as MiraCosta College’s next student trustee — a role that will allow her to represent students at the highest level of college governance.
As student trustee, Patton will serve on MiraCosta College's Board of Trustees — the governing body that oversees the entire District — serving as the official voice of students in decisions that shape the institution.
The student trustee represents all students across the MiraCosta College district and participates in the Student Senate of California Community Colleges, engaging with student trustees from across the state.
The position is one of the few in college governance elected directly by students, giving students a direct seat at the table where major college decisions are made.
“I really look forward to serving as student trustee and advocating for students’ perspectives,” Patton said. “There are so many resources at MiraCosta that students don’t always know about, and I want to help promote those programs and make sure students know what’s available to them.”
As she gets ready to transfer and continue her studies in aerospace engineering, Patton credits much of her growth to the communities she found along the way.
“Being around people in similar majors and classes, studying together, and supporting each other really keeps you motivated,” she said.
It turns out that connection is what Patton learned firsthand truly allows students to thrive.
“I feel like MiraCosta is a place where you really get out what you put into it,” she said. “But it’s also such a welcoming environment. Everyone is so friendly, and everyone is working toward their goals while helping each other along the way.”
MiraCosta’s welcoming culture encouraged Patton, who described herself as introverted when she first arrived on campus, to become increasingly involved.
Through clubs, campus events, and student leadership opportunities, she developed friendships that transformed her college experience.
“I’ve made so many amazing friends at MiraCosta,” she said. “Being involved helps you meet people you never would have met otherwise.”
Another defining experience came through Patton’s job at MiraCosta’s Career Center, where she had the opportunity to work directly with students from different backgrounds on a more interpersonal level, strengthening her communication skills and confidence along the way.
“It taught me a lot about communicating with different kinds of people,” Patton said. “And seeing how much my supervisors cared about students made me want to show up every day and do my best, too.”
Those experiences helped shape the leadership style she plans to bring as a student trustee. Rather than viewing the position as just a title, Patton sees it as an opportunity to listen, connect, and advocate for her fellow students.
She hopes to increase awareness for student resources, encourage greater campus involvement, and help strengthen student culture throughout MiraCosta.
“I’d love for more students to know about all the clubs and programs we have,” Patton said. “There are so many opportunities here.”
For Patton, becoming a student trustee is another opportunity to give back to the community that helped her find her voice.
“MiraCosta was honestly the best place for me to start, rather than just jumping right into it at a four-year institution and then figuring it out the hard way,” Patton reflected.
MiraCosta was more than a starting point — it was a place Patton found confidence, community, and the starting foundation for her higher education goals.
