Thomas Daniel Aguilar

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“After I was honorably discharged upon completion of five years of active duty in the United States Marine Corps, I turned to a period of deep reflection on life. I questioned the purpose and meaning of my life and it helped orient my philosophy of gratitude and service.”

  • Program: 2010 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Peoria, IL
  • Hometown: Peoria, IL
  • Age: 29

Biography

 

PROFILE: Marine Corps veteran Thomas Aguilar, who spent 30 months in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, has a great appreciation for the American dream. Putting his life on the line for his adopted country is an honor Thomas doesn’t regret. In fact his life is an American success story with a few bumps along the road. Born in Mexico, and raised in Illinois, Thomas lacked discipline in high school and managed to get by, but needed to change the direction of his life. He found that discipline with the Marine Corps where he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, was honorably discharged, and decided to begin his college career a little later than most. Through hard work, dedication, and support from his college, he became a star student at Illinois Central College. 

INSPIRATION: It seems that Thomas has an army of supporters behind him . . . at least he feels that way. First, there are his parents who brought him to America for a better life. Thomas said he couldn’t have succeeded without the teachers at his high school in Peoria, his fellow Marines who he fought alongside, the staff at the community college he attended, and the fellow members of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, “They all have a place in my formation and in my heart.”
 
ASPIRATION: Thomas first wants to earn a degree in engineering, but his ultimate goal is to practice law. He also has a passion for writing and wants to someday author a book. 

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Beyond his service to his country, Thomas has given countless hours to Phi Theta Kappa. He has also demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism through his work with the Disabled American Veterans, the Catholic Diocese of Peoria, and tutoring at a local elementary school. He was also his hometown’s coordinator for the national “Walk Sudan” project which raised funds to begin a library in the Sudan.

ACCOLADES: Thomas was elected Division III International Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa and named to the 2010 All-USA Academic Team. He is most proud of his promotion to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps.

INTERESTING FACT: Thomas loves the open road. He hopes - once he has his college degree and before he begins his career - to complete a 20,000 mile motorcycle expedition from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska to Tierra Del Fuego in Argentina. 
 

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