#StanGrad: Miguel Yañez Found Purpose, Community and Confidence Through Geology

For Miguel Yañez, studying geology at Stanislaus State became more than an academic pursuit. It became a journey of perseverance, self-discovery and community.

A Modesto native and graduate of Modesto High School, Yañez said choosing Stan State felt like a natural fit after deciding to pursue geology. The University's smaller geology department offered the close-knit environment he hoped would help him succeed.

"Stan State is humble but, overall, serves its community and people like me and my peers," Yañez said. "If I had to uproot my life to find education elsewhere, I don't know that I would have found success."

Over the years, Yañez formed close friendships and professional connections through field studies and collaborative research.

"My most notable memory was sitting around a campfire in the desert singing songs and playing games, after a long day of working on geologic mapping, with a group of peers and friends," Yañez said. "All of the late-night study sessions, extra hours spent in the lab and days-long field studies to the desert and mountains have contributed to fostering collaborations and friendships that will last beyond graduation."

Yañez credits faculty mentors Garry Hayes and Horacio Ferriz with helping shape both his academic path and confidence as a geologist.

"He opened my eyes to the field of geology," Yañez said of Hayes, recalling a two-week field study through the Colorado Plateau of the American Southwest. "His passion for science, the environment, teaching and advocacy instilled in me a respect for both him and geology that became the foundation for my approach to the major."

He also said Ferriz challenged him to grow academically and professionally.

"Without either of them, I wouldn't be where I'm at and who I am," Yañez said.

Yañez's journey through higher education was far from traditional. Over the past 15 years, he balanced school with work while navigating financial insecurity and periods away from college.

"My experience in academia has been anything but perfect," Yañez said. "However, my path, and anyone else's, does not need to be perfect to be meaningful."

Those experiences ultimately strengthened his belief in himself.

"A lot of my early experiences with higher education sowed self-doubt," Yañez said. "Truth be told, I have worked hard and studied hard. My successes and the ones to come are a result of everything I have accomplished, and I can trust in myself to make them happen."

Professor of Geology Horacio Ferriz said Yañez's leadership and determination have left a lasting impact on the department and his fellow students.

"Miguel is an excellent student and has brought to his peers a new sense of focus and determination, both by example and by organizing study hours and career exploration activities," Ferriz wrote. "His drive has extended to all the students in the geology program."

After graduation, Yañez plans to work in hydrogeology and engineering geology before eventually earning his professional geologist license and pursuing a graduate degree. Long term, he hopes to combine scientific work with teaching and community advocacy.

"I want to work on our community's water and water infrastructure problems through hydrogeology and engineering geology, as well as teach science so that we can all work toward a better future together," Yañez said.

#StanGrad File

What memories stand out most from your time at Stanislaus State?

"Sitting around a campfire in the desert singing songs and playing games after a long day of working on geologic mapping, with a group of peers and friends. When I first started here, geology majors were largely a group of strangers. Over the last two years, it has been a pleasure and honor to get to know and work with them."

Which faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you, and why?

"There are really two, Garry Hayes and Horacio Ferriz. Garry Hayes opened my eyes to the field of geology through a two-week field study across the Colorado Plateau of the American Southwest. Horacio Ferriz, my advisor, has pushed me academically and challenged me to grow both in and out of the classroom."

What advice would you give to current and future students?

"The easiest pathway to success will be through collaborating with your peers and faculty. They are resources for learning and networking that will go beyond the classroom."

Note: This article is part of the StanGrad series highlighting Stanislaus State students who are part of the Class of 2024. Read more StanGrad profiles.