CCCNews Podcast: TD Grad to Harvard Degree - Yahir Santillan-Guzman

Jun 18

The Dalles, Ore., June 18, 2025 — CCCNews welcomes Yahir Santillan-Guzman to the Podcast today, June 18. Yahir of The Dalles inspired us all in 2021 when he was accepted by Harvard, and he did it again several weeks ago when he earned his degree in Economics in just 4 years. Join us for a detailed conversation with this amazing 22-year old as we journey through his highs and lows at arguably this nation’s most prestigious college.

Podcast Recap

Santillan-Guzman, a first-generation college student, recently graduated with a degree in economics from Harvard, where he spent four years immersed in both academics and community. He recounted the moment in April 2021 when he nervously opened his Harvard admissions decision, calling the acceptance “a full-court, blindfolded, behind-the-back kind of shot.” His family erupted in celebration upon reading the offer.

“Getting in and graduating proved to me that anything is possible,” he said. “Rather than being a finish line, it’s the starting point.”

Born in Hood River and raised in The Dalles, Santillan-Guzman credited much of his success to local mentors and teachers who helped him aim higher — including Aspire mentor Bill Noonan, who encouraged him to apply to elite universities. His college admission essay, which he didn’t let Noonan review before submitting, was described by Harvard admissions staff as “rough around the edges” but full of character.

At Harvard, Santillan-Guzman said he initially struggled to adjust socially and academically. “It was very sour at first,” he said, referencing the Sour Patch Kids slogan. “But after I found my community and rhythm, things got a lot sweeter.”

He emphasized the importance of housing culture at Harvard, where students are sorted into residential “houses” reminiscent of Hogwarts. Santillan-Guzman lived in Kirkland House, which hosted guest speakers and seminars on topics ranging from world beer to global politics.

While studying economics, he took classes from former presidential advisers and experts who helped shape U.S. economic policy. One favorite course was taught by an ex-FBI negotiator and covered conflict resolution — a topic that has influenced his decision to pursue law school in the near future.

Outside class, he worked as a photographer for the Harvard Crimson newspaper and joined the Harvard Latinos in Finance and Technology, a pre-professional group supporting first-generation students.

Throughout the conversation, Santillan-Guzman emphasized the value of rural life experience and agricultural roots. His parents both worked in the orchards and fields of the Columbia Gorge. “That gave me a perspective few others on campus had,” he said.

He advised local students to dream big and lean into the support systems around them. “Listen to your mentors,” he said. “They might just change your life.”

Santillan-Guzman said he plans to gain work experience before applying to law school, possibly returning to the West Coast. While he hopes to travel and explore, The Dalles remains home.