October 2009
Q: When were you involved in MESA and how did you hear about it?
A: From my freshman year 1992 thru my senior year 1998 in college at SDSU. MESA sent me a letter and invited me to be part of the program as soon as I was accepted to SDSU.
Q: How did MESA help you?
A: They walked me through the entire engineering program, helping me to choose the correct classes in order to graduate.
Q: Was there something MESA offered that particularly helped you with your classes or major?
A: Everything. They offered advice on the classes that I needed to take, they gave me free tutoring, they helped me write a resume, helped me on my presentations kills, communications skills, and writing skills. They gave me a job and helped me find an internship.
Q: When did you graduate and what was your degree in?
A: I graduated in December 1998 with a Bachelors of Science in mechanical engineering. I also graduated from the University of Miami in December 2003, with a Master of Science in mechanical engineering.
Q: What do you do now?
A: I'm a Software Test Engineer and Project Engineer under the Test Systems Software Department at Solar Turbines.
Q: What advice do you give students in math, science or engineering fields?
A: Stay in college. It's worth the hard work and you will graduate sooner or later. Job choices and your future are much better with a college degree.
Q: Were you the first person in your family to go to college? If so, how does that feel?
A: Yes, in the entire history of my family tree, I'm the first one that went to college. I feel that I have proof that life can be much easier if we spend five more years in college, than just working straight out of high school. I get paid well, have a wonderful life and can afford everything I ever wanted. And my kids' future will be much better than mine. If I can do it anybody can do it too!
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