As a first-generation immigrant and a first-generation college student, life has always been challenging for me in many aspects. When I arrived in the U.S. with my mother, carrying nothing but two suitcases, I had no idea how drastically my life would change.
Most people start preparing for college in high school, but my circumstances were different. Adjusting to an entirely new environment as a first-generation immigrant and college student, I struggled to understand the college application process. It wasn't until my junior year of high school that I began to grasp what needed to be done. I vividly remember realizing that there were specific classes required to be eligible to apply to the University of California (UC) system. However, due to the lack of information and guidance, I almost missed taking those crucial classes.
Despite these obstacles, I managed to navigate the application process for both the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems. Unfortunately, I didn't even get accepted into any of my safety schools. This failure was a significant disappointment to me, but it also marked another turning point in my life. Rather than giving up, I decided to start fresh at a community college, determined to explore the college process better and improve my chances of transferring to a university in two years
The support I have received from my Community College as a first-gen college student is tremendous, to say the least. Having doubts about my decision to go to a Community College at first, I immediately changed my mind after seeing the support programs created just for economically disadvantaged, first-generation college students such as myself. By joining the Promise Plus Program, for example, I got priority registration, on-campus dining cards, book grants, and even access to dedicated counselors who were familiar with my personal situation. In addition, I have received a lot of financial assistance from the state and such programs to go to school essentially for free, which really eased the burden for my mother, who has had to work extra hours to support us as a single mother.
During my time at Community College, I quickly discovered my passion for Engineering, especially Electrical Engineering. I have always been a hands-on person, so the thought of building something that runs on electricity and does a bunch of cool things based on my program fascinates me. Taking a class in Arduino programming deepened my interest in Electrical Engineering, as I really enjoyed reading data sheets, discovering new ideas, and building projects with my peers. Although initially unfamiliar with the field of Material Science, I have grown to become interested in it after discovering many applications of Material Science in the field of Electrical Engineering, such as in the design and manufacturing of semiconductors. After I transfer to UCLA as an Electrical Engineering major, I plan to take classes in Material Science Engineering and learn more about its applications and recent developments, some of which have deep connections to Dr. Andy Nieto.
As a first-generation college student, I believe in the importance of higher education. With the help of the Dr. Andy Nieto Memorial First Generation Opportunity and Excellence Scholarship, I will be able to graduate with my Bachelor’s degree with less debt, have access to more networking and research opportunities, and hopefully achieve the same level of excellence that Dr. Andy Nieto did. After earning my Bachelor’s degree, I hope to go to graduate school and get a PhD in Electrical Engineering as well, as I hope to contribute to the development and advancement of technology. A field that I am currently interested in is the hybrid/electric drive train on modern vehicles. By conducting research on this field, I hope to greatly reduce the energy consumption of modern electrified vehicles, furthermore reducing our carbon footprint and protecting the environment. After I retire from research and industry, I plan to become a professor at a Community College, as inspired by many of my professors at my local Community College. I hope to give back to the community one day, educating and guiding more first-generation college students who might be lost in college like myself through the college process, just like my people did for me. I believe that if I win the Dr. Andy Nieto Memorial First Generation Opportunity and Excellence Scholarship, I will be closer to reaching my goals.
Now, thinking back about the journey I took as a first-generation immigrant and college student, surprisingly, I feel more blessed than overwhelmed by the challenges I faced, as they have shaped my resilience, determination, and appreciation for every opportunity I have received along the way. I would be lying if I said that life as a first-generation immigrant and college student isn't difficult, but these challenges have shaped who I am today, and no one can take that part of my identity away from me.
Dr. Andy Nieto was more than just a brilliant scientist; he was a beacon of inspiration, a paragon of academic achievement, and a beloved brother whose memory continues to resonate within the realms of materials science and engineering. As a first-generation student raised in a marginalized town in Colombia, my journey to pursue higher education in engineering mirrors the determination and passion that defined Dr. Nieto's life. With unwavering resolve and a deep connection to my roots, I stand on the threshold of my aspirations, driven not only by personal ambition but also by a burning desire to honor the legacy of a remarkable individual. That personal ambition brought me the opportunity to come to the United States on a journey of my own and pursue the future that my parents wanted me to have but the circumstances didn't let it be so.
In my formative years, I found myself immersed in a world of adversity, marked by political upheavals and economic challenges. These circumstances ignited a fervent longing for change, compelling me to seek a path that would lead me toward a future where I could make a meaningful impact. Driven by my love for reading and coding, I embarked on a transformative journey that eventually led me to the United States, away from the coups and chaos that had plagued my homeland. My journey mirrors Dr. Nieto's in its pursuit of knowledge and progress, albeit in a different field.
With a heart full of hope and a mind eager to learn, I delved into the world of engineering. The realms of possibilities that engineering offered resonated deeply with my aspirations to contribute to my marginalized community. Every equation I solved and every concept I grasped became a step towards realizing my dream job: one that enables me to uplift and support the very community that shaped my earliest experiences. This dream encapsulates the essence of Dr. Nieto's legacy, as he not only excelled in his academic pursuits but also touched the lives of his students and family through his dedication and compassion.
As a student who has achieved a GPA of over 3.5, I align with the academic excellence that Dr. Nieto embodied. However, what truly draws me to his story is his connection to first-generation students. Dr. Nieto's journey from his roots to becoming an esteemed alumnus of FIU and a respected scholar resonates with my own experiences. Being a first-generation college student comes with its unique set of challenges, but it also carries the power to break generational barriers and set an example for those who will follow.
The field of material science holds a special place in my heart, primarily because of its potential to transform industries and solve real-world problems. Just as Dr. Nieto's pioneering research on graphene reinforced ceramic matrix composites pushed the boundaries of possibility, I am drawn to material science for its capacity to innovate and reshape our world. My enrollment in the CS50 course from Harvard and the acquisition of certificates from a polytechnic university in Colombia attest to my dedication to this field, underscoring my alignment with Dr. Nieto's passion for groundbreaking research.
This scholarship, in a certain way, serves as a bridge between his legacy and my aspirations. It is not just a financial support system; it symbolizes the passing of a torch from a brilliant scientist to an eager first-generation student. As I stand at this crossroads, I am profoundly aware of the responsibility that comes with being a recipient of such an honor. It is not just about pursuing an engineering degree; it is about embracing the opportunity to learn, grow, and ultimately give back.
The importance of being a first-generation college student cannot be understated. It signifies a journey of breaking molds, shattering limitations, and paving the way for future generations. Dr. Nieto's story reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge is a noble endeavor, one that transcends boundaries and shapes destinies. His legacy ignites a fire within me to continue pushing forward, to excel not only for my own advancement but also to carry his legacy forward in the field of engineering and material science.
In conclusion, my journey from a marginalized town in Colombia to pursuing an engineering degree is interwoven with the essence of Dr. Andy Nieto's life. The challenges, dreams, and aspirations that have defined my path echo the spirit of a brilliant scientist who left an indelible mark on his field and his students. This scholarship is more than just financial assistance; it is an affirmation of my potential, a validation of my dedication, and a connection to a legacy that embodies excellence and compassion. As I forge ahead in my pursuit of higher education, I do so with profound gratitude for the opportunity to honor Dr. Nieto's memory and to continue the narrative he has woven into the fabric of materials science and engineering.
