
Hobbies and interests
Business And Entrepreneurship
Sports
Motorsports
Soccer
Reading
Academic
History
Business
I read books multiple times per month
Gustavo Rocha
1x
Finalist
Gustavo Rocha
1x
FinalistBio
I’m studying to become a mechanical engineer. I’ve always had a strong interest in automobiles, and I love working on them whenever I get the chance. My goal is to become an engineer in motorsport, preferably in Formula 1. Im a first generation college student i wanna make my family proud i wanna be succesful in life.
Education
Woodrow Wilson High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Construction Management
- Military Systems and Maintenance Technology
- Civil Engineering
Career
Dream career field:
- Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
Dream career goals:
crew member
Canes2023 – Present3 years
Sports
Soccer
Club2021 – Present5 years
Research
Engineering, Other
SEM — designer2024 – 2025
Arts
choir
Performance Artperformances2022 – 2025
Public services
Volunteering
north Texas food bank — sorter2022 – 2023
Future Interests
Volunteering
Entrepreneurship
Sweet Dreams Scholarship
One problem in my community that alot of people walk past is the amount of trash that is around parks, streets, and other public places. People see bottles, food wrappers, cans, and other garbage on the ground but most of them just keep walking like it isnt there. I notice it because I spend alot of time outside and I feel like our community should look cleaner and better. Sometimes there is trash near playgrounds where kids are playing, and I dont think thats safe or good for them. Also, when places are dirty it can make people not want to spend time there or take care of the area.If I had the resources to do something about it, I would start a community clean up program. I would ask students, families, and other people in the neighborhood to come help pick up trash. I would also try to get more trash cans placed in areas where people hangout alot. Another thing I would do is make posters or social media posts to remind people to throw their trash away.I know I cant fix everything by myself, but I think doing something is better then doing nothing. If more people cared about the community, it could become a much cleaner and better place for everyone. Even small things can make a big difference over time.
Emerging Leaders in STEM Scholarship
I am interested in the STEM field, specifically engineering, because I enjoy building, creating, and solving problems. I have always liked understanding how things work and figuring out how different parts come together to create something bigger. Engineering interests me because it combines creativity with problem-solving and allows me to turn ideas into something real.
One of the best examples of my interest in engineering is the experience I have had working on a car with a friend. Working on a vehicle feels almost like putting together a giant LEGO set, except that every piece has an important purpose. What makes it even more interesting is that changing or fixing one part can affect another part of the vehicle. This experience has taught me that engineering requires patience, attention to detail, and the ability to think through problems carefully. It has also made me realize that I enjoy working with my hands and learning through experience. The more I work on cars, the more interested I become in understanding the engineering behind them.in the future, I hope to use my engineering degree to make a positive impact through the automotive industry. I would like to help design vehicles that are fast, safe, efficient, and better for the environment. I am especially interested in finding ways to reduce pollution while still making cars exciting and enjoyable to drive. I want my work to show that innovation does not have to come at the expense of the environment. Being able to create something that people use every day while also helping build a cleaner future would be very meaningful to me.
One adversity I have had to overcome is learning to be comfortable with who I am and being honest with others. For a long time, being open about myself and saying what I truly thought was difficult. I learned that trying to hide who I am or avoid telling the truth only holds me back. Learning to be more honest and confident has helped me become a better person. It has also helped me become more social, dependable, and willing to connect with others.
Overcoming this challenge has taught me that personal growth requires courage. Just as engineering involves identifying a problem and finding a solution, life also requires us to recognize our challenges and work through them. I hope to carry that mindset into my education, career, and future, using both my technical skills and personal experiences to make a meaningful difference.
Grace In Action Scholarship
My journey toward becoming an engineer has been shaped by my family, my passion for automobiles, my faith, and my desire to make a positive impact on the world. I am currently working toward earning my engineering degree, and I hope to use what I learn to design and build innovative vehicles that can make a difference in the future.
My interest in automobiles began when I was a child. One of my all-time favorite movies growing up was Cars. While it may have been just a movie to some people, it sparked a genuine interest in automobiles for me. I became fascinated by the way cars looked, moved, and sounded. I especially loved the aggressive sound of an engine coming through the exhaust pipes. As I got older, that childhood interest developed into a serious passion. I have even had the opportunity to work on a car with a friend, which gave me the chance to experience firsthand how different parts of a vehicle work together.
Through my engineering degree, I hope to turn that passion into a career. I would love to work on high-performance cars and eventually contribute to the design of faster, safer, and more efficient vehicles. At the same time, I want my work to have a positive impact on the environment. I am interested in developing automobiles that produce less pollution and use cleaner, more efficient technology. My goal is to show that cars can still be exciting and powerful while also being better for our planet.
My family and my father's immigration journey have strongly influenced the way I think about my future. My dad came to the United States as an immigrant about twenty years ago in search of a better life and greater opportunities for us. He raised me as a single father, working hard to provide for me while building a life in a new country. Watching him overcome challenges and make sacrifices for my future has taught me the importance of perseverance, hard work, and taking advantage of every opportunity I am given. His journey inspires me to work hard toward my goals and make his sacrifices worthwhile.
My faith and involvement in my church community are also important parts of my life. I attend church every Sunday and have participated in my community church choir. I also attend church festivals and other community events when I have the opportunity. Being involved in my church has allowed me to connect with others, serve my community, and grow as a person.
Earning my engineering degree will mean more to me than simply starting a career. It will represent the hard work and sacrifices that my family has made for me. I want to achieve my goals not only for myself, but also to make my family proud of everything I accomplish. I want my father to see that his sacrifices and the life he worked so hard to build gave me the opportunity to pursue my dreams. I hope to use my education to create a successful future, honor my family, and contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more innovative world.
Scorenavigator Financial Literacy Scholarship
When I think about my experiences with money and learning about finances I realize I have learned a lot over time. I didn't understand how to save I would always spend my money on unnecessary things like games, food, or subscriptions. In the past I didn't pay much attention to where my money went. Over time I started to notice how money choices can affect everyday life. Watching others and learning from my own mistakes helped me understand that money is something that needs to be managed with care. For example my dad would spend a lot of money on equipment and groceries which led us to not pay our bills on time once in a while. These experiences showed me that being careless with money can lead to stress while being responsible can bring more stability. Financial education means understanding how to use money in a smart way. It is not only about saving money but also about knowing how to spend it. It means learning how to avoid being in debt how to plan for important needs and how to make decisions that will help in the future. I have learned that when you understand money you feel more confident and more in control of your life you don't feel under preasure. Without that knowledge it is easy to overspend and run into problems that could have been avoided. As I continue to learn more about finances I plan to use that knowledge to build a better future for myself. One of my biggest goals is to start my own business after college. This goal is very important to me because I want to be independent and create something of my own. I know that starting a business takes more than just a good idea. It requires planning discipline and smart money decisions. I will need to learn how to save money manage expenses and make careful choices so my business can grow and succeed.I also understand that there will be challenges along the way. I know that running a business comes with a lot of risk and it will take a lot of time to be sucessful . Because of this I want to be prepared by building strong financial habits now. I want to learn how to budget set goals and make plans that will support both my personal life and my future business. By doing this I can reduce risks and make better decisions when problems come up.Overall I believe that financial education is very important for everyone. It helps people become more responsible and more prepared for life. For me it is a tool that will help me reach my goals and create a stable future. I want to keep learning and improving so I can make smart choices and avoid common mistakes. In the future I hope to not only succeed in my own business but also help others by creating opportunities and giving back to my community. Learning about finances is not just about money it is about building a better life.