Excerpt from San Diego City College MESA – A Learning Culture:
Taking STEM Education to a New Level (Summer 2017)
BEFORE MESA
I am a first-generation college student from a single-parent, low-income home. Before I joined MESA, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life! All I knew was that I enjoyed designing, building, and getting my hands dirty. Mechanical engineering appeared to fit the job description. But I began my studies at San Diego City College in basic skills English and Math. I was also challenged to balance being a full-time student with part-time work to help support my family. Although I had no idea how to navigate through community college, I always made sure to ask questions even if it meant knocking on every door. One door led to another until I finally found MESA, where I was greeted by MESA Director Alvarez, a.k.a. the Corner Man. He told me, “When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful.” I have lived by those words ever since.
WHAT THE MESA LEARNING CULTURE MEANS TO ME
MESA is more than a learning culture, it is a way of life. To be a MESA Creator means to accept responsibility, take action, and seek solutions. I know I would not be the same person I am today if it wasn’t for MESA and all of the resources it has to offer. MESA ensures that you build the academic foundation for success. This is done by completing your BPR (bullet point reading) before coming into class, asking questions in class, visiting professors in office hours, going after every opportunity no matter how busy your schedule is, protecting your GPA, choosing your friends wisely, managing your time, fighting for yourself, and most importantly enjoying the ride. MESA will take you to places you’ve never imagined.
MY FUTURE
I never thought I would ever want a Bachelor’s degree let alone a Ph.D. degree! Yet surrounding yourself with MESA Creators is contagious, especially when you keep hearing about a MESA family member transferring to a university, graduating from a university or receiving an acceptance letter to graduate school. This summer has been a blessing. I have had the opportunity to participate in the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of San Diego. My research is focused on the development of a new class of hybrid photovoltaic concentrating solar power receivers with integrated thermal storage for industrial processes. This system provides a clean renewable source of energy, electrical energy, and heat outputs; it is highly efficient and cost effective; and most importantly it is a solution to climate change. This research has inspired me to pursue a Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering in hopes of providing the world with a clean and renewable energy source. I am transferring to UC Berkeley in Fall 2017, and who knows where life will take me for my Ph.D. degree, but I know that I will not stop pursuing my dreams until they become a reality because I am a MESA Creator.
MY ADVICE
No one is going to give you anything, and time will wait for no one. It is your job to fight for yourself and take advantage of every opportunity you come across. If there is an opportunity in the biology department, you take it even if you are a mechanical engineer, because MESA Creators are unique, well-rounded individuals. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and leave your ego at the door because it will only get you so far. Stay humble and hungry for success. Don’t forget who you are and where you came from. Share your knowledge and help others succeed because we are all in this fight together. Once you make it to the top of the mountain, don’t forget to throw the rope back down for your MESA brothers and sisters.
Luis Garcia was the 2016-2017 San Diego City College MESA Male Student of the Year. He transferred to UC Berkeley in fall 2017, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He is now a Lead Mechatronics Engineer with SkyCurrent.