Ethnicity
Hispanic/Latino
Hobbies and interests
Aviation
Studying
Running
Volunteering
Reading
Athletic Training
Track and Field
Aerospace
Advocacy And Activism
Calisthenics
Coding And Computer Science
Aerial Silks
History
Mathematics
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Environmental Science and Sustainability
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Apply Knowledge
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History
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I read books daily
US CITIZENSHIP
US Citizen
FIRST GENERATION STUDENT
Yes
Gerardo Diaz
6,335
Bold Points53x
Nominee3x
FinalistGerardo Diaz
6,335
Bold Points53x
Nominee3x
FinalistBio
Hi there! π I'm Gerardo DΓaz, a Hispanic immigrant πΈπ» and a college freshman at Modesto Junior College, studying applied mathematics with plans to transfer and major in aerospace engineering. βοΈ
My passion for the sky led me to become a student pilot π©, and I aim to obtain all the licenses required to become a commercial pilot π¨ββοΈ.
I'm dedicated to community service and helping others overcome struggles. I work as a tutor at my former high school, serve as a recreational leader in my city, and am currently interning in the Circular Bioeconomy π±. This field focuses on sustainable practices that convert organic waste into products like biofuels and bioplastics β»οΈ.
In my free time, I love going out with friends. Last summer, we had an awesome road trip from California to Washington π. I also enjoy studying π history and learning about impactful figures like Nikola Tesla and William Kamkwamba, who inspire me as immigrant engineers. I've undertaken projects like building a windmill and a Tesla coil β‘.
I envision a future as an aerospace engineer and commercial pilot, helping others achieve their dreams despite limitations. I believe we can break through barriers and strive for higher education. I hope to create a non-profit to assist immigrants in pursuing education π€².
Lastly, a quote that reflects my passion for the sky is: βWhen once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skywardβ¦β β Leonardo Da Vinci βοΈ
Education
Modesto Junior College
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
Minors:
- Applied Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
Patterson High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- History and Political Science
- Applied Mathematics
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
Career
Dream career field:
Aviation & Aerospace
Dream career goals:
Becoming an aerospace engineer and pilot.
Intern (Quantitative Assessment of Biomass Utilization and Availability)
MESA2024 β Present10 monthsAircraft Cleaner
Aircraft Sparkle2022 β 20242 yearsCrew Member
Mc Donalds2024 β Present10 monthsAvid Tutor
Patterson High School2024 β Present10 monthsRecreational Leader
City of Patterson2024 β Present10 monthsMath tutor
Patterson High School2023 β 20241 yearStudent Pilot
Gleim Aviation2022 β 20231 yearMember
Latino Pilot Association (LPA)2021 β Present3 yearsStudent Pilot
Sky View Aviation2021 β Present3 years
Sports
Cross-Country Running
Junior Varsity2022 β 20242 years
Track & Field
Varsity2022 β 20231 year
Arts
Colegio Belen
ActingStories from the scriptures2016 β 2017Independent
DrawingNo productions2016 β PresentPerforming Arts Class
ActingNo Productions2022 β 2023
Public services
Volunteering
Special Olympics β Start the races, take the time, give medals, and congratulate the competitors.2023 β PresentVolunteering
Apricot Valley Elementary β Help translate English for Hispanic fathers and mothers new to this country and want to learn about the educational system for their kids.2023 β 2023Volunteering
Modesto Marathon β Help the runners by giving them supplies like water and medical supplies, setting up stations where the runners can recover, and supporting them to finish a marathon.2023 β PresentVolunteering
Love Patterson β To uplift my community by volunteering to clean various locations, assisting older adults, providing food to those in need, and organizing safe events. I am committed to fostering a supportive and caring environment for everyone.2022 β PresentPublic Service (Politics)
Election Volunteer β Print Ballots, help voter with their questions, and provide support in my community for the primary elections.2024 β PresentAdvocacy
Sacred Hearth Church β As a dedicated volunteer. I advocate by reading and participating in multiple spiritual event, fostering community engagement and support. My role helps to inspire and unite individuals to share their faith.2024 β PresentVolunteering
Creekside Middle School β Provide schedule to students, and inform them of their next school year.2023 β 2023Volunteering
Patterson High School (PHS) β Represent and promote the opportunities at the high school positively to incoming freshmen.2023 β 2023Volunteering
PHS β Assist in the snack shack to obtain money for the sports team of Patterson High.2022 β 2022Volunteering
Patterson Cross Country Team β Help to sell food to get money to support the athletes of Patterson High School.2022 β 2023Volunteering
NHD county competition β Give instructions to kids, set up games, and help them with emotional support and advice.2023 β 2023Volunteering
Apricot Valley (Spring Festival) β Manage the different game stations, give prices to the winners, and encourage the young kids.2023 β 2023
Future Interests
Advocacy
Politics
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
Student Life Photography Scholarship
Jiang Amel STEM Scholarship
I grew up in Latin America: El Salvador. My country is full of joy, and amazing individuals. I always felt that El Salvador was the place where I belonged, but life had other plans for me.
My familyβs poor financial situation forced me to leave my country and immigrate to the United States at fifteen years old, leaving my life behind. I took only a small backpack full of clothes in my pursuit of a dream. After leaving my home in El Salvador, I felt isolated by the differences in culture and language. I sought comfort in the only thing familiar to meβmy education.
Through books, I discovered the fantastic stories of people like me. Immigrants like Nikole Tesla and William Kamkwamba created many inventions, such as a windmill that converts wind power into electricity. These individuals represent bright immigrant minds with great potential that were able to impact the world, all they needed was an opportunity. These stories awakened my passion for engineering.
Eventually, I decided to start my own projects. Collecting resources was difficult due to my economic limitations, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. First, I built a Tesla coil, a device that transmits electricity wirelessly. This project taught me about iron soldering and circuit building. Next, I created a windmill. Using my own blades and carpentry, I built the base and tower. These two combined created electricity through the movement caused by the wind.
I possess a strong affinity towards engineering, but Aviation is my true passion. Since my childhood, I have found myself captivated by the thrill and wonderment of flight. My father- a member of the Salvadoran army, would take me to the airport to witness the awe-inspiring sight of airplanes taking off. Those moments instilled in me a deep love for aviation and a desire to pursue a career in aeronautics. However, as part of the Latino community, It was heartbreaking to see the lack of representation and opportunity for Latinos in this field.
Although the odds were stacked against me, I did not let myself be discouraged. For instance, I joined the recognized Latino Pilot Association to encourage representation and show my Latino community that not even the sky's the limit and that my heritage is my greatest strength. Eventually, I graduated from private pilot ground school, passed my private pilot knowledge test, and currently have thirty-eight hours of flight experience. All while working to pay for my training.
I take pride in my passions as they have taught me to pursue my dreams and to be determined no matter the limitations. Although my family isn't here to see my achievements, I strive to make them proud. My passions gave me a sense of belonging. Having left my home country at a young age to support my unemployed father and my family, I understand the feeling of not having support and being alone. These experiences have inspired me to give the support I never had to those amidst a journey similar to mine.
My Hispanic background has influenced my approach in engineering by motivating me to push boundaries, so I can let the world know that as Latinos we can also bring knowledge to the world.
Winning this scholarship would not only make me the first in my family to attend college in the US, but it would also provide the necessary funds for my education in aerospace engineering. By pursuing my passions in engineering and aviation, I can support my family and community while demonstrating the achievements possible for Latinos given the opportunity.
Koehler Family Trades and Engineering Scholarship
I grew up in Latin America: El Salvador. My country is full of joy, and amazing individuals. I always felt that El Salvador was the place where I belonged, but life had other plans for me.
My familyβs poor financial situation forced me to leave my country and immigrate to the United States at fifteen years old, leaving my life behind. I took only a small backpack full of clothes in my pursuit of a dream. After leaving my home in El Salvador, I felt isolated by the differences in culture and language. I sought comfort in the only thing familiar to meβmy education.
Through books, I discovered the fantastic stories of people like me. Immigrants like Nikole Tesla and William Kamkwamba created many inventions, such as a windmill that converts wind power into electricity. These individuals represent bright immigrant minds with great potential that were able to impact the world, all they needed was an opportunity. These stories awakened my passion for engineering.
Eventually, I decided to start my own projects. Collecting resources was difficult due to my economic limitations, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. First, I built a Tesla coil, a device that transmits electricity wirelessly. This project taught me about iron soldering and circuit building. Next, I created a windmill. Using my own blades and carpentry, I built the base and tower. These two combined created electricity through the movement caused by the wind.
I possess a strong affinity towards engineering, but Aviation is my true passion. Since my childhood, I have found myself captivated by the thrill and wonderment of flight. My father- a member of the Salvadoran army, would take me to the airport to witness the awe-inspiring sight of airplanes taking off. Those moments instilled in me a deep love for aviation and a desire to pursue a career in aeronautics. However, as part of the Latino community, It was heartbreaking to see the lack of representation and opportunity for Latinos in this field.
Although the odds were stacked against me, I did not let myself be discouraged. For instance, I joined the recognized Latino Pilot Association to encourage representation and show my Latino community that not even the sky's the limit and that my heritage is my greatest strength. Eventually, I graduated from private pilot ground school, passed my private pilot knowledge test, and currently have thirty-eight hours of flight experience. All while working to pay for my training.
I take pride in my passions as they have taught me to pursue my dreams and to be determined no matter the limitations. Although my family isn't here to see my achievements, I strive to make them proud. My passions gave me a sense of belonging. Having left my home country at a young age to support my unemployed father and my family, I understand the feeling of not having support and being alone. These experiences have inspired me to give the support I never had to those amidst a journey similar to mine.
My Hispanic background has influenced my approach in engineering by motivating me to push boundaries, so I can let the world know that as Latinos we can also bring knowledge to the world.
Winning this scholarship would not only make me the first in my family to attend college in the US, but it would also provide the necessary funds for my education in aerospace engineering. By pursuing my passions in engineering and aviation, I can support my family and community while demonstrating the achievements possible for Latinos given the opportunity.
Stitt Family Aeronautics, Aerospace & Aviation Scholarship
Making Dreams a Reality
Since a young age, I have always been passionate about aviation. This passion was ignited by my dad, who used to take me to his airbase in El Salvador to see the stunning and engaging aircraft arrive and depart to a new location day-to-date. This passion was fueled even more due to having my two uncles as a mechanic and aircraft instructor. Their true passion was printed on me and made me decide to move to the U.S. at the age of fifteen to pursue my dream of becoming a pilot.
Not long ago after I moved, I started facing different challenges. First, I had to adapt to a new culture and way of living, different from others. I had to put in double the effort to succeed in a society that didn't consider what I would achieve because of my background and ethnicity. In addition, I had to learn a new Language and had to adapt to a poor living.
I overcame those challenges by seeking support. Some examples are Joining the Latino Pilot Association to find mentorship, and I joined a zero-period class called Avid which is a High School program that guides students to achieve a college education. Both experiences taught me various values such as volunteering, and many skills like critical thinking, and helped me pursue my dream of achieving higher education.
The support provided by this organization, my family, and friends, and overcoming those challenges helped me become one of the top of my class, helped me to successfully pass my Private Pilot Ground School, and other courses, as well as to pass my private pilot knowledge test. It guided me to become an active member of my community in which I have worked as a tutor and obtained more than two hundred and fifty hours of community service.
My experiences have fueled me to pursue even more than what I had planned in Aviation. Now I would pursue a degree at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in the Aerospace Engineer Program and would obtain all the licenses required to be an Instructor Pilot. Both degrees would help advance the Aeronautical/Aerospace Field and the Latino Community and would help me guide others in their path in these amazing fields.
After graduating I plan to work as an Aerospace engineer and move to El Salvador for one or two years where I would start a non-profit organization to help Latinos advance in the field. I would work as an instructor or join the airline to build my experience faster because in El Salvador the required amount of hours is just two hundred and fifty to start flying for Volaris and Avianca. And then return to the U.S. to continue my career, and expand my non-profit to help Latino advance on the field.
Making these plans a reality gives me the fuel when I am enduring academic and financial hardships in life. Knowing that I can suffer and be a pioneer for others gives me the fulfillment necessary to help others and serve not just my community, but other communities "There are no limits!".