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Humberto Ruiz-Ochoa

2,225

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Finalist

Bio

As a Hispanic kid in school, I had no idea what opportunities this country had to offer. I heard titles like doctor, engineer, and contractor, but I did not know what they really meant. Growing up as a minority we think we are limited on what we can do. I have been fighting those words my whole life. Not being able to afford to go to college did not stop me from seeking education. The internet was a very powerful tool I used to seek knowledge. I taught my self programing, system administration and graphic design. The work paid off and I landed a full-time job as a system administrator! I used that opportunity to help my family pay bills and save some money to start my college education. After loosing my job during COVID and not being able to land a new job I decided it was time to return to my education. Summer 2021 I started my first year in college. I went back to the internet to teach myself algebra, geometry, trig, and pre-calc. I knew to save money and time I had to place into Calc 1, and I did! My goal is to finish my degree and continue studying while opening up my own summer camp. In the summer camp I want inspire kids in Detroit that anything is possible, and to not give up hope. I had no one to guide me in the right direction so I know how it feels to be lost. Education is important, but guidance is crucial. *Update* I finished my pre-engineering degree of 67 credits in just one year! Many told me it was not going to be possible, but I knew I could prove them wrong. I transferred to U of M’s dual EECE program and feel more motivated than ever!

Education

University of Michigan-Dearborn

Bachelor's degree program
2022 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Electrical and Computer Engineering

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Research in renewable energy

    • Dream career goals:

      Engineer

    • System Administrator

      Creative Solutions Group
      2017 – 20214 years

    Sports

    Weightlifting

    Club
    2017 – Present7 years

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Uni — helper
      2013 – 2014

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Mary P. Perlea Scholarship Fund
    As a kid in school, I had no idea what opportunities this country had to offer. I heard titles like doctor, engineer, and contractor, but I did not know what they really meant. Growing up as a minority we think we are limited on what we can do. I have been fighting those words my whole life. Not being able to afford to go to college did not stop me from seeking education. The internet was a very powerful tool I used to seek knowledge. I taught my self programing, system administration and graphic design. The work paid off and I landed a full-time job as a system administrator! I used that opportunity to help my family pay bills and save some money to start my college education. Summer 2021 I started my first year in college. I went back to the internet to teach myself algebra, geometry, trig, and pre-calc. I knew to save money I had to place into Calc 1, and I did! My goal is to finish my degree and continue studying while opening up my own summer camp. In the summer camp I want inspire kids in Detroit that anything is possible, and to not give up hope. I had no one to guide me in the right direction so I know how it feels to be lost. Education is important, but guidance is crucial.
    Destinie’s Dollars for Degrees Scholarship
    I would start by explaining what college is really like. From my experience I thought college was usually 4-year bachelor’s degree minimum or it was not worth it. After attending college and meeting people with different goals my views were changed. There's trade school, which is something I did not hear about during high school. I feel that many people don’t know the full opportunities a college has to offer. On top of that the connections you make can last a lifetime.
    Snap Finance “Funding the Future” Scholarship
    As a kid in school, I had no idea what opportunities this country had to offer. I heard titles like doctor, engineer, and contractor, but I did not know what they really meant. Growing up as a minority we think we are limited on what we can do. I have been fighting those words my whole life. Not being able to afford to go to college did not stop me from seeking education. The internet was a very powerful tool I used to seek knowledge. I taught my self programing, system administration and graphic design. The work paid off and I landed a full-time job as a system administrator! I used that opportunity to help my family pay bills and save some money to start my college education. Summer 2021 I started my first year in college. I went back to the internet to teach myself algebra, geometry, trig, and pre-calc. I knew to save money I had to place into Calc 1, and I did! My goal is to finish my degree and continue studying while opening up my own summer camp. In the summer camp I want inspire kids in Detroit that anything is possible, and to not give up hope. I had no one to guide me in the right direction so I know how it feels to be lost. Education is important, but guidance is crucial.