Going from not liking school to being on the road to becoming an engineer may come across as conflicting. However, Jorge Sandoval is proof that you can change just about any paradigm.
When Jorge Sandoval graduated high school, he didn’t know what his future would look like or what he wanted to do next, especially because school was not really his thing. But, because his sister was enrolled at GateWay Community College, he decided to take a chance on college. What happened next was life changing.
In his first year at GateWay, he registered for beginning math courses to fulfill his prerequisites. While attending those classes, his view on education and math changed completely.
Sandoval said, “I found awesome professors and staff like Shannon Ruth and Rachel De Alejandro. They not only guided me and taught me math, but placed a desire to work hard for an education and a love for math.”
From that moment, he went from taking math classes as a prerequisite to making them the focus of his new official major, engineering. “My experience at GateWay was one of my best academic and life experiences for many reasons. At GateWay, I was able to find the guidance that I needed in my life, especially as a first-generation college student who recently graduated from high school,” added Sandoval.
Sandoval also was able to make lifelong connections with friends and other professionals and developed a passion for hard work while attending GateWay. Using what he has learned every day, he has pushed himself to a greater goal.
“I feel that if I would have chosen another school, I would not be where I am today. They taught me to believe that I can accomplish my goals by working hard, regardless of my background and any obstacle that stood before me,” he said.
After graduating from GateWay in 2018 with his Associate Degree, he has continued on at Arizona State University and is close to finishing the mechanical engineering program. While his future looks like it will have no bounds, he will never forget where it all started.
“After GateWay, I feel that I am an educated individual who can take on any major because I was so well prepared there,” Sandoval said. “I can say that I feel more confident in myself and ready to enter the workforce. My life has changed because of GateWay.”
As far as sharing advice to current and future college students trying to find their path, he said, “Don’t think you’re not qualified, because that’s what your classes are for. Don’t let anyone discourage you or stop you from reaching your goals, because if I can do it, you can do it too!”
To learn more about the Math programs, visit https://www.gatewaycc.edu/mathematics