Career Roadmap
Esteban's work combines: Engineering, Technology, and Learning / Being Challenged
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Colonial High School
Bachelor's Degree
Engineering, General
Valencia College
Graduate Degree
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
University of Central Florida
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Telecommunications Engineering Specialists:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Engineering, General
Graduate Degree: Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I am from Colombia, I didn't know English at all. My parents brought me here at the age of 14.
2.
I hated the ESL program in High School. My first goal was to get out of it.
3.
Learned english 6 months later. Joined high school marching band, soccer, orchestra, and spanish club.
4.
Became the leader of my instrument section, and represented my high school in Spanish Club at state level.
5.
Represented high school in music band around all the state. Best math student of the year.
6.
Graduated with a 3.9 I think. I had in theory the potential to apply to a TON of scholarships but...
7.
I was denied to do so because I was not a resident. I wasn't able to continue my education for a year.
8.
I skipped 2 years when I came from Colombia because of my good grades (I think a have a great story).
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
Noise.... Well I was the best I could be at high school and I was denied to continue my education because of my legal status. Look how other friends are now studying, and you are not... all that stuff you did in high school was for nothing....
How I responded:
Well, don't let people tell you who you are... No one knows better who you are than yourself. Do not let negative comments or wrong ideas change your mind about things. Always have your ears ready to listen to everything, but also be ready to analyze what people are telling you, challenge other ideas, think about why they are bad or why they are good. Throw away what is trash, and keep all those ideas that can help you become better. Remember, because you listen to it doesn't mean you have to do it.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
You can't pay for education, that's why you are not studying... this is an excuse not a reality. Go find yourself a job, don't waste your salary in material stuff, save every penny and get an education, keep up your grades and scholarships are next.
Language is an obstacle, and as an obstacle it can be overcome. Socializing might be difficult since you come from another country. Find some friends, start with sports in public areas, learn the new culture and be open to new ideas.
To be honest, I didn't see this as a challenge. Just keep studying, be proud of yourself. Don't say "oh because I am the first in my family to go to college it is challenging." Actually be proud of it, make it your shield and your blade.