Student Spotlight

Eduardo Soto

Eduardo Soto is a Computer Science major at Golden West College with a long-standing interest in technology. Growing up around computers, he became curious about how they worked after helping his dad troubleshoot tech issues at home. That curiosity eventually led him to explore online learning, including introductory computer science content he discovered on YouTube and Harvard’s online resources while still in high school. Eduardo’s high school experience was not always straightforward, but after transferring schools and graduating early, he chose to continue his education at GWC to prove to himself and his family that he could succeed academically.

At GWC, Eduardo was drawn to MESA after hearing about the program during a class presentation and through a counselor referral. He joined hoping to connect with other STEM majors and quickly found a community that helped him feel more comfortable in the field. Through MESA he built friendships, participated in study groups, and even secured a job through the program. Being part of the STEM Center community helped him overcome his naturally quiet and reserved tendencies and gave him a stronger sense of belonging in STEM, something he had not always felt before college.

Eduardo is focused on finishing the year strong with the goal of earning all As and maintaining his motivation. He plans to transfer to either UC Irvine or Cal State Fullerton, where he hopes to pursue cybersecurity through specialized programs offered at both universities. Along the way, he continues developing his technical skills, recently building his own virtual home lab to explore cybersecurity concepts and hands-on system work. Hearing about how others navigate challenges in STEM motivates him to keep pushing forward and reminds him that persistence matters.

Like many students, Eduardo has faced moments of stress and anxiety while balancing coursework and expectations. Through those experiences he has learned the importance of pacing himself, understanding his limits, and focusing on long-term goals rather than pushing himself too hard all at once. His advice to other students beginning their STEM journey is simple but honest: keep trying, especially when things feel difficult, because those moments are often when the most learning happens. Outside of school, Eduardo enjoys listening to music, drawing, and spending time in the STEM Center, his favorite place to study on campus.

Nelson Baltazar

Nelson Baltazar is a Mechanical Engineering major at Golden West College and a proud first-generation college student of Mexican and Guatemalan heritage. His path into engineering started in a surprisingly simple way. At first, he thought mechanical engineering just sounded like a cool major. He originally planned to become a mechanic, but his dad encouraged him to stick with engineering, believing Nelson had the ability to succeed in the field. That encouragement helped push him to pursue a degree that could open more opportunities for his future.

Nelson chose Golden West College because it was affordable, local, and allowed him to continue his education close to home. He later joined MESA after learning it was a program designed to support STEM majors. Through MESA, he found both academic resources and a community of students taking similar classes. The program has helped him connect with peers, share advice about coursework, and better prepare for future classes. As a MESA Peer Ambassador, Nelson has also helped host study groups and social events, giving him the chance to meet more students and strengthen the sense of community within the program.

Adjusting from high school to college was one of Nelson’s biggest challenges. He quickly realized that college requires more independence, especially when it comes to studying and completing coursework outside of class. Over time, he has learned to manage his workload, ask questions, and advocate for himself when he needs help. One accomplishment he is proud of is successfully completing his first semester and pushing through the initial transition into college-level work.

Nelson’s goals are straightforward and honest. He wants to pass his classes, transfer, build a stable career in mechanical engineering, and ultimately help support his family. Seeing the financial challenges his parents have faced motivates him to keep working toward a career that can provide long-term stability. His advice to students starting their STEM journey is simple: stay focused, push through the challenges, and find a community that supports you along the way. Outside of school, Nelson enjoys playing video games like Call of Duty, FIFA, and Fortnite, spending time with friends and family, traveling, and listening to funk music. And if there’s one thing people quickly notice about him, it’s his sense of humor—he’s always laughing and making others laugh too.

Thao Mai

Thao is a third year Industrial Engineering major who will be transferring to Cal Poly Pomona in Fall 2026. Go Broncos! Her journey into STEM was driven by a desire to improve public health and create better products and systems for communities that deserve stronger support and quality of life. That purpose continues to guide her academic and professional goals.

She was drawn to Golden West College for its welcoming environment and quickly found community through MESA. At first unsure of what career path to pursue, it was through MESA events, conferences, and field trips that she discovered a direction that truly aligned with her interests. Over time, she grew more confident in her place within STEM. Through programs like Puente and EOPS, participating in NASA funded competitions, attending the Puente Math and Science Summer Academy at UC Berkeley, and serving as the founding Vice President of the MESA Club, Thao built both leadership skills and clarity about her future. She also worked in the Math and Science Division Office and now works with the Puente Program at GWC, continuing to give back to the community that supported her. Most recently, receiving her first college acceptance was a major milestone. In high school, she was not sure that opportunity would come, and now it stands as proof that she is building the future she once questioned.

One of Thao’s biggest challenges was navigating uncertainty. She changed her major several times before finding Industrial Engineering, learning that growth sometimes requires patience and exploration. That experience shaped the advice she now gives others: be diligent, stay curious, and do not give up even when you feel lost. Paths are rarely straight, and there is nothing wrong with changing direction if it brings you closer to what fits. Motivated by creating a stable future for herself and her loved ones, she is currently applying for summer internships and focused on finishing the semester strong before transferring. Outside of class, you can often find her studying in the MESA space or binging Disney and Pixar movies. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue supporting younger students in STEM, not only as a professional, but as a mentor who helps others explore and discover what is possible.

Nagham Almerie

Nagham (she/her) is a second-year Physics and Mathematics major whose love for STEM started long before college. Growing up in Jordan, science and math always made the most sense to her thanks to teachers who made physics exciting and a family that encouraged her curiosity. When she moved to the U.S. late in high school and chose GWC during a period of uncertainty, she didn’t expect to find a second home so quickly. MESA reminded her of the leadership roles she enjoyed such as Link Crew at Westminster High School and gave her a place full of people who think, dream, and work with the same drive she does.

She is the kind of student who genuinely enjoys learning whether it is physics, math, engineering, or anything that challenges her. Nagham hopes to earn a master's degree in physics or engineering (with a growing interest in mechanical & aerospace engineering) and is aiming for campuses such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Irvine, or UC San Diego. She has been deeply involved during her time at Golden West College, participating in Puente, Aspire, MESA, serving as a tutor, peer mentor, MESA Club president, and taking part in programs such as the Future Leaders Initiative at UCI and NASA L’Space Academy. Balancing family responsibilities, heavy course loads, and extracurriculars takes real discipline, but her time management skills and determination help her stay "locked-in" each semester.

For Nagham, MESA has been a game changer. She has built meaningful friendships, found encouragement among other high achieving students, and even jokes that the MESA Office is her second office. A standout moment was the Great Minds in STEM San Diego conference, which shifted her thinking about transferring and showed her that she can thrive even far from home. With her outgoing energy and grounded outlook, her advice to new STEM students is simple: “Make sure you truly connect with what you study because passion is what carries you through the toughest challenges.”