Luis Silva
Coming to the United States from Mexico for the first time at age 13, Luis Silva dreamed of owning a pair of in-line skates and riding them on sidewalks, which his town in Mexico did not have.
His parents dreamed of providing a better life for their kids.
To pursue that dream meant Silva had to learn a new language and a new culture, often with difficult challenges to overcome. He joined his parents in seasonal farm work in the Wenatchee area, picking cherries and apples. When he started his U.S. schooling, he was placed a year behind his classmates and had to work to catch up. In many of his high school classes, there was no help with translating. Because he was the first in his family to go to college, he had to navigate the system without the support that many students typically have.
Silva is now the first of his family to graduate from college, receiving his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
As he began his schooling, Silva quickly determined that he liked math. His interest in engineering as a career grew when a friend suggested it. A counselor at Wenatchee Community College guided him toward mechanical engineering, which, the counselor said, would have a wide variety of career possibilities.
During his time at WSU, he received support, particularly, from Student Support Services and from faculty members, who helped him with everything from navigating his classes to finding scholarships. When he wanted to spend the summer working for a faculty member, he was able to get scholarship support to help him meet his living expenses from the Honors College.
He also received support from the Team Mentoring program and eventually grew to become a mentor himself. And, for fun, Silva organized WSU’s first-ever mariachi band.
Through his time at WSU, Silva learned to overcome his natural shyness and began contributing to groups and expressing his ideas. “I became a stronger leader,’’ he says.
Silva eventually did get his skates and a first taste of the American dream. His parents and siblings will attend his graduation, and then he leaves for Louisiana, where he will start working as an engineer for International Paper.
“I’ve been blessed with people who have given me the support and the courage to continue,’’ he said.
His parents dreamed of providing a better life for their kids.
To pursue that dream meant Silva had to learn a new language and a new culture, often with difficult challenges to overcome. He joined his parents in seasonal farm work in the Wenatchee area, picking cherries and apples. When he started his U.S. schooling, he was placed a year behind his classmates and had to work to catch up. In many of his high school classes, there was no help with translating. Because he was the first in his family to go to college, he had to navigate the system without the support that many students typically have.
Silva is now the first of his family to graduate from college, receiving his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
As he began his schooling, Silva quickly determined that he liked math. His interest in engineering as a career grew when a friend suggested it. A counselor at Wenatchee Community College guided him toward mechanical engineering, which, the counselor said, would have a wide variety of career possibilities.
During his time at WSU, he received support, particularly, from Student Support Services and from faculty members, who helped him with everything from navigating his classes to finding scholarships. When he wanted to spend the summer working for a faculty member, he was able to get scholarship support to help him meet his living expenses from the Honors College.
He also received support from the Team Mentoring program and eventually grew to become a mentor himself. And, for fun, Silva organized WSU’s first-ever mariachi band.
Through his time at WSU, Silva learned to overcome his natural shyness and began contributing to groups and expressing his ideas. “I became a stronger leader,’’ he says.
Silva eventually did get his skates and a first taste of the American dream. His parents and siblings will attend his graduation, and then he leaves for Louisiana, where he will start working as an engineer for International Paper.
“I’ve been blessed with people who have given me the support and the courage to continue,’’ he said.
Student Highlight
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College: College of Engineering and Architecture (School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering) |
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Degree: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering |
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High School: Wenatchee High School, Wenatchee, Wash. |
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Other Colleges Attended: Wenatchee Valley College, Wenatchee, Wash., 2004-2007, Science Transfer Degree |
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Career Goal: After graduation, Silva will start working as an engineer for International Paper in Louisiana. |
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Parents: Adela and Joel Silva of Wenatchee, Wash. |