MESA Student Profiles

Maria Mendez
Skyline High School

Maria is the first in her family to attend college, however, education has always been a priority in the Mendez home. Witnessing her father and grandfather endure long hours in the fields of California, Maria was inspired by the hardships of her family to attend college and value her education.

As a member of MESA since 2003, Maria has been both an officer of the organization and a middle school mentor. She has achieved her goal of being on the honor roll all three years of high school. In addition to her academic achievements, Maria has received many awards for academic excellence including the Society of Women Engineers Highest Honor in Math and Science. She is involved in the Pre-Collegiate Development Program at the University of Colorado at Boulder and an active volunteer in the community. Maria volunteers regularly as a peer tutor and with local senior citizens. Congratulations, Maria, on receiving 2007 Lockheed Martin Scholarship Award. We wish you success in all your future endeavors.

Carlos Castillo
North High School

Carlos is a young man who refuses to given into lives challenges. For the past several years, Carlos has helped care for his younger siblings after school while his parents are working and work part-time. He writes in his essay that challenges are nothing new; he actually enjoys and prospers from lives experiences.

In school, Carlos' teachers describe him as an intelligent, bright, enthusiastic and compassionate person, who is always willing to help others. He has consistently exceeded expectations and understands his strengths and weaknesses.

Carlos has been a member of MESA for 3 years. He played an essential role in the design and construction of the team's mousetrap car and trebuchet. In addition, Carlos has received several awards including the Academic Achievement Award and the Colorado Youth Leadership Award.

In addition to his academic success, Carlos volunteers regularly at the Children's Hospital shadowing staff on their rounds and assisting patients. He has witnessed several members of his family endure years of medical problems and the inequity of our health system. As a result, Carlos will be attending college in the fall to receive his degree in the medical profession. Carlos, congratulations on your success and receiving the 2007 Charlie Farel Scholarship Award.

Qiany Nikki Chen
Roy J Wasson High School
Grade 11

Nikki has participated in MESA for over 3 years. She joined MESA because she wanted to challenge her math and science skills. She feels MESA has taught and will continue to teach her team work, and improve her math and science skills. In addition, Nikki is involved in her community as a volunteer for the Wasson Saturday Academy, where she donates her time cleaning the community and tutoring students in math and science. Beyond those activities, she works at her family's restaurant, maintains a 4.3 GPA and challenges herself by enrolling in honors Pre-Calculus, Physics and AP Art and Physics. She is always willing to share her knowledge and experiences with others. She is described by her teachers as humble, a model student, and a leader.