Alejandro Garcia still remembers what it felt like to start fresh.
A soon-to-be graduate of Front Range Community College, he will earn his Associate of Engineering Science degree in electrical engineering this month.
He describes the milestone as a “really big deal,” marking the culmination of a journey that began in Guatemala and continued in Colorado in 2024. There, he had to quickly adapt to a new country and an entirely different education system.
Excelling In and Out of the Classroom
Before making the move, Alejandro was studying at Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, one of the most prestigious universities in his home country and Central America.
There, he completed four semesters of computer science and information technology engineering with an outstanding GPA, and he was recognized with a Diploma of Honor for Academic Merit.
While in Guatemala, he also served as an officer in the Computer Science Engineering Student Association and was active in the swimming club, running club and entrepreneurship extracurriculars on campus.
Opening Doors
Alejandro moved to the US with his family—he recalls receiving their green cards as “a long and meaningful process that opened up an incredible opportunity for all of us.”
“Even back when I was only visiting Colorado, it looked like a beautiful place full of opportunity,” he says.
“I was able to transfer my international credits to FRCC, which was really important for me,” Alejandro says.
“Understanding how transfer credits work and the community college pathway in the US took some getting used to,” he adds.
Navigating a Challenging Transition
Alejandro found the transition challenging, particularly as a first-generation college student. But what could have been a barrier became something positive.
“I’ve grown as an engineer, as a leader, as a student and as a part of this amazing community,” he says of the experience.
That growth was shaped by the environment he found at Front Range.
Impactful Support
“My experience here at FRCC has been really transformative,” Alejandro says. “Everyone wants you to succeed, and there are a lot of resources that you can use and ask for.”
He emphasizes the broader impact the college has had on his life.
“FRCC has played a crucial role in my academic and personal development by providing a supportive and inclusive environment,” he shares.
“For me, the true value of being part of FRCC lies in the quality of education, the people who make learning accessible and the doors that open for students like me to continue moving forward.”
Leadership Through Learning
Because of this experience, Alejandro has been inspired to help create those same opportunities for others.
As secretary of the FRCC Engineering Club, he manages logistics and communication, helping keep students engaged. As captain of the college’s NASA Colorado Space Grant robotics team, he leads a group designing a complex engineering project.
“We designed a bio-inspired hexapod rover,” he explains. “It’s autonomous. It’s been a real experience. I’ve learned a lot.”
These experiences, he says, have strengthened both his technical and leadership abilities while fostering collaboration across disciplines.
Academic Success
Academically, Alejandro has excelled, maintaining a 4.0 GPA while balancing leadership and work-study positions—and extracurricular involvement.
“I am especially proud of maintaining excellent academic performance while actively participating in engineering-related activities and leadership roles,” he says.
He is also a member of the national Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and works as a student assistant in both the Departments of Mathematics and Engineering and the Dean’s Office.
What Community Means
Even with all of those accomplishments, Alejandro returns often to one central theme: community.
“I am deeply grateful to everyone at FRCC who has supported me since my first day of classes,” he says, crediting advisors, mentors, professors and friends. “I feel a sense of community here and support from everyone on campus,” he adds.
‘All About My Family’
That support system extends beyond campus. His family has been essential to his success.
“They’re really emotional and excited about this moment,” Alejandro says of graduation. “This degree is not just mine. It’s about all my family.”
“Through education, commitment and community, I hope to multiply the opportunities I have received and become an agent of positive change for future generations.”
Paying It Forward
He is already working toward that goal. Outside of school, Alejandro founded the Academic Community of Exact Sciences in Guatemala, a student-led initiative that now supports more than 500 students.
The community is an academic support network serving students through 14 specialized study groups focused on mathematics and physics. After recognizing that many students struggled in courses that require strong numerical skills due to limited access to consistent academic support, Alejandro created the community to provide structured and accessible assistance beyond traditional tutoring hours.
“Sustaining this initiative has reinforced my belief that education is most powerful when driven by community and collaboration,” he says. “This project represents more than academic support; it demonstrates how student-led efforts can transform shared challenges into collective success.”
He continues to manage and expand the initiative remotely in his spare time. Through an open, STEAM‑based WhatsApp learning platform, Alejandro provides free tutoring, review materials and academic resources while serving as both a tutor and network coordinator.
What’s on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Alejandro’s plans are clear. After graduation, he will begin a research internship at the University of Colorado Boulder focused on robotics and drones before transferring to the Colorado School of Mines to complete his bachelor’s degree in engineering.
Long term, he aims to specialize in embedded systems and Internet of Things security. “My goal is to contribute to creating safer digital environments and to design and develop digital systems that automate processes,” he says.
He also envisions giving back through mentorship and service.
“As a first-generation student, I deeply value the support I have received. My goal is to inspire and empower the next generation of students,” he shares.
An Ending and a Beginning
For Alejandro, graduation is both an ending and a beginning. It’s proof of what he’s achieved and a reminder of what’s still ahead.
“I know this is just the first step in my academic journey,” he says. “I just want to do my best to finish the best way I can.”
As he reflects on everything it took to reach this moment, his message to others is straightforward.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” he says. “It makes a difference.”
