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| Alan Kassab |
Alan Kassab has seen more than his share of challenges. A
father losing his business. His family losing their home to foreclosure. His
parents enduring a difficult divorce. But today, Kassab is thriving at Cuyamaca
College, where he is president of the Engineering Club and involved with
student government.
Topping it all off, the Valhalla High School graduate last
year took part in a prestigious NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars Program
at the NASA Aero Institute in Palmdale.
“It was an awesome experience,” he said. “And it motivated
me to continue pursuing my goal of becoming an aerospace engineer.”
Kassab’s dedication resulted in a $500 Barnes and Noble
Scholarship from the Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges, and he was
one of 132 recipients honored during a recent gala at Grossmont College
recognizing students’ accomplishments.
“I’m really thankful,” Kassab said. “Engineering books are
really expensive. I wouldn’t be able to afford them had it not been for this
scholarship.”
Kassab is on track to earn an associate degree in
engineering in 2018. Ultimately, he’d like to secure either a master’s degree
or a Ph.D. His goal: running his own aerospace engineering company.
He got a taste of the future when taking part in the NASA
Community College Aerospace Scholars Program. The program provides students
focusing on STEM studies an authentic NASA experience while encouraging them to
complete their associate degree and transfer to a four-year university en route
to a NASA-related career. Participants engage in numerous webinars, plan a
mission to Mars, work on a team project mentored by NASA engineers, tour NASA
facilities, compete in a robotics contest and attend briefings conducted by
leaders in their field.
Kassab has left an impression on more than a few people at
Cuyamaca College.
“Alan is a go-getter and a leader,” said engineering
instructor Duncan McGhehee. “He’s pretty involved on campus and I’m sure he’ll
be successful in his endeavors.”
It hasn’t always been easy. Kassab, 22, has struggled in
school in the past. He has been at Cuyamaca College since the fall of 2012, but
he says he became more determined, and focused in the months leading up to the
NASA experience.
“I’m going to do whatever I need for as long as I need to
get me to where I want to be,” said Kassab, who praised the support he has
received at Cuyamaca.
“I really like the environment. Pretty much everyone here is
super friendly. The entire staff is here to help you. The instructors are
willing to meet with you after class. You just get a sense that people care.”
