Vincent Esparza, a student at Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC), has been recognized for his academic and leadership achievements in STEM fields. After graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in the San Fernando Valley, Esparza initially attended college while focusing on baseball. He later took time off to work and reconsider his goals.
His return to education was influenced by his wife, Kayla, who was previously named Student of the Week. “Seeing her go back made me realize I needed to take advantage of my chance to get an education,” Esparza said. He re-enrolled at LAMC in the summer of 2023 with a renewed commitment to his studies.
Esparza began as a computer science major but shifted to engineering after discovering a strong interest in the field. “I’ve always loved math and science,” he said. “Electrical engineering felt broader, more interesting, and something I could see myself doing long-term.”
The Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program at LAMC played an important role in his development. Esparza described MESA as “a huge help in my academic career.” He credited the program with providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities that guided his progress. “Programs like MESA open doors, but you have to put in the time. The more you invest, the more opportunities you’ll find,” he said.
Esparza also serves as president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) at LAMC. In this role, he works to support other STEM students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. He is scheduled to attend the SHPE National Conference in Philadelphia later this month. “I want to bring back opportunities and connections for everyone in the club,” he said.
During the past summer, Esparza gained practical experience through an internship with Caltrans, where he assisted with traffic electrical design projects on the Pacific Coast Highway following wildfire damage. One of his projects involved redesigning electrical systems for an intersection. “It was exciting to contribute to something real that will impact people’s lives,” he said.
Esparza plans to graduate from LAMC with an associate degree in mathematics and transfer to a four-year university. His preferred institutions include UCLA, USC, and CSUN, where he intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and possibly continue on to graduate studies.
