Reprint from the Progress Times - September 5, 2008
©Progress Times 2008 - All Rights Reserved

 

Math, science, famiy values pave way for STC alum

 

By Helen J. Escobar

Acclaimed writer Andre Gide said, “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

A value instilled by family and tradition, 21-year-old South Texas College alum and Mission High School graduate Mario Alberto Reyna lives by these words each day.

Mario Alberto is the second generation of the Reyna family living in the United States. His parents believe that through hard work and dedication one can achieve anything. Education has always been emphasized as a way to become a better and productive citizen and each generation in his family has been a stepping stone to help the preceding generation reach higher altitudes in life.

 “My biggest dream in life is to raise a family and, if I become half the man my father is, then I’ll know I’ve done a pretty good job,” said Mario Alberto.

His father, Mario Reyna, STC’s division dean of business and technology, has been a solid role model for his son, fostering his fascination with math and science. Mario Alberto graduated from STC with Associate of Science Degrees in Math and Physics and went on to study civil engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

When other students avoid the trials and tribulations of math and science courses, Mario Alberto is the first to sign up.

“I love the adrenaline rush that my university physics and calculus classes give me,” he said.

His dedication to math and science has paid off. He was recently awarded UTSA’s Dwight D. Eisenhower Scholarship, a $7,500 scholarship awarded to outstanding students entering a professional field related to transportation.

“To be honest…this scholarship is more for my parents than for me,” he said. “They have been, and continue to be, extremely supportive of my higher education. They have helped fund my tuition and expenses and so I wanted to earn this scholarship to prove that their dedication and belief in me has paid off.”

 

As part of the award, Mario Alberto will attend a national conference for the National Highway Research Board in Washington, D.C., where he will have the opportunity to hear from speakers on materials, design, and construction of evolving highway projects.

In addition to applying his skills to benefit his future, he is also using his abilities to help others who may not share his passion and innate abilities.

 “I work as a tutor at UTSA, helping students through their math and science courses. I enjoy it because math and science comes naturally to me and I know that other students struggle. It’s fulfilling to be able to use my skills to benefit others. My parents, as well as the rest of my family, are strong believers in helping others and have instilled that value in me.”

 Upon graduation in 2009, Mario Alberto hopes to work overseas, possibly in the Middle East, using his newly found civil engineering skills.

 “I think it would be awesome to see the diverse cultures that the world has to offer, along with working with fellow engineering professionals and learning new techniques, as well as applying my budding engineering talents to help build and, in some cases, rebuild transportation systems,” he said.

 While people his age find interest in the hottest clubs or video games, Mario Alberto is a firm believer that “Good things come to those who wait” and he is paving a strong foundation for a long and prosperous life.