DJ Galvez credits former QHS counselor Teri Frazier's suggestion that he look into Mississippi State University's Summer Bridge Program in 2010 for much of the success he's having today in graduate school at MSU's James Worth Bagley School of Engineering. Now he stands next to current counselor Lasaundra King and speaks with QHS seniors who are interested in becoming an engineer like himself.
Galvez is excited about being able to give back to his former high school. He explains, "I'm so thankful that Mrs. Frazier took it upon herself to help me. I was good in mathematics and science. Going through the Summer Bridge Program helped me to adjust to college. Because I was good in math and science I didn't have to study in high school, but that can be a real hindrance when you go to college. You can't go to college with a high school mentality. The Summer Bridge Program taught me that."
Currently working on his master's degree in aerospace engineering with a minor in biological engineering is time consuming, but Galvez is hoping that he can encourage Quitman students to follow their dreams. He says, "There is a statistic out now that says by 2018 there will be 4,000,000 jobs unfilled in biomedical and aerospace engineering. We are in a revolutionary time. School is challenging, but I rely on my faith and hard work. I want these students to know that they can, too."
