College : Fresno State Career Goal : Software Engineer
About Marco : Marco Suarez ’ s love for science , technology , engineering and math – known as STEM – was evident as he navigated through his time at Sunnyside High School . He excelled in all his advanced placement ( AP ) courses with AP Computer Science being his favorite . He served as president of the Robotics Club and was an active member of the Science and Math Club . Despite his family struggling financially and having friends join gangs growing up , Marco chose to focus his time and energy on his education . Marco is one of six siblings and knows wholeheartedly that his parents did the best they could with what they had . They are in fact the motivation that drives Marco to achieve his very best .
As a top scholarship winner , Marco looks forward to using his funds to pay for books , a new laptop and some of his living expenses .
He enjoys building Legos , exercising , skateboarding , solving Rubik ’ s Cubes and hanging out with his friends .
In his words : “ As a kid , my father always told me that my mind is the most powerful tool . He would tell me whatever I set my mind to , I can achieve . So , I ’ ve lived by that motto every day since .”
From English teacher Sara Price : “ Marco Suarez is that rare kind of student you only get maybe once or twice in your career . He has an easy attitude coupled with a fierce internal drive to do his best . He doesn ’ t notice if he is outperforming anyone else because his competition is only with himself . Added to all this , he knows himself well and is able to admit to flaws or failures without equivocation .”
31