CHS Student Invited to Select Camp

By R. Gabriel Villalobos

When 15-year-old David Hernandez opened his family’s mailbox last month, he received a life-changing opportunity—an invitation letter to the University of California, Berkeley’s Engineering Summer Program. “I was shocked,” David said.

The Carlsbad High School sophomore is one of a select group of students nationwide invited to the intensive summer program, where participants live on campus while exploring various engineering disciplines through hands-on projects, lectures, and lab work.

Unlike typical academic programs, David didn’t apply—Berkeley found him. He believes the university identified him through his College Board account, which highlights his academic interests and career goals. He learned later that his friend also got an invitation to the same program, and they’re both excited for this educational adventure.

His parents were equally surprised. “We’re so proud,” his mother, Celina, said.

Looking around the family home, it’s obvious that someone has a passion for building Lego projects. Towering structures and functional models with moving parts are proudly positioned on shelves and side tables. There are even some Lego projects hanging on the walls. David’s passion for engineering started young. As a child, he spent hours constructing elaborate Lego sets, often finishing complex builds in a single night.

“He’d stay up all night putting together these huge sets,” his father, David Sr, recalled. “By morning, he’d have the whole thing done.”

That early fascination grew into academic dedication. David is part of his high school’s early college program, where he’ll earn college credits before graduating. He also competes in the Science Bowl, a fast-paced quiz competition that covers advanced STEM topics.

At Berkeley, David hopes he can learn more about 3D printing and electrical engineering. His middle school had a tech lab that allowed students to explore different technology-based problems and solutions each week. One of those was 3D printing, and he really liked it.

“I think I’ll like electrical engineering too,” he said. “It just seems like something I’d be good at and a discipline that I could get into. But I’m open to discovering something new. There’s an area of engineering that has to do with blueprinting a grid and building a water map.”

David’s father chimed in, “It’s how we figure out where pipes go and how to move water around.”

Attending the program required fundraising, and David took the lead in this effort. With help from his parents, he visited local businesses, many of which donated items for a fundraiser. Someone donated a hand wash auto detailing service; another area business donated a facial; there were some purses and jewelry. They raffled the items and raised money that way.

“The community really came through,” said David’s mom. “Even our bank contributed.”

David hopes the program helps him choose a career path. “There are so many engineering fields,” he said. “I want to find the one that fits me best.”

His parents see this as just the beginning. “At 15, he’s already getting these opportunities,” Maria said. “Who knows what’s next? I just hope it will help him to open more doors.”

For other students, David’s advice is simple: “Go for every opportunity you can. You never know where it might lead.”

As he prepares for his California adventure, David isn’t worried about the unfamiliar environment. He took a trip to the East Coast last year and visited nine different states. That time, his mom went with him, but this time he’ll be going on his own.

“I’m nervous, but he’s mature,” his dad said. “We have family in the Bay Area, too, though, so that helps. I just hope it will help him fulfill his dreams, whatever he chooses to do.”