Spotlight On NAF Next 2024 Student Speaker: Wilmar Gálvez Alfonso
My name is Wilmar Gálvez Alfonso, and I’m a recent graduate of the NAF Academy of Engineering at Benito Cerezo Vázquez High School in Aguadilla, PR. I’m an aspiring astronaut, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be this year’s NAF Next Student Speaker!
Ever since I was a little girl, I would look up to the stars and wonder if I could explore beyond our planet. My mother is a former science teacher and always taught me the importance of science and technology. One of my most memorable childhood memories was when my mother used to manage the regional science fair. I vividly remember running around the gigantic ballroom, observing all the different projects presented. Seeing my mother’s enthusiasm to positively impact her students in the classroom during the annual science fairs motivated me to pursue my dream of becoming an astronaut.
Being raised in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, allowed me to develop an interest in aviation and aerospace with an airport in my backyard. Every day, I heard the whooshing sound of airplane engines and was fascinated watching the planes soar in the sky. Occasionally, my family would hear the sonic boom of fighter aircraft and I would run outside my home to see these awesome jets fly. I would ask my mother how planes flew, but my 6-year-old mind never seemed to understand her explanations—these moments throughout my childhood shaped my interest in STEM.
Despite this interest, I thought that pursuing a career as an engineer wasn’t an attainable career goal. I used to believe that for someone to become an astronaut, they could only be an astronomer or a mad scientist which you would only see in movies. It was later in life that I realized that it was possible for engineering to be a pathway into achieving my dream.
To pursue my goals, my mom and dad encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone, and thanks to them, I enrolled as a freshman in my high school’s NAF Engineering Academy. Joining this program was the first opportunity that allowed me to truly test my potential.. I started my high school journey during a global pandemic and in front of a computer screen.
After previously taking classes in English, I transitioned to a Spanish curriculum and struggled to learn advanced STEM concepts. Despite my hardships, I developed discipline, responsibility, and leadership in school. Thanks to my perseverance, teachers noticed my efforts, and each opportunity came one after another.
During the spring semester of my freshman year, I was the student speaker for the NAF Virtual Benefit. I remember conversing with Dr. Juan M. De Bedout, Chief Technology Officer at RTX, where he expressed how his grandfather influenced him to pursue a career in aerospace. His story truly inspired me because his career trajectory seemed to be very similar to how mine might develop. Being able to participate in this event introduced me to public speaking and allowed me to obtain my first skills in effective communication.
Some other valuable experiences include NAF’s internships and my participation in the FIRST Tech Challenge competition. After my sophomore year, I participated in the virtual NAF Future Ready Engineers Internship. Through this experience, I was able to test my knowledge of what I was taught in the classroom and utilized what I learned to design an engineering project proposal. While utilizing my skills in online research, virtual collaboration, and the ability to gather data, I designed an accessible shower that can help facilitate the showering process for people with mobility issues.
My most memorable experience with NAF was having the opportunity to participate in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) competition. Living on an island with poor STEM representation and being part of the pioneering FTC team in Puerto Rico allowed us to become advocates for STEM education within our island. During our rookie season, our team had to learn to build and code a robot within two months. At first, I thought it was impossible (pause), but the encouragement of our mentors allowed us to face adversity and learn how to look for alternative solutions to problems within the competition. They taught us to be resilient and perseverant and work as a team to overcome all adversity. Our involvement in FIRST allowed us to inspire communities across Puerto Rico. Our involvement within the STEM community in Puerto Rico influenced the development of the inaugural FIRST Tech Challenge competition in Puerto Rico, where my team obtained the Winning Alliance Captain Award, Motivate Award, and Connect Award.
Being with NAF allowed me to obtain lifelong skills that will not only help me achieve my dream of becoming an astronaut but also equipped me with the resources to successfully participate in various enrichment programs within Puerto Rico and the United States. My academy helped me obtain the skills to conduct scientific research, train like an astronaut, participate in flying programs where I’ve obtained 15 hours of flight training, and, most importantly, to inspire my community. Because of the skills and opportunities I gained, I earned a scholarship to attend Space Camp in Huntsville, AL, a few weeks ago. This life-changing experience got me one step closer to achieving my dreams.
NAF’s mission of helping students become future-ready also encourages me to positively impact students from underrepresented communities. Through my platform, “Wilmar Reaching for the Stars,” I’ve shared my achievements and showcased the endless opportunities available for students from all backgrounds. Here’s the QR code if you want to learn more about my trajectory.
After an unforgettable growth journey during high school, I will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as an aerospace engineering major. I am also a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholar, Amazon Future Engineer Scholar, Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Awardee, and Hagan Scholarship Foundation Scholar.
I want to emphasize that without you, our teachers, students wouldn’t have the building blocks they need to achieve their dreams. I personally thank every educator who has helped students like me become good citizens of society. You inspire us to improve the world, and most importantly, you teach us to always reach for the stars. The sky is just the beginning!
