Alan Salceda, Fulbrighter at Rice University

WEBSITE(S)| Environmental Analysis Program

Program: Environmental Analysis
Home Country: Mexico
Universities: Tecnologico de Monterrey / Hochschule Esslingen
Languages: Spanish, English and German
Pronouns: he/him

 

I was born and raised in the arid city of Hermosillo, Mexico. I have 24 years old, and I am currently an engineer at Ford Motor Company. I always knew that I wanted to pursue a Master´s program in the United States, this is why, by being where I am feels like I am living my dream! I have always been engaged in student activities and I am a very active person. I have been invited to attend the OECD 2030 Project forum in Paris. I had the chance to advocate for students' perspectives on the future of education. I remained committed to this project for three years, representing Mexico internationally and becoming a voice for Mexican students.

When selecting a university, I faced a financial obstacle in pursuing my dream. However, my persistence earned me a 100% scholarship to attend Mexico's most prestigious university. This experience gave me the vision to seek improvement. In school, I got a new goal: to study in Europe, regardless of the more significant challenge of high costs. I studied a double degree program at Tecnologico de Monterrey and Hochschule Esslingen in Germany. During my time in Germany, my limited German language skills at that moment posed me a challenge in securing an internship. I sent out 117 applications, and fortune smiled upon me when I was accepted at BMW's headquarters, fulfilling my dream to work in the company that my father and I always dreamed of. In BMW, I realized that many leaders held master's degrees, and my peers actively pursued master's programs. My innate desire to compete motivated me to do the same.

When I returned to Mexico, I started to apply for the Fulbright scholarship. It was a highly competitive process, but I was honest during my interview. I expressed my long-standing dream of earning a master's degree in the United States and my unwavering commitment to making it happen. I am a big fan of the auto industry. I want to have a leadership role in innovating how the sustainable challenges for the future will be addressed. Soon, the parts to create electric vehicles will be another challenge to solve. I want to have a leadership role in creating a company that brings the solution on a global scale. I firmly believe in my ability to strategies and allies among my peers.

Throughout my life, I have recognized that not everyone starts from the same place, but we can all cross the same finish line. My vision for the future includes an environment where I can take pride in every aspect. The passion for supporting others, especially students, is a commitment that I have been working on, and I will continue to strive for more opportunities. I want to prepare myself to be the best person capable of creating and allowing others to cross the finish line.

What I like about Rice/Houston:

The supportive environment of Rice and the quality of education.

What I like about Fulbright:

The opportunity to educate ourselves to make our countries better. Plus, the global community it is!

Fun Fact about me:

I have always studied in excellent and private schools since high school with full tuition.