The Answer - A blog about Education, Preparation, and Commitment.

Alumni Spotlight: Harun Perez, YES Prep Southeast Class of 2005

May 18, 2011 by Tenesha Villanueva

Harun Perez graduated from YES Prep Southeast in 2005.  He attended University of South Alabama where he majored in Mechanical Engineering and graduated in 2010.  Harun works at Hargrove Engineers + Constructors in Mobile, AL as a Mechanical/Piping Designer. 

Harun on his experience at YES Prep…

What is your favorite YES Prep memory?

During spring break in my senior year, the Habitat for Humanity group traveled to Santa Fe, New Mexico to volunteer. I remember the long drive, the late nights, writing all over the van and the snow ball fights. Also, my 18^thbirthday happened to be during the trip.

 Name the teacher/staff member who had the greatest impact on you and why.

Mr. Keith Desrosiers is a great math teacher; he taught me Algebra II, Pre-Calculus and AP Calculus in high school. He challenged me and expected the best out of me; I always pushed myself to exceed. Thanks to Mr. Desrosiers, my love for math grew.

 How do you feel YES Prep best ensured you were college-ready?

While at YES Prep, I played in soccer, worked middle school study hall, and had many hours of homework. With a busy schedule at YES Prep, I learned how to manage my time.

 Knowing what you know now, what one piece of advice would you give to current YES Prep students?

I would tell current YES Prep students to work hard but to enjoy every second of middle and high school. Seven years at YES may seem like a long time but when you are reminiscing on those days, it seems as if time was in a rush. I remember being in college and wishing I was back in high school and wishing I could relive those days.

Harun on his experience in college…

What was your most difficult experience/time in college?  How did you overcome it?

My most difficult time in college was when I had to transfer from Spring Hill College (SHC) to the University of South Alabama (USA). SHC is a small school with a close community of faculty and students and I made many friends in two years. When I transferred to a larger school (USA), I did not know anybody; I had to start all over again.

Fortunately, SHC is about five minutes away from USA so I was able to visit friends often. Also, USA has an engineering program so I spent three years with the same classmates. Tough classes led to study groups so I was able to meet many people.

What two or three qualities or characteristics within yourself were most important in helping you attain your college degree?

Being a quick learner was beneficial in many ways. I worked while I was in college so I had a limited amount of time for homework and studying. In my senior year, I taught myself how to use a 3D modeling program in less than two weeks by using online tutorials.

When times were tough, I never gave up. I pushed myself through projects, tests, lab reports and seven-page homework assignments because I knew it was one step closer to graduation. I always told myself that all the hard work I put in today will one day pay off.

How did you become involved on your college campus?

In my junior year, I was invited to join Tau Beta Pi: The Engineering Honor Society. I was elected Treasurer for my senior year. I also volunteered for the different activities that Tau Beta Pi put together such as giving tours of the engineering buildings to middle school students. I was also part of soccer and softball intramurals.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment since graduation from YES Prep and/or college?  Why? 

My greatest accomplishment is graduating cum laude from college while working an average of twenty-five hours a week as a server. It was tough but I was able to balance my time between school, work, and extracurricular activities.

Describe your life now.  Where do you work?  What are your hobbies outside of work (if any)?  Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

I am currently enjoying life, married and working at Hargrove Engineers + Constructors in the Piping Department.  I enjoy reading books and hanging out with my wife and friends. I also enjoy spending quality time with my dog, Hermione. In five years, I see myself, my wife and my dog in our own house instead of an apartment. I also see myself working hard at Hargrove.

Is there any other information you feel should be highlighted in your spotlight? 

I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for YES Prep. I am grateful for everything that YES Prep did for me.  I am fortunate to personally know Chris Barbic since I was a sixth grader when he was principal of the first YES campus at the TBH parking lot. I was sad to hear about Chris stepping down as the President of YES but I know he will do great in Tennessee. I am also fortunate that I personally know Jason Bernal since I was a sixth grader. I also remember the days in which Jason drove the van and picked up the students from the southwest area. Congratulations to Jason for being unanimously voted as the next President of YES. 

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