Jessica Salazar-Aparicio was named one of the seven Brookdale graduates who will receive the Outstanding Student Award at the commencement ceremonies on May 16. The awards recognize student academic excellence, community service, and personal accomplishments.
Salazar-Aparicio will continue her education in the fall at either Stevens Institute of Technology or the New Jersey Institute of Technology. She is pursuing a mechanical engineering degree and has a master’s in aerospace engineering on her career radar screen as well.
From an early age, aviation fascinated Salazar-Aparicio. It was only natural that her career plans gravitated in that direction as well. Her dream job is in the aerospace industry building airplanes or spaceships.
Enlightening is the word she used to describe her tenure at Brookdale, adding that Brookdale guided her to what she enjoys most, namely mathematics, physics and engineering.
“The teachers have been super helpful in helping me succeed in my goals,” said Salazar-Aparicio. She added that campus clubs supplemented her learning and helped to forge new friendships.
She served as president of the Physics and Astronomy club & WEST club and was also active in the Chemistry Society, Engineering Association, Math club and The National Society of Leadership and Success.
She added that forming study groups was another great way to increase her understanding of the subject matter and gain perspective and insight from her fellow students.
Salazar-Aparicio said she was truly humbled at being named one of the Outstanding Student Award winners. “It’s an honor and reflection of hard work that’s paid off,” she said.
“Attending Brookdale has been one of the best decisions I have made. Coming from high school and being undecided on my major to knowing exactly what I want to pursue as a major was a huge step for me. The professors were a great influence on the direction I chose in my major. All of my engineering, physics, and math professors were so passionate and great at teaching. Their passion became mine. The academic experience at Brookdale is excellent, it’s a supportive environment and the cost is affordable.”
-Jessica Salazar-Aparicio
“The Outstanding Student Award Winners excelled academically and helped to make the Brookdale campus even more vibrant and engaging through their leadership and involvement in student clubs, organizations and activities. Their positive impact and community service extended beyond Brookdale, and I know that we’ll see more great accomplishments from them in the coming years.”
-President David Stout
Photo caption:
Jessica Salazar-Aparicio looks toward career in aviation.