A career designing fuels and materials for rocket ships just got a lot closer for Mount Saint Mary Catholic High School senior Ian Torres-Acuña.
Ian, 18, was awarded a full four-year scholarship to study engineering at Washington University in St. Louis through the QuestBridge National College Match program that connects high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds with 42 of the nation’s top colleges.
“I’m so grateful. College is so expensive, and I wouldn’t have been able to pay for it,” Ian said.
“I really enjoy both chemical and aerospace engineering. What I want to do is join a research lab.”
“Since I can remember, I’ve looked up to NASA. Every nerd thinks NASA is the company they want to work for. It’s the future and I’m very futuristic.”
Ian is one of 1,464 seniors this year – from more than 18,500 applicants – who matched with a QuestBridge partner college.
Mount counselor Donna Williams said he is only the second student to receive the scholarship in her more than 20 years as a counselor.
“This once very timid, quiet yet resourceful and brilliant young man has navigated his high school career with impeccable character, determination and resilience,” Williams wrote in his QuestBridge application.
It started a bit shaky. Ian’s father brought him to live in Oklahoma from Mexico after his mother, Maria, died of cancer. He was 14 and knew only a little English.
“I was really scared. It was a brand-new world,” Ian said.
In Mexico, he was used to being the best in his English class. But, his first essay at the Mount was returned to him with “a bunch of red lines” marking his many mistakes. Ian said he called his English teacher in Mexico for help and pressed forward.
Williams said Ian worked hard to overcome the language barrier and earned a 5 in Advanced Placement English Language and Composition. He was designated an AP Scholar with Honors by the end of his junior year.
Although shy and self-conscious about his accent, Ian said he first found a comfortable place in the school’s robotics program. Channeling his passion for science, math, building and art, Ian has emerged as not just a leader, but a vital contributor and mentor, Williams said.
In addition to his schoolwork, Ian studied for and achieved citizenship during his sophomore year.
His father, Felimon Torres Rodriguez, had obtained dual citizenship earlier and worked in the United States for years before he brought Ian here.
“My mom didn’t want me to go initially,” Ian said. But, she changed her mind as threats from the drug cartels escalated.
“There was no future really in Mexico. Where I lived was one of the most dangerous places,” Ian said.
His father’s work as a technician for a family band of musicians takes him on the road a lot.
“Ian Torres derives inspiration and strength to carry on from his mom as she lives on in him as his constant inspiration to do his best and overcome any challenge presented. Often left to himself, as his dad worked, Ian matured in his problem solving, creative thinking and independence,” Williams wrote in the QuestBridge application.
“Ian’s thirst for knowledge and persistence in the pursuit of his dreams will take this young man to bounds that know no limits.”
K.S. McNutt is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.