Earl Woods Scholar Alumnus Eduardo Muñoz has hit a couple of “speed bumps,” as he calls them, throughout his personal and professional journey. However, raised in a family that instilled in him and modeled unwavering determination, no obstacle ever took him off course. When his own father faced health issues several years ago, Eduardo took from the situation life lessons that have steered him through his undergraduate days at Allegheny College and onto his now former professional career at Edwards Life Sciences.
“My father taught me how to hold onto my goals in mind, face the challenges, and come out the other end through perseverance and determination. I learned that giving up may seem like the easiest option, but it doesn’t hold the dreams or happiness I would be aiming for. Giving up is now never an option.”
Empowered by his experiences working in a science lab, Eduardo discovered a need to shift his career path. He is currently working toward a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at California State University, Fullerton.
TGR Foundation: What is your passion and why?
Eduardo Muñoz: My passions lie in the discovery and understanding of how the physical world functions and the application of this knowledge towards further discovery and a more prosperous future for humanity.
TGRF: When have you felt most empowered?
EM: The most empowered I have ever felt was in a laboratory working towards discovering new bits of information and data that expands our collective understanding of ourselves and what we can do with the tools we have.
TGRF: How has your journey been shaped by education?
EM: Having been exposed to professors from various fields of study has had the biggest impact on my education. Due to their different perspectives and heartfelt advice, I’ve been able to understand myself and my academic interests to a further degree than I would’ve been able to without them.
TGRF: What has been your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?
EM: My biggest challenge has probably been deciding to commit to pursuing a different route for graduate school than what I originally intended when I began college. It wasn’t a matter of one path being easier to walk than another, but rather understanding that this newly forged path is something I truly want to pursue and excites me.
TGRF: How are you using your education and experiences to empower other students like you?
EM: Learning about the world and oneself as a person is a life-long process. Chances are they’ll hit a speed bump along the way; they’ll probably stumble and fall, and that’s fine. What matters most is having the courage to get back up and keep moving forward with the hard-earned lessons and people who have supported them in tow.
Redefining what it means to be a champion.
The Earl Woods Scholar Program is funded through support from TGR Live Events, State Street, Farmers Insurance, Aptive Environmental and Bank of the West. Join us to Empower The Journey of more students like Grace in this season of giving. With a $41K match from our Board of Governors, all donations made on Giving Tuesday, December 3, through the end of the year will be matched, dollar for dollar. Click here to learn more and donate today.
