Hugo Villafana is among the first students to achieve Base 11’s Victory Circle. We sat down with him to learn a little more about his background and his plans for the future.
1. Can you tell us a little about who you are and where you’re from?
My name is Hugo Villafana-Ramos I am a 20-year-old student at Orange Coast College. I live in Anaheim California with my family, with my dad, mom, younger brother and older sister. I also have an older brother, who is married with two children.
I grew up in a small, poor community in Mexico called “El Tepamal”. In my community, there are only 30 houses or you can say just 30 families. Because we are a very small community, we all know each other. Even though it’s a really small town, the people who from there are really humble and united. However, most of the people leave school after finishing middle school and concentrate in farming. Farming is the primary source of income, but the few people that decide to go to college and go into different a career are successful at obtaining their degree and going into their profession. I think this is because we know how hard life can be so we put our heart, soul and effort in accomplishing our goals.
Technology has always been a challenge for us. When I grew up we didn’t have internet, computers, and our phone service was very limited. For this reason, it was hard for me to learned how to use a computer and take advantage of all its benefits. Because of this even today, I that still an issue using computers.
2. What Base 11 program did you participate in?
I’m proud to say that I am a part of Base 11’s Aeronautical Fellowship Program. I am an intern with the Aerospace Program at Rosamund Airport. I am a part of a small team that participates up at Rosamond Airport on weekends. We get hands-on training with aerospace veteran Bobby Moss. He teaches us life applications while learning welding and machining. He also inculcated in us the habit of self-teaching.
3.What were some specific highlights of the program that stood out for you?
Some highlights that stand for me being in the Base 11 Program was the awesome trip to Washington D.C. We had the opportunity to visit the National Air and Space Museum. This was a really awesome experience because I had the opportunity of learning many things about spacecrafts. I was able to see the SR-71, better known as “Blackbirth”, my favorite aircraft. Also, it was my first time visiting a museum related to space and aeronautics.
4.How has your life changed since starting the Base 11 program?
This program has helped me achieved many of my dreams. First, Base 11 Program allowed me to see, in person, the famous SR-71. My favorite airplane. Second, during the summer, it gave me the opportunity to do an internship at JPL NASA. A dream come true. I met and worked side to side with one of the best minds of the world, Dr Jay. He’s one of the pioneers of electric propulsion. I must say, this experience helped me confirm that I’m on the right track, and I am definitely doing my passion. This experience motivated me more to want to get my master’s degree and a PhD related to propulsion.
5.What are your plans for the future?
Well, rather than plans, I like to call them my goals. I goal is to transfer either to USC or Cal Poly Pomona get a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Then, I want to continue my education and obtain two master degrees. One in astronautics and the other in mechanics, and maybe even a third degree in electronics. Finally, my long-term goal is to be able to obtain a PhD in propulsion. Of course, obtaining all of these degrees and field of study will help me with my ultimate dream that is to work for NASA as a pioneer of space propulsion. Of I course I understand that is will not be easy. In fact, I know there may be times when I will have to taste failure, but truly know that failures will only make me stronger in my path to success. In the past, someone told me “everything is possible, you just have to work hard and never give up. Sometimes you will experience failure, but remember, those failures are there to teach you how to be strong in your path to success. And remember, to always be yourself, be humble and never forget where you came from. Always with your feet on the earth.” So this what I live by.