Antonio Fuentes Receives BHE Foundation Emerging Leaders Scholarship
A well-earned recognition of years of hard work and perseverance!
Success has been about much more than academics for international student Jose Antonio Fuentes de la Cruz. It has been a journey of adaptation, perseverance, and personal growth that began in Mexico and led to the University of Northern Iowa, where his dedication to leadership, scholarship, and service recently earned him the prestigious BHE Foundation Emerging Leaders Scholarship.
Building a Future in Automation Engineering
Originally from Mexico, Antonio came to the United States to pursue new educational opportunities and build a future in engineering. After beginning his studies at Western Iowa Tech Community College, he discovered a passion for automation engineering and later transferred to the University of Northern Iowa to continue that path.
Since arriving at UNI, Antonio has expanded both his technical expertise and campus involvement. In addition to his coursework, he has become active in research and student leadership, serving as an officer in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) and IEEE, maintaining membership in SME, and working as a lab assistant at UNI's TechWorks Foundry Research Center."Moving to the United States was challenging, as I had to adapt in many ways to a different lifestyle."
Leadership Recognized Through the BHE Foundation Scholarship
Antonio's dedication to academics, leadership, and service recently earned him the BHE Foundation Emerging Leaders Scholarship, which recognizes students pursuing STEAM-related degrees who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive impact.
He learned about the opportunity through NSCS and immediately felt it aligned with his experiences and goals. The application process allowed Antonio to share his academic journey, leadership experiences, and aspirations for the future. After advancing as a finalist, he prepared for what he believed would be an interview. Instead, he received unexpected and exciting news. "When I first heard the news, I honestly couldn't believe it. After preparing myself for an interview and feeling nervous about it, finding out that I had already been selected made the moment even more special."
Turning Challenges into Motivation
While receiving the scholarship was a major achievement, Antonio says its significance extends far beyond financial support.
Throughout college, he has faced the challenges that come with adapting to a new country, culture, and language. He has also navigated personal struggles with mental health, experiences that tested his perseverance but ultimately strengthened his determination to succeed.
Receiving the scholarship gave him an opportunity to reflect on how far he has come. Antonio credits his family as one of the most important sources of encouragement throughout his journey. Their constant support continues to motivate him, and he hopes that one day he can give back to them in the same way they have supported him.
It made me look back at how far I have come and feel proud of the fact that I continued pursuing my education, leadership opportunities, and career goals even when things were difficult.
Looking Ahead and Encouraging Others
The scholarship has reinforced Antonio's confidence as he works toward his future goals. After graduation, he hopes to begin a career in automation engineering, gaining hands-on experience in industrial automation and manufacturing while continuing to grow professionally.
Ultimately, he hopes to build a career that provides stability, fulfillment, and the ability to support both himself and his family.
Beyond his own achievements, Antonio hopes other students will feel encouraged to pursue opportunities even when they doubt themselves."You don't have to have a perfect story or have everything figured out. Be honest about your experiences, what you have learned, and where you hope to go."
You don't have to have a perfect story or have everything figured out. Be honest about your experiences, what you have learned, and where you hope to go
"Endure and Survive"
For Antonio, the BHE Foundation Emerging Leaders Scholarship represents much more than a single award. It symbolizes years of adapting, learning, overcoming obstacles, and continuing to move forward despite uncertainty.
A phrase that has guided him throughout that journey captures his outlook: "Endure and Survive." "I still have a lot to learn and many goals I want to accomplish, but receiving this scholarship has given me another reason to believe that I am moving in the right direction."
Antonio's story reflects the resilience, leadership, and determination that international students bring to the UNI community. Through hard work and perseverance, he has transformed challenges into opportunities and continues to inspire others to pursue their goals with confidence.