Brothers Alberto Valdes ’23 and Patricio Valdes ’27, have shared a passion for engineering since they were children.
"When my brother and I were younger, we worked a lot on cars," Alberto said. "Our family is passionate about learning what is going on behind the scenes — when you press the gas pedal — and I feel like that is what got us both into engineering."
This brotherly activity evoked a new fascination for Alberto, as he began to cultivate his passion for engineering.
"I knew I would become an engineer because working with computers was also a passion of mine when I was younger," Alberto said. "I would take apart old electronics to try and see what was inside. I also learned to solder in elementary school, doing simple electronic projects from Radio Shack (back when it was around)."
Alberto knew that he wanted to become an Aggie Engineer. As he was searching for affordable options to further his engineering education, he stumbled upon the Texas A&M Engineering Academy program.
“I first heard about the Engineering Academies through a tour of the [Texas] A&M [University] campus,” Alberto said. “My mom and I were at the Zachary [Engineering Education Complex] building on campus, and we wanted to speak with an advisor. My mom, being the fearless woman that she is, knocked on the window of one of the advisors on the first floor, and he ended up teaching us about the Engineering Academies. From then on, I knew that was the program for me!”
Being in the Engineering Academies meant that I was able to save money and get the same degree as many of my peers. It also meant having a smaller community of people that I was able to grow with through my transition to [Texas] A&M.
The Engineering Academy program stands as the premier engineering transition program of its kind in the United States. Participants are co-enrolled in Texas A&M and one of ten affiliated partner colleges. Students engage in mathematics and science, complemented by engineering courses taught by Texas A&M faculty on the partner college campus. After one or two years at the partner college, students transition to Texas A&M to complete their bachelor's degrees. This unique approach distinguishes itself from conventional transfer programs, ensuring students are recognized as Texas A&M University College of Engineering students from day one.
In the fall of 2023, Alberto Valdes proudly graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor's degree in electronic systems engineering technology (ESET) and a minor in cybersecurity. However, unlike many of his classmates, Alberto's path to graduation was unique, having been shaped by his experience in the Texas A&M Engineering Academies.
"Being in the Engineering Academies meant that I was able to save money and get the same degree as many of my peers. It also meant having a smaller community of people that I was able to grow with through my transition to [Texas] A&M," Alberto said.
After spending a year in the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Houston Community College (HCC), Alberto was able to seamlessly Entry to a Major (ETAM) and transfer into the Electronic Systems Engineering Technology (ESET) program. While in College Station, Alberto took advantage of his time at Texas A&M, even starting his own organization.
"I started an organization at [Texas] A&M called Aggie Lemon Racing when I discovered I wanted to pursue a career in racing," Alberto said. "Since then, I have built two race cars with my organization and competed in many racing events. My organization has consistently grown and has even been able to maintain itself since I left it."
After receiving so many benefits from the Engineering Academies program, Alberto was quick to encourage his younger brother, Patricio Valdes, to follow in his footsteps.
"I wanted to go to [Texas] A&M, but I had it in my mind that the engineering side of [Texas] A&M was extremely challenging to get into, and being an average high school student, I knew there was a small chance of getting in," Patricio said. "That is when my brother brought up the Engineering Academies, and I applied the next day."
Being in the Academy has positively impacted my relationship with my brother, because I am familiarizing myself with the steps it takes to be a successful engineer and getting to where he is today.
Having already completed the program, Alberto immediately began to encourage his brother, motivating him to work hard and never give up.
"I try to push him to be the best he can be," Alberto said. "While that may frustrate him sometimes, I just want what's best for him."
Patricio values his older brother's advice, saying, "he has made many accomplishments and is a successful engineer, and being a part of the Engineering Academy is one step closer to being able to be as successful as him."
Alberto's success did not come easily. Whenever he began to feel overwhelmed by his classes or responsibilities, Alberto made sure to focus on the people that motivated him, saying, "what really motivated me to finish my degree was the fact that I did not want to let my parents down."
With two of their three children taking advantage of the Engineering Academy program, the Valdes brothers' parents could not be more pleased with their sons.
“My parents love that we are both a part of the Engineering Academies,” Alberto said. “Not only do they get to save money, but we were both able to stay at home for a little longer, which my mom really enjoyed.”
Patricio agrees with his brother, saying, "They enjoy seeing me find interest in what I am doing academically, which has been a struggle, but I think they are happier about the fact that I am saving them money and staying home with them another year or two (which makes them feel young). They know engineering is a tough career choice and they are thrilled knowing that I decided to give myself a challenge that would benefit me in the future."
Recognizing the long-term benefits of an engineering career, Patricio's family is thrilled with his decision to embrace this challenging path. Their support and encouragement have been pivotal, as Patricio mirrors the journey of his brother, Alberto.
Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Alberto accepted a job as a software engineer at JP Morgan Chase, where he works full-time on the company's cybersecurity team, crediting a great deal of his success to the Engineering Academy program.
“The Engineering Academy program was a way for me to attend Texas A&M as an alternative without having originally been accepted,” Alberto said. “I would definitely credit my success to the Engineering Academies because, without them, I would have never had a chance of attending Texas A&M.”
As Patricio ventures forth into his academic career, hoping to major in data engineering at Texas A&M, he looks to his brother as an example, leaning on him for support and familiarizing himself with the steps Alberto took to find his success.
"Being in the Academy has positively impacted my relationship with my brother, because I am familiarizing myself with the steps it takes to be a successful engineer and getting to where he is today," Patricio said.