Pratt & Whitney Scholar
Sebastian Arreola ’23, a fourth-year student from Danbury, Connecticut, is studying computer engineering at the University of Hartford’s College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA). He is a recipient of the Pratt & Whitney Scholars Program Scholarship, created by the Connecticut-based aerospace leader to attract and retain exceptional engineering students from underrepresented populations.
Arreola says he was very young when began to show interest in computer science. He even built his own computer. “This scholarship means a lot for students who strive to get ahead academically—and are willing to work hard,” he acknowledges. He is especially appreciative of it because of his background from a low income, Hispanic, single-parent household.
His mentor, he says, is his mother. “She’s the one who encouraged me to pursue a college degree. I also had a very special computer science teacher at Danbury High School who helped me get on the computer science path. She inspired me and believed in me. Without all this support, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.”
Between his mother, his high school teacher, and the Pratt & Whitney scholarship, his ambitious dream to be a college student studying computer engineering has come true. He doubts that would have been the case without all those supportive elements in his corner.
Arreola values the friendships he has made at UHart as much as the academic opportunities. On the serious side he is a dedicated CETA ambassador, and on the fun side he is president of the Men’s Frisbee Club. He also volunteers with Maker Space, a campus facility that has collaborative workstations,, a 3D printing lab, and a machine shop with advanced equipment. He tutors fellow students there and shares with them what he is learning to help forge their own project and academic paths. “A lot of freshmen ask for help, especially with coding for the robots or electronics. I’m there to help and encourage them, all while continuing to learn myself.”
He says that in many ways the projects he works on don’t have decisive end-points or finish lines, which he finds energizing. “That way, I am always moving forward.” He adds that networking is another useful tool he has learned. Whether it is at a resume bootcamp or a career fair, it always comes in handy. In fact, as he shares, networking led to a valuable summer internship.
Arreola’s hope is to pursue a career in software and hardware engineering, particularly in the technological crossroads between the two.