By Allison Morgan
In simply 5 years, Marathon native Alejandro Parrado has gone from breaking the mould as a first-generation faculty pupil to breaking orbit as a spaceflight firm engineer.
Not way back, these desires appeared out of attain, however with the assistance of Take Inventory in Kids Monroe and a few laborious work, his profession has taken off as an engines take a look at manufacturing engineer at Blue Origin.
“I bear in mind pondering I wished to go to varsity however didn’t know the way I used to be going to pay for it,” Parrado stated. “I used to be offered with the chance to use for the Take Inventory program and that’s once I realized I had the chance for postsecondary schooling.”
Parrado was awarded a four-year full-ride Florida Pay as you go scholarship from Take Inventory, a nonprofit devoted to breaking the cycle of poverty for kids in low-income households by offering scholarships, mentors and hope. He utilized and was accepted to a number of Florida universities, however when he visited the College of Central Florida, he fell in love with the campus.
“I made a decision to pursue an industrial engineering diploma,” Parrado stated. “I centered on the manufacturing aspect as a result of I get pleasure from working with carbon fiber and fiberglass.”
Parrado accomplished 5 internships whereas engaged on his bachelor’s diploma. Throughout his faculty years, he found his ardour for rockets.
“Rising up, I by no means received to see a shuttle launch or touchdown, however I all the time learn books about it,” he stated. “I by no means thought I’d get so concerned with rockets, however when you begin working with them you develop into passionate, and you then get to see what you labored so laborious on launch. It’s one thing that’s prideful and the probabilities are infinite.”
Earlier than graduating, he interned at Blue Origin and dreamed of working there in a everlasting place. In September 2024, these desires got here true when he accepted a place with the corporate in Van Horn, Texas.
Previously few months, he has already been part of two rocket launches: a payload launch and an astronaut launch. Parrado wrote the work directions essential to get the engine examined and prepared for flight.
In line with Parrado, none of this could be attainable with out Take Inventory and the mentorship of Chuck Licis-Masson, this system’s government director.
“I went from a child from a small city within the Florida Keys to now being part of the house trade,” Parrado stated. “I used to be in a position to inform Mr. Licis-Masson ‘That is what I’m doing now, and I wished to inform you this funding you made in me was worthwhile.’ I stand out for example of what’s attainable with the assistance of Take Inventory.”
Licis-Masson has seen Parrado’s willpower for the reason that latter was a Tenth-grade pupil at Marathon Excessive Faculty.
“To see him go from the place he got here from – not understanding what his future would maintain – to dwelling out his dream makes you happy with him,” Licis-Masson stated. “I hear the enjoyment in his voice and see the smile on his face as a result of he’s doing what makes him pleased.”
Extra details about Take Inventory in Kids Monroe is accessible from Licis-Masson at chuck.licis@monroecountyedfound.com or at 305-293-1546.