Hard work has paid off for one East Mississippi Community College student, who has been named one of two Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Scholars.
EMCC sophomore Gabriel Riveros, won the $2,250 scholarship, and was recognized at the All Mississippi Community College Academic Team Luncheon at Hinds Community College on March 28. Two TVA Scholarships were awarded to Mississippi Phi Theta Kappa members planning to study STEM disciplines. Selections were made based on academic achievement, leadership, campus and community service and faculty assessments. Riveros has maintained a 4.0 GPA, while pursuing some of the most demanding courses offered by EMCC.
“I didn’t expect to win it, to be honest,” Riveros said. “It means a lot for sure. It kind of made me feel good because all the hard work I put in pays off. You know, all the hours studying in the library, everything. I’m sure there were other people that were definitely considered for the award, and are very smart people also. For them to pick me for the award is very humbling.”
In August, Riveros will transfer to Mississippi State University to pursue a degree in civil engineering.
Riveros said his father, Guillermo Riveros’ work as a civil engineer with the Army Corps of Engineers in Vicksburg inspired him to pursue civil engineering himself.
“I’ve always thought that was really cool, the innovative technologies that protect our military,” Riveros said. “I’ve always thought that was really amazing.”
Riveros comes from a family with many scientists and engineers. In addition to his father, Riveros’ mother, Evelyn Villanueva is a geologist, his sister Stephanie Riveros will graduate in from MSU in may with a degree in biology and his grandfather was a professor of plant physiology and botany at the University of Puerto Rico.
He said his family was proud, but not surprised when he won the TVA Scholarship.
“For me to win the award, I feel like it kind of made them feel good, because they’ve instilled in me good work habits, study habits, how to balance school with life and everything,” Riveros said. Without them, none of this would ever be possible for sure. I definitely want to give them credit for teaching me the right ways.”
He said the proximity to MSU and his sister was mainly responsible for drawing him to EMCC. He has lived with his sister in Starkville while attending EMCC.
He also thanked his instructors at EMCC for their work with him.
“We are really proud of Gabriel,” said EMCC President Thomas Huebner. “Our STEM instructors work hard to ensure their courses surpass the requirements needed for our students to successfully transition to a four-year institution. These are demanding classes that require dedication and commitment on the part of our students. Gabriel met that challenge head on and excelled while doing so.”