Esteban Verdin, a computer science major at Stanislaus State, never imagined that a scholarship application would lead to his first trip out of state or his first time on an airplane. But thanks to the Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Institution Educators (AHSIE) Seed to Tree Student Scholarship, Verdin was chosen to attend the 17th Annual HSI Best Practices Conference in Chicago this past spring.
“I was very surprised,” Verdin said. He added that because it took a couple of months for him to hear anything, he didn’t think he was selected.
The scholarship, which covered travel, lodging, registration and a $1,000 cash award, helped Verdin pay for summer courses he hadn’t originally planned to take. Moreover, it gave him the opportunity to connect with students and educators from across the country and reflect on his purpose.
“It was the first time that I left the state or went on an airplane,” Verdin said. “It was fascinating, and I am so grateful to have gone.”
Verdin learned about the scholarship from Iqbal Atwal, director of Stan State’s Accelerated STEM Pathways through Internships, Research and Engagement (ASPIRE) program. He participated in the STEM 4 PALS summer program as an incoming first-year student and currently works as a peer mentor supporting STEM majors.
“I was at the AHSIE Conference in Chicago and had the opportunity to attend the scholarship award ceremony for Esteban,” Atwal said. “I have known Esteban since he was an incoming freshman, and I am excited and proud to see his growth as a person, professional and scientist.”
At the conference, Verdin attended workshops on topics that included social cognitive problem-solving, cultural identity and leadership through self-awareness. The first workshop he attended was the most impactful. The session, titled “Platicas,” focused on the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) landscape.
“We started by saying our names and where we were from,” Verdin said. “For me, it was powerful to connect my name with my identity.”
Participants were also asked to draw their goals and steps to achieve them – an exercise Verdin said helped him take charge of his life.
“Being able to share our stories was great because everyone has a journey,” he said. “It’s different when you hear the steps they took to overcome the struggles in their life.”
Verdin added that it was helpful to hear about others’ struggles at the conference, an experience that helped him better connect with the students he mentors, many of whom have doubts about their future in STEM.
He plans to pursue a career in information technology networking after he graduates in 2027.
Verdin said the scholarship put into perspective why he started college and why he keeps studying.
Applying for the scholarship program was a competitive process with more than 100 applications submitted by students attending HSIs and emerging HSIs across the country. Verdin was one of six scholarship recipients selected to attend the national conference.
“I loved going to the conference,” Verdin said, “so I want to go to more.”
According to AHSIE, the Seed to Tree Scholarship is designed to empower students through self-reflection, cultural awareness and leadership development.
For more information on AHSIE and the annual HSI Best Practices Conference, visit the organization’s website.
