September 9, 2025
JCCC alum overcame academic difficulties to discover his career passion
At one point in high school, JCCC alum Isaac Zarate had a 1.6 GPA and lacked the resources to succeed. By trying different courses at JCCC and taking time to decide what he wanted to study, he began to love learning and discover his career interests. Five years later, Isaac graduated from JCCC with a 3.7 GPA and is getting his bachelor’s — and possibly master’s — degree at one of the top aerospace engineering programs in the country.
Q: Why did you choose JCCC?
A: After high school, I took a gap year because I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do. I initially chose JCCC because it was an affordable way to start my education while I explored options.
Q: What was your transition like from high school to college?
"In five years, I went from an alternative high school to one of the top 10 aerospace engineering programs in the country. Don’t give up." ~ Isaac Zarate, JCCC alum
A: When I started at JCCC, I couldn’t add fractions. ACCUPLACER put me in intermediate algebra, which was really discouraging. In the end, it helped me rebuild my math foundation, and I went on to take math courses all the way up to Calculus 3. I often used JCCC’s Math Resource Center and even rented a calculator from them.
Q: How did you benefit from going to JCCC?
A: I was really impressed with the professors. They’re highly experienced, willing to help, and up to date on technology. Even some major universities don’t have that. I also was pleasantly surprised by the variety of opportunities available at the College—whether it’s to study abroad, participate in clubs or events, engage in programs like debate and honors (like I did), or even go on field trips.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: I’m at the University of Colorado in their aerospace engineering bachelor’s program. I hope to get a research position with BioServe, which supports astronauts during missions. My dream job is to work at an agency like NASA, Blue Origin, or SpaceX.
Q: What advice do you have for a student considering JCCC?
A: Be as involved as you can. Get to know other students. Talk with your professors, ask about opportunities. Many of my initial interests in college are not where I ultimately landed. The way you start doesn’t mean that’s how it will end.
You just might discover that you belong at JCCC.
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