Space is the place for engineering student

Say hey to Jake Manzanares, a Patrick Henry High School alum who just finished his second year in the mechanical engineering program at San Diego State University. Jake is acquiring skills he hopes to apply to the space program as a NASA engineer or even an astronaut. We like it that Jake sees himself, literally, among the stars. During his well-deserved summer break, Jake will continue taking classes—he’s determined to graduate in four years—work as a barista at Starbucks and get with friends for rock climbing. We’re confident Jake will climb all the way to the heavens. “It’s been my dream since kindergarten,” he said. “I’ve loved the concept of space ever since I was a kid.”