Miguel Angel Strouse, 2014 SVC Graduate
Miguel Angel Strouse was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and grew up quickly, due to family instability. At age 11, to help support his mother and siblings, he began working odd jobs for his uncles at a butcher shop, a bakery, and an auto mechanic shop. When his family moved to Sedro-Woolley, Miguel began working full-time in area restaurants. He also realized quickly that his key to success would be his ability to adapt to his new environment, learn English as a second language, and adjust to American culture.
While attending Skagit Valley College, Multicultural Student Services guided him throughout his studies, orienting him to the higher education system, helping him register for classes, and encouraging him to become involved in community service. He joined SVC’s Calling All Colors Club, which provided him with mentorship, leadership development opportunities, and additional scholarship support.
After graduating from SVC with an Associate’s degree in Engineering and Physics, Miguel attended Washington State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2017.
There are many students like Miguel Angel Strouse who lack financial resources and guidance, but have positive attitudes, are persistent and resourceful, and see life’s challenges as opportunities, rather than barriers.
Miguel hopes to be an inspiration for the younger generation and a positive change for his community. Like his role model, Elon Musk, Miguel aspires to be an entrepreneur who uses his engineering skills to tackle world-wide problems.