FRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) -
The following news release from Reedley College was received by KMPH.com on Friday, June 15, 2012:
Reedley College graduate, Antonio Coria, is transferring to University of Southern California this fall. For all college students, choosing a major is a big decision. But for some college students, one just isn't enough. Coria, who is also a Reedley High School graduate, wants to double major and his interests couldn't be further apart. He has chosen astronautical engineering and cinematic film & TV production.
When Antonio arrives at USC, he must go before the Renaissance Scholars Committee to explain why he should be allowed to follow the footsteps of Leonardo DiVinci and explore a career in math/science as well as the arts. The University of Southern California has created an academic honor that is awarded to select undergraduate students who graduate with a major and a minor (or two majors) in widely separated fields of study. As the USC undergraduate admission website states, "It is this breadth of study that produces well-rounded graduates who often rise to the top of their fields."
Coria says he has known what he wanted to do since he was in 7th grade. His real passion is putting stories onto the silver screen through the use of film. He would like to become a filmmaker, creating Sci-Fi Crime Dramas.
As for his astronautical engineering major, he says it is his fall back career. He would like to work for NASA and become an astronaut. "Math is just easy for me", says Coria. "I can walk into a test and 30 minutes later get 100% of the answers correct." He says he loves space and wants to know what is out in the universe. Coria added, "Everyone talks about the end of the world. If something like an asteroid should happen, I want to be a part of the small group of people who can save everyone."
Coria credits his Reedley College education for preparing him to move on to USC. He especially enjoyed his film teacher Theodore Lyons who he says knows a lot about film and knows a lot people in the film industry. Antonio added that his engineering instructor Dr. John Heathcote and his physics teacher Lauren Novatne really prepared him for a difficult major. "I loved having them as teachers, said Coria.
"I don't know anyone at USC, but I'm really excited to go, said Coria. "When I opened the acceptance letter I ran down the street screaming with excitement", he added.
It isn't the difficult classes that he will be taking at USC that will be the challenge. Antonio says it is the steep tuition to attend USC that will be his biggest challenge. One thing is for sure; this Reedley College graduate will not only be well rounded but well prepared to confront the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
Antonio Coria | Courtesy: Reedley College
