I started Hiram Johnson with little direction in my life. I barely passed any math or science class I ever took in my life, and I was a senior taking pre-algebra classes. My senior year at HJ I spoke to a counselor who encouraged me to take an electronics course because I liked electronics and music.

I enrolled in the Regional Occupational Program- Electronics Technology class and was inspired by the course instructor Mr. Johnson. I loved the class more than any other class before and I wanted to learn more. Mr. Johnson was the first person to tell me about Electrical Engineering and he pushed me to seek more education.

After HJ, I enlisted in the Air Force for 6 years as an Aircraft Electrical and Environmental technician. I was stationed at Travis AFB, CA for 6 years and served before and during 9/11 and the Iraq war. I also signed up for the Montgomery GI Bill and decided to take college classes while at Travis, AFB. While in the Air Force I attended Sac City and American River colleges. During my enlistment I earned the Global War on Terrorism Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, and Homeland Defense Medal.

While stationed at Travis AFB I also took up professional DJ’ing and hosted a UC Davis radio show, website, and Sacramento Public Access TV show. I became close friends with the legendary 916 Junglist DJ crew and continued to learn more about audio technology and applications.

When my enlistment was over I went to school full time for 2 years at City College of San Francisco. In SF, I also worked part time on Market St. on the 16th floor of the Hobart Building as an engineering assistant. I completed the required amount of units with a GPA of 3.2 and transferred to enroll in the Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, Electrical Engineering program.

While studying Electrical Engineering at Cal Poly I became president of the Audio Engineering Club for 2 years, earned my CA State Engineer in Training EIT certificate, and I received a summer internship with Walt Disney Imagineering designing rides all around the world. So far, I have attended Cal Poly for 3 years and will be graduating spring 2011 with my undergraduate degree.

I would like to say thank you to Hiram Johnson and the Regional Occupancy Program for encouraging me to enroll in the electronics course. It honestly, has changed my life and I attribute my success to you.

Best Regards,

Nick Guzman
President – Audio Engineering Society
Electrical Engineering Department
Cal Poly State University