Kentucky State University graduate has sights set on military career

Kentucky State University graduate has sights set on military career

Posted on May 9, 2019

A Kentucky State University graduate plans to pursue a military career after crossing the stage at the Spring 2019 Commencement Convocation.

Alejandro Espinosa, from Lebanon, Kentucky, majored in math with a minor in physics. Espinosa plans to serve in the U.S. Navy as an officer, serve 20 years or more and then retire as a captain.

Espinosa initially planned on attending the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, but a scholarship fell through.

“I have been fighting to earn a commission as an officer in the Navy for six years,” Espinosa.

Espinosa offered up the advice that got him through his obstacles.

“Remind yourself of your goal every day and believe in yourself that you can get there,” Espinosa said. “Pray to God when your days are tough for strength and support and for Him to get you through this storm. If it is something you truly want to accomplish, then going through hell and high waters will be worth it in the end.”

Espinosa said some of his best memories at Kentucky State came from spending time in the Whitney Young program. Espinosa said he was very active in the program.

“Ranging from on-campus activities, to attending conferences, discussing academics, partaking on the debate team and going to other places to compete and represent my school,” Espinosa said. “It was an honor and great privilege to be part of that program and I can’t wait to walk with some of my friends across the stage.”

Espinosa said three professors helped him immensely while at Kentucky State: Dr. Kazi R. Javed, Dr. Robert C. Mania Jr. and Dr. Jyotica Batra.

“(When I got to Kentucky State) Dr. Javed showed me where I needed to go, what to do, who to talk to and what to ask,” Espinosa said. “He got me into the PLTL program, which opened many doors for me. He selected me to be in his chemistry course so he could further help me.”

Espinosa said Mania gave him sound advice on pursuing his goals to join the military.

“(Dr. Mania) was also there if I just simply wanted to have a conversation about movies or world events to unwind from the stress of school,” Espinosa said.

Espinosa said Batra helped him improve his mental capabilities to become an even better engineer and person.

Espinosa encouraged his fellow Thorobreds to always embrace who they are and to never become someone they aren’t happy with for the sake of others. Espinosa and his classmates will cross the stage Friday, May 10 during commencement in the William Exum Center gymnasium.