Sebastian Salas, an engineering senior at Miami Lakes Educational Center, broke barriers by becoming the youngest SolidWorks certified expert in the nation, an incredible feat for someone who is only 17 years old.
SolidWorks is a company that offers complete 3D software tools to create, simulate, publish and manage data used by engineers, designers and other technology professionals.
While his family and friends are excited and joyful at his newest accomplishment, Salas admitted that he didn’t give much thought to breaking the record of becoming the nation’s youngest SolidWorks certified expert. He was simply excited that all his hard work finally paid off.
“My biggest obstacle in getting to this point was the ongoing stress of school and people badgering me that I would put too much time into something that didn’t ‘increase my GPA’ or that prevented me from turning in homework,” he said.
Salas didn’t let the pressure from school, or anything for that matter, get in the way of his passion. He encourages other young people to do the same, believing that nobody should allow anything to get in the way of accomplishing their dreams.
Salas learned SolidWorks’ software and garnered data management skills and experience in software that will make him a standout in engineering or industrial design occupations.
“I passed this exam to show that no matter what social class you belong to, no matter what race you belong to, no matter how financially stumped you are, you can always create your own joy through the hobbies you put time and restless effort into,” he said.
He proudly referred to his cousin, Aaron David, as an example. David managed to overcome his autism and become owner of Pixacao, a graphic design company in Caracas, Venezuela.
With his cousin being his inspiration, Salas is no stranger to going above and beyond in his efforts to better his prospects of a future in the field of engineering. Currently, he is the founder of his own design service company called WunderThought. Now that he is certified, Salas hopes that it will give him and his company recognition enabling him to enhance designs within the company and other software related products that will allow a greater income.
Salas looks forward to teaching those who work with him better technique to develop a strong, skillful, and young workforce.
“After high school, I see myself becoming a college student. But nonetheless, I hope to successfully establish my company on a corporate level to invite creators and young minds to let their creativity out and do what should be done – create,” he said. “Hopefully it turns out to be a success and I hope at this rate it will become a reality rather than a dream.”
For more information on Salas’ company website that specializes in web design, prototyping design, simulations and 3D printing accessories, visit www.wunderthought.com.