Christian Rabadan’s love of science was sparked right here in SAC’s hometown of Santa Ana at Godinez Fundamental High School. The son of immigrant parents who stressed excellence through academics, Christian was always driven to engineer a bright future for himself. Although the honor roll student was accepted to a number of four-year colleges and universities, including New York’s Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Christian’s concern about the cost of college and the impact it would have on his family weighed heavily on his mind. Undeterred by financial roadblocks, Christian decided to start his academic journey at Santa Ana College. 

At SAC, Christian thrived, becoming a member of the U-LINK transfer program, partnering with nearby Chapman University students to work with professors affiliated with science giants, NASA and Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and honing his leadership skills through the Engineering Club and Associated Student Government Club. He also received SAC’s Terry Lee Coleman Memorial Scholarship. Because of U-LINK, Christian is now studying computer science and engineering at UC Irvine, where he’s already received the Chancellor’s Scholarship for academic excellence. Looking ahead, Christian plans to enter the medical field. He has his sights on pediatrics.     

“I always knew that college would be a struggle for me—financially and academically,” recalls Christian. That’s why I continually push myself through my academic endeavors.”

Santa Ana College, Class of 2014