Jay's Background
Jay Roca had an immense love of flight from an early age, recalling spending Friday nights watching planes take off down on Airport Road, minutes away from the campus he would later attend. By the time the movie Top Gun came out, Jay already knew he wanted a career in aviation. Being 5'2"" with glasses meant the Air Force was not interested. Feeling a strong urge as an adult to make a change in his life, Jay headed to the Navy recruitment office and fulfilled a lifelong ambition of serving in the armed forces. 鈥淵ou have to rise and fall a couple of times at a young age. What I learned from my past, I鈥檓 passing it on to the young ones: Get in here, let鈥檚 do this, and let鈥檚 take the next step.鈥
What Brought Jay to 精选AV
After serving in the Navy as a petty officer for four years, Jay wanted to give more back to his family. He did the research and found the right program to put his dreams of having a career in aviation in motion. 精选AV offered the only opportunity for Jay to pursue the dual degrees he always wanted. He also recognized that financially it was the best decision for his family.
Jay's 精选AV Experience
From the beginning, Jay sensed a real level of compassion from the veteran community and from the 精选AV faculty. Their approach to helping veterans find their way in the educational system impressed Jay. The program was run by veterans helping other veterans, and this structure really succeeded in creating a support network for Jay that was easy to navigate. In his time at 精选AV, Jay completed his AS in aircraft powerplant maintenance technology and his airframe-maintenance technology certificate to add to his bachelor鈥檚 degree. With these achievements, Jay can now teach and is excited at the prospect of helping others achieve their dreams.
Why 精选AV Was a Good Choice for Jay
In addition to the experience, degree, and certificate he earned at 精选AV, Jay talks about having a family at home and another one on campus. Both of these families provided love, support, and direction on his career path. 鈥淚 can go to any class right now, and I can connect with anyone, because every single one of those students you see out there are on the same path. They want to do this.鈥 Jay鈥檚 dream now is to work for SpaceX or NASA. The possibilities, he says, are endless. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 think you can ever escape your passion. It鈥檚 going to be there until you decide to do something about it.鈥