A veteran of the Marine Corps, Jesus Rivera was stationed at China Lake as part of the AV-8B Harrier Program and has moved on to Lockheed Martin to work in their F-35 Program. In 2009, Rivera began taking classes to pursue an Electrical Engineering Degree with Cerro Coso. This May he graduated with two Associates degrees, Engineering and General Science (Physics emphasis), and three Liberal Arts degrees: Math & Science, Arts & Humanities, and Social & Behavioral Sciences, for a total of five degrees. Rivera maintained a high level of completion at 102 classes with a GPA of 3.75. He plans to transfer to the Cal State Long Beach University Center in the Antelope Valley. Rivera was named Outstanding Student for the East Kern Center for his work ethic, commitment, and dedication in completing his classes. Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.