Taking the Risk — and Watching It Pay Off
When Irvin Gonzalez first walked through the doors of DSST: Cole Middle School in sixth grade, he didn't know a single person. He was nervous, unsure, and stepping into something completely new.
Today, he's a section leader in the trombone section, a participant in Colorado State University’s summer engineering program, and a high‑school senior with five college acceptances — including Colorado School of Mines, CSU, CU Boulder, Regis, and Colorado Mesa University."
"Take the risk," Irvin says, reflecting on advice he'd give his freshman self. "It will help you grow as a person and help you find new opportunities."
That spirit — of courage, curiosity, and doing your best — is exactly what DSST is built on. And it's exactly what Senior Signing Day is all about.
A Path Built From Day One
Irvin's journey to college didn't start senior year. It started in sixth grade, thanks to DSST’s college-going culture, and solidified further in ninth grade, when he first met his college counselor, Ms. Rincon.
"She discussed the process of what we needed to do and what we needed to apply for the future — all the way to our senior year."
That early, structured support is a hallmark of DSST's college success approach. Beginning in 9th grade, DSST college counselors work closely with students and families to:
For Irvin, that meant a summer engineering immersion program at CSU called ENvision where he spent a week living on campus, learning what college life actually feels like, and deepening his passion for engineering.
"I learned a lot from [ENvision]," he shared. "And I still did it even when I felt unsure, because I just wanted to accept that opportunity."
Music, Engineering, and Everything In Between
Irvin's story is a testament to what happens when students are given the space to discover who they are. He came in to high school curious about music, picked up the trombone in 10th grade, and never looked back. Now, he's a section leader, mentoring peers and building leadership skills he'll carry into college.
He's also eyeing a future in mechanical or electrical engineering, inspired by his father, a mechanic who taught him the basics of how things work. His two passions — music and engineering — aren't in conflict. They're both part of who Irvin is becoming.
The Village Behind the Vision
When asked who encouraged him along the way, Irvin didn't hesitate to name:
A Story Still Being Written
Irvin started at DSST: Cole not knowing a single person. He leaves with five college acceptances, a trombone in hand, a vision for his future in engineering, and a community of people who believed in him every step of the way. From a nervous sixth grader at Cole Middle School to a confident senior ready to make his mark — Irvin's journey is proof that when students are given support and the space to take risks, they thrive. Whatever college Irvin chooses, one thing is certain: he is exactly the kind of STEM leader and community contributor our world needs. His story doesn't end at graduation. It's just getting started.