Our Social Impact Fellowship brings in high school students year after year to drive incredible change, but the wonderful thing is that their impact doesn't stop there. They continue to go on to achieve amazing things. We had the pleasure of catching up with Eber, a Close the Gap alum, recent graduate, and valedictorian, who is now getting ready to pursue his passion for animation at San Jose State University this fall.
Discovering a Love for Art
Eber’s passion for art has been a guiding force in his life, but it wasn’t until the pandemic hit in 2020 that he truly realized the potential of turning this passion into a career. As he explains, “I think I've always been interested in art, but it wasn’t something I really considered going professional with until the pandemic happened.” During that time, with the world on pause, Eber had the opportunity to reflect on what truly made him happy. It wasn’t the typical paths of business or STEM, but rather the joy he found in drawing and storytelling.
Eber’s decision to pursue animation wasn’t without its challenges. Growing up, he didn’t see many people who looked like him in the field, which made the idea of becoming a professional artist seem distant. However, he pushed through those doubts, inspired by the happiness art brought him and his desire to tell stories that could inspire others.
Achievements and Milestones
Eber’s list of accomplishments is nothing short of impressive. He proudly shared that he was the valedictorian of his class, a title he earned through dedication and strategic course selection. He also won several scholarships, including the prestigious Burger King Scholarship, and was accepted into San Jose State University’s animation program.
Beyond academics, Eber’s creative talents have also shone through. He was the editor-in-chief of his school’s yearbook and even designed the yearbook cover, which was met with widespread approval. Additionally, he won several art contests, including Close the Gap's t-shirt design contest and a local art competition, showcasing his artistic skills and his ability to leave a mark on his community.
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Advice for Aspiring Artists and Students
When asked about advice for students, Eber emphasized the importance of starting early, especially when it comes to scholarships. “A lot of people start too late,” he noted. “You should start looking into scholarships as early as the end of middle school, so you know what’s out there and can prepare your applications over time.” He also highlighted the importance of applying, even when the odds seem slim, sharing how he won scholarships that he never expected to receive simply because he took the chance. For aspiring artists, Eber advises against the common trap of comparison. “Don’t compare yourself to others,” he stressed.
“Focus on your craft and find a small group of artists to share your journey with. Everyone has value in their own art, and your perspective is important.”
Eber credits the Close the Gap Social Impact Fellowship with playing a major role in his development, particularly in helping him become more proactive and resilient. “The program taught me time management, how to handle projects on my own, and how to be a leader. It showed me that if I could accomplish this, I could do so much more in the future.”
“Close the Gap made me more proactive in my life”
Looking to the Future
Eber’s future goals are both ambitious and inspiring. He hopes to land a job at a major animation studio like Disney or Pixar, where he can gain experience and save money to start his own series, possibly a comic or an animated show. But his aspirations don’t stop there. Eber also dreams of creating an art program for first-generation students and people of color, helping to pave the way for those who, like him, didn’t see many role models in the field. “I want to create a place where Hispanic kids or people of color can learn about art and animation, where they can be inspired and see that it is possible to succeed in this field.”
Eber’s journey from a self-taught artist to a valedictorian and aspiring animator is a reminder of the importance of following one’s passion and giving back to the community.