01/25/2026
đź’ˇSENIOR SPOTLIGHTđź’ˇ
Today we get to meet one of our seniors. Let us introduce Cadet Israel Dominguez:
Rank: Cadet Colonel
Position: Cadet Wing Commander
Hobbies/Club: working-out, mentorship, teacher-assistant, active department recruiter, black coffee connoisseur, cooking and photography. Also the UIC Institute of Industrial and System Engineers - Vice President !!!
What my why:
My “why” has evolved each semester, but at its core it has always been about being an examples for my younger family members. I want to show them that higher education is possible. Most of my family never had the opportunity to attend college, and navigating college myself was difficult because I didn’t have anyone at home who could guide me in the right direction.
Now that I’m nearing the finish line, I can look back and say I’ve done some incredible things, from hopping in the back of a C-130 for an incentive flight, participating in our base visits, learning how to fly and so much more. After I graduate, I will have a stable career in the Air Force, and throughout my time in school gained applicable industry skills and valuable connections through academia journey studying Industrial Engineering that I hope to carry forwards into my Air Forces career.
More importantly, I hope my journey shows my younger relatives that college is an option for them too. If I was able to do this, they can as well.
Piece of Advice:
Excel in every role you are given and never settles for the minimum. Push beyond the standard, leave every environment better than you found it, and make a lasting positive impact wherever you go. Your effort and attitude can shape not only your success, but also the people and place around you.
