After earning his Associate of Arts degree in 2022, Owen began pursuing his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, completing the prerequisites at Daytona State before transferring to UCF in 2024. When family responsibilities required him to return home after one semester, he leveraged the change to find a more practical path forward. This led him to the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) apprenticeship program in manufacturing engineering technology, which provides hands-on industry training and sponsorship while he works towards his A.S. Owen has spent eight months working at Teledyne Marine and expects to graduate in 2027, with plans to continue his mechanical engineering degree when circumstances allow.
He shares that he has only one remaining year of scholarship eligibility, and without that support, he would need loans to continue his education. At home, Owen balances school and work with caring for his mother, who has chronic Lyme disease, and supporting his younger siblings. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to his goals and is thankful for the Foundation’s support.
Florida Professional Firefighters VP Kurt Vroman describes Owen as consistent, honest, and prepared. He adds that Owen displays character traits of being hard-working, humble, and determined to make a difference in the world. Adds Associate Professor Rafael Pallais, “Owen shows self-discipline, is capable, responsible, an eager to achieve his academic goals. He demonstrates excellent leadership by leading group projects while developing strategies to promote safety and continuous improvement in every activity.”
