MAS Class of 2026 Senior Spotlight: Malcolm Ezra Jamal Molina

Malcolm Molina likes to build things. Give him wood, metal, or access to a 3D printer, and he is in his element. That curiosity also points to what he plans to do next: study mechanical engineering, and a future that's bound to be shaped by hands-on problem solving.

Malcolm transferred to Mission Achievement and Success Charter School in the spring of 2024, during the second semester of 10th grade. He says one of the most meaningful parts of the MAS experience has been the way the high school schedule supports college-level learning.

“My favorite thing about attending MAS is that we have the opportunity to take dual college credit courses while also not being assigned traditional homework for my high school classes. This allowed us to dedicate our time and focus on our college-level courses also.”

That dual-credit opportunity lets MAS students earn college credit while they’re still in high school, and Malcolm says it helped him focus more energy on coursework that will pay off long term. By the time he walks across the graduation stage early next month, he’ll have earned one-third of the credits he needs for an associate degree.

Before MAS, Malcolm, who was our November 2025 12th Grade Student of The Month, participated in basketball and swimming at different schools. He says those experiences taught perseverance and reinforced the value of hard work. He also carried forward lessons in teamwork and discipline, which he applied at MAS.

Another long-term commitment has played a major role in his growth. Malcolm has been a member of GANSBE, the Greater Albuquerque National Society of Black Engineers, for seven years. GANSBE promotes STEM exploration, academic excellence, technical advancement, community engagement, and leadership for students in grades 5-12. Malcolm describes it as a place where he built discipline and leadership skills. He also credits it with helping him plan for the future while building a professional network.

When Malcolm shares advice with incoming freshmen, he keeps it practical. He encourages them to focus on themselves and complete what is expected. High school goes quickly, he says, and the choices students make with their time can shape what comes next.

Outside of school, Malcolm spends time tinkering and building. He works with materials like wood and metal, and he also uses 3D printers. He says these mediums helped him discover a real passion for creating, and that interest influenced his decision to pursue mechanical engineering.

One of the most important lessons Malcolm says he learned during high school centers on responsibility and balance.

“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in high school is that you need to take care of the important aspects of your own life before you can effectively help others.”

After high school, Malcolm plans to study mechanical engineering at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NM Tech), in Socorro, NM. Looking ahead 10 years, he plans to complete a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and work at Sandia National Laboratories, headquartered in Albuquerque, NM, with a major operation in Livermore, California. He also plans to own a home, have pets, and be happily married. Like many of our graduates, he also wants the kind of financial stability that supports a goal he feels excited about: traveling to a new country every year.

Malcolm says he admires his mom because she raised him and his siblings as a single parent and helped create a happy, successful life for their family. “Her strength, dedication and love continue to inspire me everyday,” he says. Malcolm also admires his dad for the steady support and encouragement that helped shape who he is today. “His support has allowed me to rise to heights I never thought possible,” he said.

When he is dining out, Malcolm’s favorite restaurant is Stripes Burrito Co. (eight locations in and around Albuquerque). His go-to order is the Famous Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich, which he says is always delicious.

Malcolm also shared a turning point from earlier in high school that still matters to him.

“At the start of high school, I struggled and failed two subjects, but I was able to get back on track, improve my GPA, and am now preparing to attend one of the most prestigious universities in New Mexico. I am deeply grateful to my family, friends, and advisors, whose support has helped me reach this point.”

Malcolm’s story carries a clear theme: growth built through effort, informed choices, persistence, and the passions he found and focused on along the way. With engineering ahead and big goals already mapped out, Malcolm Molina leaves MAS ready for the work and life that comes next.