Helping to document events and organize the officers is historian Alfonso Alarcon. Alfonso is new to the officer team this year and brings enthusiasm and energy to YMF. He graduated from San Diego State and works at RBF. Besides ASCE he has lots of other interests and hobbies. Below is an interview with Alfonso that will hopefully allow you to get to know him a little better.

Q: Where did you grow up? What’s your family like?

A: I was raised in Tijuana and born in Ensenada and have a younger sister and a younger brother. My senior year in high school was in San Diego, and afterwards I attended Southwestern College in Chula Vista. My family is still in Mexico where my dad practices civil engineering. My senior year was a big change; I wasn’t fluent in English yet, but all the classes were in English. It was my choice to come here though.

Q: What inspired you to be a civil engineer?

A: At first it was my dad. He took me out to the field when I was a kid. I got to see big machinery and I really enjoyed being outside. Then when I started getting my degree, I learned how civil engineering is a service to society, and we all strive for the greater good of community. It’s also satisfying to be able to physically see the product of our work. My favorite class at SDSU was “Introduction to Construction Engineering.” The professor had us thinking globally about our actions in the world; a way that students weren’t used to. He explained how history has influenced infrastructure.

Q: What is your most marked characteristic? 

A: It sounds generic, but I’m a nice guy. That’s what anybody who knows me well will tell you. I think things through a lot, am honest, trustworthy and like helping people.

Q: If you could go on an adventure anywhere, what would you do and where would you go?

 A: I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. It would definitely be an exotic adventure to somewhere like Mongolia or Tasmania. I’d go with very little possessions or a detailed plan and do nothing touristy. I’d stay in a village, be with the locals, and hopefully leave with a very unique experience.

Q: What do you enjoy doing with your free time?

A: Fishing, hiking, surfing. I started surfing six months ago. I’m a good swimmer, so I’m comfortable in the water but I know that I have to be very aware. I like to go rock fishing south of Tijuana with my dad. Down there fisherman will take you out on their small boats, and it is very calm and peaceful being out on the ocean. My favorite place to hike so far in San Diego is Torrey Pines State Park.

A: I used to be a big metal head. Six years ago I was listening to a lot of Pantera and bands like that. Now I listen to more of a variety, but I still like electronic music; Bjork, Massive Attack, Depeche Mode, MIA, Spanish rock. Anthology is the best place I’ve been to see live music in San Diego, it’s worth it to spend more to be in front of the stage, but Viejas Arena is the best for rock shows.

Q: What would you like to accomplish in your position in YMF this year?

A: I’d like to establish a system of good record keeping that can be consistently and easily followed by future officers. I was the SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) President at SDSU and that year it was on the brink of going away; there was no record keeping at all. I didn’t have quite the year I wanted but I got a taste of what it takes to motivate people, deal with people and convince them to believe in a cause.

*** YMF would like to recognize its members and the vital role they play in shaping the infrastructure of San Diego and the world. If you know someone who has made a significant contribution, published a technical paper, or completed an important project or milestone, then we would love to hear about it. Please contact our membership chair with details. ***