This week’s CAAMpus Cutie proves to be known not only by his looks, but for being a true leader in what he loves to do most. Meet Jether Panton, a Mechanical Engineering major with a unique cultural backround, who enjoys exploring and trying new things. To know more about him, scroll down!
Name: Jether Joel Panton Henry
Age: 24
Hometown: Panama City
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Relationship Status: Single
Tell us a bit about your roots.
My mom is from Costa Rica and my dad is from Panamá. I was born in Panamá, but also lived in Costa Rica for a while, which means I have both nationalities. Costa Rica is a very natural (in the sense that it has a lot of nature) and beautiful place. Panamá is more like fast pace industrialization; it’s evolving pretty quickly. It’s a hot country, even hotter than Puerto Rico, but it’s also pretty. Both countries have similarities to this island, like the nice people found everywhere.
Why did you choose Mechanical Engineering as your major?
Well, when I was a kid first I wanted to be a bus driver, then I wanted to be a surgeon (until I saw a show on MTV where a man had his leg cut open and I thought to myself: “No, that’s not for me”). After that I started to think about what I liked doing as a kid and I like puzzles, creating new things, so I looked what was it and it turned out to be Mechanical Engineering.
Who’s your biggest role model? Why?
My biggest role model is my father, because he always goes out of a way to keep his promises. I remember he once told me: “I don’t have money to give, but the best thing I can give you is an education”. I know he puts a lot of effort in everything he does and that is why, for me, he is my role model.
What are your goals?
My goals are to be able to represent Puerto Rico this July in PACE, give the best of me on the internship I’ll be doing in New York over the summer, graduate from “el Colegio”, and get a job. I also aspire to travel the world – it’s my biggest goal, because I want to meet new people and new cultures.
What can you tell us about the PACE project?
PACE is a project sponsored by General Motors and other engineering companies like Hewlett Packard and Siemens, in which every two years the project changes completely. The project is about transportation solutions; this year we’re working on somewhat of a “transformer car” and it should be ready for 2030. We also work with international universities on the projects. Right now, I’m one of the three leaders in the project. This July we’ll be competing in São Paulo, Brazil.
How does it feel to represent our university internationally?
¡Brutal! We work with the people involved in the project through Skype, WhatsApp, and Facebook; but when you get to see them and spend time with them in the good times and bad while in the competition, it’s a whole different experience. It’s a very nice experience, because you can see the results of something you’ve worked on for so long and all the frustrations you’ve had before no longer mean anything. I would do it again and again.
Aside from working at the lab and with PACE, what else do you enjoy doing (in your free time)?
I like longboarding, cooking, playing sports (I was actually in the UPR Bayamón Judo team and in the “Colegio” Track & Field team), watching anime, and playing videogames. Traveling and going on road trips are my top favorite hobbies – I love to explore.
Photo Credit to Omar Montalvo