March 26, 2025 - Central High School’s Addlis Villalona moved to the United States at nine years old, she faced the difficult challenge of learning a new language and adjusting to a different culture. “The weather and the language, definitely,” she recalls as the hardest parts. “Mostly the language and communication. Yeah, it was really hard.” But with determination and the support of her family and teachers, she persevered. By the time she was 12, she had become a US citizen, a moment that filled her with pride.
At Central High School, Addlis was able to explore various interests such as JROTC marksmanship, wrestling, and archery, but one passion stood out above the rest: engineering. With her dad being a mechanical engineer, her mom being a nurse, and her brothers working for Volkswagen, Addlis grew up confident in her ability to explore her own passions: “Ever since I was little, I always got into my dad’s stuff—like his screws and everything,” she remembers. “I used to ball up a ball of Play-Doh and put a bunch of screws in it until I couldn’t fit anymore, then I’d bring it to my dad.”
During her sophomore year, Addlis had a big decision to make. She had the chance to apply to the Volkswagen Academy, a program that could give her real-world experience in engineering. It wasn’t an easy choice—leaving the traditional high school setting meant she wouldn’t see her classmates every day. But she knew this was an opportunity that could shape her future. She took the leap.
Now a full-time student at Volkswagen Academy, Addlis is learning robotic and electric vehicle engineering through hands-on projects. She’s mastering new tools, working with 3D printers, and gaining experience that will set her up for success. She loves the design and building side of Engineering, rather than the programming side. Her goal is to continue her education at UTC or Chattanooga State while working for Volkswagen to gain even more experience.
Through all of her challenges—learning a new language, adapting to a different culture, and taking on a rigorous engineering program—Addlis has never lost sight of what’s important. She credits her family’s support and her own perseverance for where she is today. If she could go back and give advice to her 9-year-old self, she’d keep it simple:
"Just keep working hard. Be confident in yourself."
And for anyone thinking about taking a bold step toward their future, Addlis has one message: “Take it slow, focus on one thing at a time, and don’t be afraid to go after new opportunities or make changes, because it's important to try different things. You only live once, so be brave and trust in God and yourself.”