What inspired you to pursue a STEM-based degree? How did you discover your interest in the field?
During my high school years, I was very interested in math and computers and felt like that would be the right fit for me. Although I did have an interest in history and some parts of language arts, I thought about the job fields in those areas and couldn’t envision myself working there. I was inspired to pursue a STEM based degree since a handful of my family members are also working in STEM fields.
Who within STEM serves as an inspiration for you?
My cousin Alexis is an inspiration for me, at one point in his life he didn’t have any idea what he wanted his future to look like. After the passing of his father, he fell into a dark place but continued to pursue his academic career. His motivation and strength through tough times is what brought him to his success today, which is something that I really admire about him.
How would you describe your experiences as a Black and/or Latino student at the School of Engineering?
So far, my experiences have been positive. I feel as though I have a community that I can be a part of. Programs like OP and SHPE have allowed me to surround myself with like minded individuals and share our experiences as minorities at university. I understand that part of the reason why I feel this way is because I am a white passing Latino, so I do not have to face the same experiences as others.
What courses were challenging for you? How did those courses better prepare you for what’s ahead?
Data Structures has been a challenging course, but it has helped me prepare for interviews that I will have in the future. Many of the interviews that CS majors have to go through require a deep understanding of data structures, so it has made me realize what parts of CS I have to focus on in order to be successful in the field.
What are your research/professional career goals?
I hope to work at a large tech company at the early stages of my career, and after a couple of years of experience, I would like to start up my own tech company with my cousins. Since my cousins partake in different sections of engineering, our knowledge in distinct fields can be supplemental in creating a growing tech company.
As an underrepresented minority student, is there something that you recognize more now that you didn’t think of before attending Tandon?
I realized that many people in this university do not understand the experiences that people like me have gone through. I have been accustomed to being around people like me for most of my life and now that many of those around me are different, it feels like something is missing.
How important is it for incoming minority students to utilize their resources (i.e. professors, counselors, advisors, tutors, etc.)?
It is extremely important because in many cases minority students can be isolated from opportunities that are granted to other students. Not only that but sometimes students can feel out of place; without using their resources, this feeling can expand and lead to a lack of motivation.
What advice would you offer to Black and Latino men who are interested in the STEM field?
Definitely make an effort to explore a specific part of STEM during your high school career. Not only will this help you be more prepared, if you do choose to pursue a career in STEM, but it will also give you more experience and give you a glimpse of what a career in STEM may look like.
What inspired you to pursue a STEM-based degree? How did you discover your interest in the field?
During my high school years, I was very interested in math and computers, and felt like that would be the right fit for me. Although I did have interest in history and some parts of language arts, I thought about the job fields in those areas and couldn’t envision myself working there. I was inspired to pursue a STEM-based degree since a handful of my family members are also working in STEM fields.
Who within STEM serves as an inspiration for you?
My cousin Alexis is an inspiration for me. At one point in his life, he didn’t have any idea what he wanted his future to look like. After the passing of his father, he fell into a dark place but continued to pursue his academic career. His motivation and strength through tough times is what brought him to his success today, which is something that I really admire about him.
How would you describe your experiences as a Black and/or Latino student at the School of Engineering?
So far, my experiences have been positive. I feel as though I have a community that I can be a part of. Programs like OP and SHPE have allowed me to surround myself with like minded individuals and share our experiences as minorities at university. I understand that part of the reason why I feel this way is because I am a white-passing Latino, so I do not have to face the same experiences as others.
What courses were challenging for you? How did those courses better prepare you for what’s ahead?
Data Structures has been a challenging course, but it has helped me prepare for interviews that I will have in the future. Many of the interviews that CS majors have to go through require a deep understanding of data structures, so it has made me realize what parts of CS I have to focus on in order to be successful in the field.
What are your research/professional career goals?
I hope to work at a large tech company at the early stages of my career, and after a couple of years of experience, I would like to start up my own tech company with my cousins. Since my cousins partake in different sections of engineering, our knowledge in distinct fields can be supplemental in creating a growing tech company.
As an underrepresented minority student, is there something that you recognize more now that you didn’t think of before attending Tandon?
I realized that many people in this university do not understand the experiences that people like me have gone through. I have been accustomed to being around people like me for most of my life and now that many of those around me are different, it feels like something is missing.
How important is it for incoming minority students to utilize their resources (i.e. professors, counselors, advisors, tutors, etc.)
It is extremely important because in many cases minority students can be isolated from opportunities that are granted to other students. Not only that but sometimes students can feel out of place; without using their resources, this feeling can expand and lead to a lack of motivation.
What advice would you offer to Black and Latino men who are interested in the STEM field?
Definitely make an effort to explore a specific part of STEM during your high school career. Not only will this help you be more prepared if you do choose to pursue a career in STEM, but it will also give you more experience and give you a glimpse of what a career in STEM may look like.