SHORT BIO
Where to begin? I'm a geologist and love the outdoors! I grew up in an area just outside of El Paso, Texas known as Montana Vista (a.k.a. Polvos), which is famous for Hueco Tanks State Park. If you have never been there then I urge you to visit this place at least once in your life, especially if you are into rock climbing. I love anything having to do with soccer, tequila, friends, and family. I am a huge Chivas (Mexican soccer team) fan as well as an Astros and Lakers fan. Unfortunately it has not been easy being a fan of these teams in the last couple of years but it seems the 'Stros have turned it around. Es nuestro año Nina!!! Other than that, there is not much else to me. I am a pretty simple person who loves to look at geology and occasionally licks rocks.
MY TWO CENTS ON THE AMERICAN DREAM
Growing up, I was always told that I could become whatever it is in life that I wanted to be, as long as I worked hard...you know the American Dream that we are all told as children. In my opinion, that is one of the biggest lies being fed to people and in particular to minorities. What they should tell you is that to some, the American Dream comes much easier (preferentially if you are of a certain race and gender). For the rest of us it is simply that, just a dream. Some though, have proven that it is not impossible to achieve but it is definitely more difficult to do so when you are a minority and have to face many obstacles that others do not have to overcome.
Unfortunately, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields are no different in this regard. STEM fields say they value diversity but the truth is that STEM fields still systematically underrepresent minorities. That is why my goal is to help minorities receive the opportunities and support they need in order to excel in their chosen fields of study. The bigger question for me is whether I will actually end up doing this. To be honest, I do not know because life has a way of changing your plans instantly as I have learned. I might go into industry, teaching or dedicate my life to research for all I know, but ultimately, I would be the happiest developing/leading programs aimed at increasing the number of underrepresented students in STEM.
Where to begin? I'm a geologist and love the outdoors! I grew up in an area just outside of El Paso, Texas known as Montana Vista (a.k.a. Polvos), which is famous for Hueco Tanks State Park. If you have never been there then I urge you to visit this place at least once in your life, especially if you are into rock climbing. I love anything having to do with soccer, tequila, friends, and family. I am a huge Chivas (Mexican soccer team) fan as well as an Astros and Lakers fan. Unfortunately it has not been easy being a fan of these teams in the last couple of years but it seems the 'Stros have turned it around. Es nuestro año Nina!!! Other than that, there is not much else to me. I am a pretty simple person who loves to look at geology and occasionally licks rocks.
MY TWO CENTS ON THE AMERICAN DREAM
Growing up, I was always told that I could become whatever it is in life that I wanted to be, as long as I worked hard...you know the American Dream that we are all told as children. In my opinion, that is one of the biggest lies being fed to people and in particular to minorities. What they should tell you is that to some, the American Dream comes much easier (preferentially if you are of a certain race and gender). For the rest of us it is simply that, just a dream. Some though, have proven that it is not impossible to achieve but it is definitely more difficult to do so when you are a minority and have to face many obstacles that others do not have to overcome.
Unfortunately, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields are no different in this regard. STEM fields say they value diversity but the truth is that STEM fields still systematically underrepresent minorities. That is why my goal is to help minorities receive the opportunities and support they need in order to excel in their chosen fields of study. The bigger question for me is whether I will actually end up doing this. To be honest, I do not know because life has a way of changing your plans instantly as I have learned. I might go into industry, teaching or dedicate my life to research for all I know, but ultimately, I would be the happiest developing/leading programs aimed at increasing the number of underrepresented students in STEM.
SPECIAL THANKS
As a geologist I have come to learn many things about the world throughout my travels/experiences/projects/etc., that are both good and bad. I still have a lot more to learn but there is one thing I have learned in particular that I think everyone needs to know. The things you accomplish in life do not matter unless you have others to share those experiences with. The people you meet along your journeys and those that are always there supporting you make those accomplishments and experiences truly meaningful. Because of that, I would like to thank everyone I have ever met for letting me be a part of their lives and for being a part of mine. I would not be where I am today if it had not been for the support and advice of my teachers, professors, coaches, teammates, friends, family and especially the love of my life who has helped me pursue my passions. |
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Last Update: 12/20/16
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