Major:
Technology and Information Management B.S.
Graduating Class:
2020
What are your plans after graduation?
Industry Job. ITRP @ Google, Sunnyvale, CA
Why did you join SHPE UCSC?
I joined SHPE UCSC because I was struggling with my STEM courses. I spoke to Lydia from BSOE advising and she said “you are NOT leaving STEM. Join SHPE.” I remember she gave me a flyer and I emailed SHPE for meeting information. I was hooked from the very start. I felt the sense of familia immediately and felt welcomed. SHPE’s mission resonated with me; I come from South Central LA from one of the poorest neighborhoods, so the need to retain hispanics in STEM and help them expand their network was very close to me. I did not have connections in the industry and I was already ready to leave STEM…SHPE definitely helped me stay focused on the finish line.
What is your favorite SHPE memory (or memories)?
My favorite SHPE UCSC memory has been probably all the times we went out to eat together or hung out at the current SHPE house. Stressing over the Ohio convention with Daniela -stressing over the entire presidency with Daniela in general actually, it was all worth it. I loved getting to know SHPE members and it was the best feeling (ever!) when a member sent me a message announcing one of their accomplishments. I think getting to know the board was the most rewarding part altogether. I will always be proud of what we were able to accomplish during our time together.
How has SHPE helped you throughout your college career?
SHPE helped me stay motivated. I spent so many hours in the SHPE study room…I SLEPT so many hours in that room… I think if I did not have so many people supporting me I would have given up and gone to sleep and failed a test or too. I landed a job right out of college because of the SHPE convention, a convention I would not have gotten through without my UCSC familia.
What will you miss most about UCSC?
I will miss walking everywhere and admiring the view. I loved the vibe of the city and bumping into at least one person I knew on a daily basis because it is a smaller city.
Do you have any advice for SHPE undergrad members?
What you give is what you get. Truly. Invest in yourself! A lot of us saved up for conference expenses (some of us maxed out a few credit cards, maybe don’t do that!) and took time to polish our resumes and practice our networking skills. Go to meetings, participate in events! You never know when or where you will meet the one person who might change your life. Enjoy your time in college because it will go by so fast.
Anything else you would like to add?
SHPE is 4 Life 