You’re going to pursue and earn a PhD someday. You’re also going to write a book and become a professor at a top university. If someone would have told me those words in high school, I would have never believed them. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have reached such accompli...

          My educational journey is grounded by the value of “hard work” that my parents taught me and the consejos they shared. My parents were born and raised in Mexico and during their teenage years, they emigrated to the U.S. in search for a better life. Their transition to this country was met...

          It was my mother who sat me down and encouraged me to an “intro to engineering” course rather than a pottery class. Although I was hesitant, this is where it all began for me. It’s as if she knew somehow that I would like technical and challenging courses. I am...

          My grandfather has always dreamed of having his children become grade-school teachers. He enjoyed seeing the process of learning and he frequently talks to me about how my late grandmother tried her best to teach him how to read and write but he failed at it every time. Math was learned fr...

          I am Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at Cal State University, Los Angeles (CSULA). Aside from teaching, I’m also a principal investigator who leads a laboratory of nine research students. My experiences at CSULA did not begin as a professor, but as a student. I am definitely a big drea...

          I am playing a game of checkers when the sunken eyes of my normally vibrant brother meet mine. As I watch his skin become pale and little beads of sweat develop on his brow, my stomach tightens with the sinking feeling that something is very wrong. My brother is experiencing his first hypo...

          My name is Diana Iracheta, I am 23 years old and I am a Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineer. I graduated with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Northern Illinois University in May of 2019. During my studies I have been part of Latinos Unidos STEM club and have been awarded a co...

            As a first generation Mexican American, raised by a single mother, I have found that my ultimate passion and purpose is to improve the life of others. Arriving to such convictions is an amazing feeling that motivates me every day and pushes me to strive to be the very best at anything I...

EARLY LIFE - GROWING UP IN POVERTY

Hola mi nombre es Itzel Martinez, I am a Software Engineer at Pandora and this is my story. 

          In 1995, I was born into the beautiful city of Oaxaca, Mexico, which is where I went to school up until the second grade. At the age of seven, I made my journey to...

            Hi, my name is Jessica and I’m a second-year MD/MBA student. I’ve come a long way and I’ve got a long way to go! What I’ve found on my journey to becoming a physician is this: things will rarely go according to plan, no one’s path is perfect, and no two paths are identical. The only way...

          I am a first-generation Latina college student. I can't think of anyone else in my family with a degree in higher education. I come from humble hardworking parents who have done their best to raise four girls. I’m the oldest, trying my best to be a strong role model for my sisters. For as...

          Twenty-five years ago, I never would have imagined I could be a scientist, let alone working on a Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry at Yale University. Looking back on my journey, this was possible by the role of mentors who guided me on my journey towards STEM. I plan on sharin...

          “This is composite wood. I want actual wood.” I followed close on my father’s heels as he blazed through the bathroom showrooms at Home Depot, scrutinizing cabinet after cabinet. I held onto his calloused hand as he explained to me the difference. The cabinets in the display were made of a...

          I thought I had more time, but I didn’t. By the time high school approached, I hadn’t filled out any college applications or financial aid forms. I didn’t notice at the time because none of my friends were filling out applications either. High school graduation seemed to sneak up, but mayb...