Growing up I knew I always wanted to become an engineer. In grade school, I enjoyed figuring out how things were built and what made them work. Whenever I purchased something new I had to build, I would put the manuals to the side and work for hours just trying to figure out what pieces went where and with what. To me, It was so much fun when I thought I finished the build, and then realizing that it was slightly slanted or if I had placed the incorrect pieces together. As I was always enthusiastically motivated to build things and figure out the processes, I knew that I belonged in STEM courses.
As I began my STEM classes, it was the first time I have ever felt like a minority. All my life I was surrounded by a Hispanic community that has always made me feel a sense of belonging. As soon as I walked into my first class, not only was I a minority in ethnicity, but a minority in gender. I noticed that the same environment carried on for every class after that. Usually if I wasn’t the only girl, I was the only Latina. Soon after that, I researched trying to find a woman in engineering that looked like me. At the time, there wasn’t a Hispanic professional that I was able to find or even a statistic of Latinas in engineering. However, I did come across a national group of women engineers which we know as SWE! Seeing this group of women was so inspiring and encouraged me to go to college to continue to pursue STEM.
As I am the first to go to college in my family, I had a hard time figuring out how to get adjusted or even find the support that I needed. I had to seek out assistance from school administrators and professors for guidance, not having a clue on how to register for FAFSA, enroll in courses and other student responsibilities. After all the challenges I have faced along the way, I know that I am on the right path to success by surrounding myself with people who encourage me every day. Today, I strive to be that role-model I wish I had growing up as a Hispanic female in STEM to influence those in any way I can to pursue their interests no matter the challenges we might face along the way.
As I strive towards this personal goal, I have been working hard to surround myself with other people that have positively impacted my life. Having the opportunity to be a part of professional development organizations, I am able to network and connect with many professionals and students on campus and around the nation that have similar values and goals. I now know that I am not alone on this journey and that it is possible for me to break through the generational cycle. I am proud to share that at the end of my sophomore year, I had the greatest opportunity in getting my first summer internship with Bison Gear and Engineering to begin my experience within the industry! I look forward to my academic and professional future and what opportunities will come my way!
-Ashley Caracheo
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