"Network with as many students as possible and try to get as many mentors as you can. There's a Hispanic saying that expresses this perfectly and goes like this, 'Dos cabezas piensan major que una,' which translates to 'Two minds think better than one.' I'm a huge advocate of students getting advice from people that have been in their shoes in the past. It's amazing to see how much you can learn from them. To this day, I'm still close with the people that introduced me to SHPE."

Campus Involvement:

• SHPE - Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (President)
• Omega Chi Epsilon: Chemical Engineering Honor Society (Member)
• AICHE - American Institute of Chemical Engineers (Member)
• SAE - Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity (Former Member)
• Ignite Gospel Club at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center at Purdue (Former Member)

Were you involved with the Minority Program Summer Engineering Workshops? If yes, what was your role, and how did you benefit from them? 

Although I was not formally involved with the Minority Engineering Program (MEP) at Purdue, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) at Purdue is similar in the sense that it's an organization that also aims to provide students from Minority backgrounds with unparalleled opportunities to further their education. I am extremely proud to see how Purdue advocates to support minority groups, like Hispanics. As someone who grew up in Guatemala, it is extremely satisfying to experience how a top-notch college in the United States, like Purdue, takes pride in commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month. Purdue is truly a great university, and what I love even more about it, is that no matter where you come from, if you work hard and believe in yourself, you can achieve things that not even you in your wildest dreams you dreamed of. A version of the "American Dream" if you will. 

Tell our audience about what you have gained from SHPE. How has SHPE affected you as an engineering student? What do you get through SHPE that you don't get from other programs on campus?

I joined SHPE back in 2017 when I was a first-year student and met the former President (Sarah) and former VP (Alfredo) at a new-student orientation event. From the moment I started talking to them, I noticed their genuine interest in me to join the organization and to have the opportunity to network with other Hispanics in STEM. I then went on to become the treasurer during my sophomore year, director of professional development during my junior year, and I'm currently serving as the President. SHPE has made me become a better person both academically and personally. It has taught me to become a leader who is willing to help others reach their professional development goals. What I love about being the president is that I'm essentially becoming a mentor to many undergrads, which is something that I really enjoy doing. SHPE is unique in the sense that we are a FAMILIA that tries to look out after one another. We also take with us our Hispanic culture no matter where we go. Other programs on campus might also have strong ties, but the ones that I have encountered in SHPE are one of a kind. 

What is one piece of advice that you would like to share with future engineers that you might not have known when you started your program of study? 

Network with as many students as possible and try to get as many mentors as you can. There's a Hispanic saying that expresses this perfectly and goes like this, "Dos cabezas piensan major que una," which translates to: "Two minds think better than one." I'm a huge advocate of students getting advice from people that have been in their shoes in the past. It's amazing to see how much you can learn from them. To this day, I'm still close with the people that introduced me to SHPE and who became my mentors in the organization at first.

What is next? (post-graduation plans)

I'm currently applying for jobs and seeing what company best fits my interests. I want to get some work experience for 3-5 years before going to grad school and pursuing another degree. Eventually, I would like to work in my family's pharmaceutical company. 

Anything else that you would like to share with us about your time at Purdue? 

An engineering degree from Purdue is very well seen and will open many doors. However, the classes won't be the easiest. They will get tougher as the years go by, but so will you. Try to balance your time outside of school and be grateful for all of the blessings in your life, like being a Boilermaker! This will allow you to weather the storms that you encounter in a better way. Also, keep in mind that obtaining a college degree is a "journey" rather than a destination. Try to enjoy the ride and make friends that encourage you to push the boundaries of your knowledge. Additionally, don't be afraid to fail. "Try and fail, but never fail to try" - Jared Leto. Being young is the perfect time to make mistakes. People often don't realize how much of a competitive advantage being young is and thus you can make mistakes and learn from them. Lastly, in the words of Milton Berle, a former American comedian, "if opportunity doesn't knock, build a door."