Be Well!

In the wake of COVID-19 and the reality of our new situation, I thought it would be important to discuss it. Not so much about the virus itself, but how these challenging times can mold our future for the better. I hope this experience teaches us to slow down and concentrate more on our friends and families. Help people in need. May it teach us more patience and become a little more resourceful. We have lived in a quick-paced, fast-food life for so long, it is time we come back to our roots. Remembering to breathe, take long walks, and forge more meaningful relationships. My wish is for you and all of your families to remain calm, healthy, and well. Please take care!

Smart Enough?

I felt the need to talk about being 'smart enough'. It sounds crazy, but since I had returned to school several years ago, I get many comments from people. Such as "Wow! Good for you, but I'm not smart enough". It got me thinking. Especially since I saw my 17-year-old niece last week and tried to convince her that college would be an excellent idea for her, she happened to say the same thing! I told her being smart isn't because you were born that way or not (except for some that are born geniuses). I told her it has to do with applying yourself and making a conscious effort to become educated. In case anyone out there ever feels this way, remember people get to where they are because they've applied themselves, which means that we all have the same ability to do the same. Never doubt yourself and keep learning and growing!

The Daunting Tasks...

As we start off with another semester ahead, the list of to dos are long and the tasks seem impossible to overcome. One thing I've learned through it all is we always SURVIVE! Somehow I land on my feet. Instead of starting this semester out full of stress and worry, I decided to start out with the knowing evertything will fall into place as it usually does. Also knowing that if I fail it's an experience or a lesson to be learned. So I'll leave you with a quote, and remember one step at at time.

"You don't have to see the whole staircase, you just have to take the first step."-MLK

If you could go back in time...

If you could go bacj in time, what advice would you give your "freshman self", or your first day at ASU?

If I could go back in time I would remind myself to breathe. Learning takes time. Some subjects will require more energy than others. I've learned that certain topics I'm inherently good at while others require more determination. I'd probably ask for more help especially if when I was confused. I can be stubborn from time to time. One thing I'm glad that I've done was be active in school programs from the beginning. The relationships I've been able to build with fellow students and professors is priceless.

How have your goals changed over the time since you started school until now? Have the changes been big or small?

When I initially started back to school, I wanted to go into nursing. However, after my first semester, I knew that I wanted to get a degree in a STEM field. It only took a little convincing from my first biology professor. By the second semester of school I was pretty set on environmental science. I feel it’s a rather important career to venture into. It’s also a very broad field and I’m sure I’ll be able to find something I truly enjoy doing. I would say that this is a rather huge change from my original goal. Thus far, I’m sure I’ve made the right decision.

What is your dream job?

What is your dream job? Why is this your dream job? Has this always been your goal?

The story of dreams and all of us wishful thinkers! I'd have to say my dream job would be working somewhere that assists underprivelged communities gain access to clean water. This is my dream job because I believe every single person deserves the right to have the necessary means for survival. We often take this resource for granted. All too often we don't realize that there are people in the world that go without on a daily basis. This has not always been my goal. But since my scholastic career I have had the opportunity to meet with great scientists (professors), who deeply care for the world that we live in as I do. I guess you can say they helped me discover a path that I'm very passionate about.

Why did you choose a STEM field? What interests you about STEM fields?

Why did you choose a STEM field? What interests you about STEM fields?

I've always been a naturally curious kid. I used to spend a lot of time alone daydreaming about how to make the world a better place. Science was also my favorite school subject. I mostly decided a STEM career because of my first biology professor in college. He is so passionate about what he does and truly inspires students to achieve their dreams. The exciting thing about STEM fields is that there are plenty of subjects and topics. You are not limited in this field because there are endless avenues. You are also free to be a curious and innovative thinker while trying to make the world a better place.