I am learning more about Information Technology (IT) through shadowing and working hands-on. I help to setup and manage computers on networks. I also fix computer-related issues and learn more about Cyber Security. At school, I am the Captain of a CyberPatriot (National Cyber Defense Competition) team and the school's CyberPatriot club coordinator. Along with the IT activities I do, I also have gained a few international IT Certifications through my school's program, which is now a Dual Credit program. Besides having IT knowledge, I also have programming knowledge, which has led me to be the head coder on my robotics team. I am highly active in the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing community. It is also very supportive, and being in STEM has given me the opportunity to be a part of that. Thanks to choosing a field of STEM, I have been able to jump-start a career in high school, become a Hispanic Heritage Youth Award Winner, and become an NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing National Runner-up.
I share this world of technology and science with countless young Latina women who have the opportunity to succeed. Some Latina girls have been exposed to different fields of science and technology and are pursuing those fields. Some Latina girls have unclear perceptions of the range of science and technology fields. At the age of 13, I finally had total access to a computer, but it was not until three years later that I discovered computer science. Limited resources in computing at my high school and in my area did not refrain me from seeking learning opportunities at hackathons, local colleges, and online. As Latina girls pursuing science and technology, we reverse the low number of female minorities pursuing STEM and embrace our chance to be a Latina in technology.
