““I think a lot about the statistics. Most people in my program are male and white, which is very different from being a minority female. I keep thinking, ‘I’m that 1%’.”
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For many of our scholars, STEP is the first program they apply to. For Sandra Gonzalez, “It was the first door to open.”
Sandra earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arizona. Her first few years were tough. Fortunately, Sandra had a good friend who had gone on the STEP Alaska Expedition and was also at the U of A. “Just having someone I knew who was in college with me and who had a similar background and experiences really helped. Minorities are not well represented in STEM and that was difficult, especially as a double minority (being a woman and Hispanic). But I had a lot of support from many communities, including STEP. STEP was the first program I applied to, then I found other opportunities and kept applying to them because I realized that I could get in and that I was a good student.”
After graduating from the University of Arizona, Sandra was accepted into the Biomedical Engineering doctoral program at Emory University and Georgia Tech. Sandra appreciates seeing another part of the country and learning how different people do things. That being said, entering a graduate program in a STEM field hasn’t been easy. “With regards to the challenges I’ve faced, I think a lot about the statistics. Most people in my program are male and white, which is very different from being a minority female. I keep thinking, ‘I’m that 1%’. There is only one other minority female in our program. Dealing with that has been challenging.” Sandra’s key to success is a supportive graduate program staff. “Having a very good advisor and building relationships helps you keep going.”
Sandra hopes to one day return to Arizona and volunteer with the STEP program. “I want to serve as a role model for future students. If younger students can see someone like them be successful, they will be inspired to pursue their own dreams.”