Hispanic STEM Career Forum - Math

The second Hispanic STEM Career Forum was held on Wednesday September 21, 2011 at the Campus Vista Conference Room.

Our first guest speaker was Crispin Zamudio who grew up as a farm worker. He started his speech asking the audience: “how many of you know what a farm worker does?” Not many raised their hands. That is because sadly the work of a farm worker is not as recognized. Seeing the few raised hands brought me a feeling of sadness as I value the work of the farm workers, since my family members have also worked in the fields. Therefore, I have a huge respect for their hard work and know of the harsh conditions they undergo to obtain a few cents just so their family will have a better future. That is why I esteem that Crispin even shared that personal side of his story. Being a “campesino” (farm worker) at the age of 4 years old until he was a teenager is part of his roots and is also the motivation to aspire for something greater. Most of our successful Hispanic professionals have their foundations in the “campos” (farms). They experience the harsh conditions and the difficulties that they decided to aim higher. I see them as seeds that once they were placed in good soil with support, they grew and succeeded to inspire others. Crispin was also involved in sports; he won a couple of awards playing basketball for his Kofa High School in Yuma, Arizona. His determination and discipline is what he said are some of the characteristics that have aided him to succeed.

While in high school he attended the Joaquin Bustoz Math and Science Honors Program (MSHP) where he took math university level courses at Arizona State University (ASU). Being part of the MSHP program was instrumental in his success throughout his educational career as Dr. Joaquin Bustoz (the founder of the MSHP program) became his mentor and supported him. It is through individuals who believed in him like Dr. Bustoz and his elementary teachers who encouraged him to pursue a math career that he completed his math degree. Crispin obtained his Bachelors in Arts (B.A.) in Mathematics from the Arizona State University. Then he went on to obtain his Master’s in Education Leadership from the Northern Arizona State University. He is now the director of the e-Institute Charter Schools where he supervises six charter schools. Crispin advises his one-hundred and plus students to “network because it is not what you know, but who you know”. This was the response he gave when he was questioned “What do you know now that would have been helpful to know when you were starting out in your career?” Crispin said: “if by the end of the forum you have not obtained a business card from me, you are at a disadvantage” because you are one person short from reaching your goal. It is so true, so the next time you go to a meeting do not forget to obtain the business card of the individuals you meet and organize them in a business card folder. Network, network, network! It is important and that is why we have provided these series of Hispanic STEM Career Forums. There are three other forums underway, do not lose your opportunity to meet outstanding individuals who are willing to extend a hand to you and support your dream.

Our second guest speaker was Cindy Barragan who shared her story of how she found her way through college. She also started in the Math and Science Honors Program (MSHP) as Crispin. Crispin was actually a counselor when she was in the program and Cindy was my counselor when I was in the program. The three of us are alumnus of the exceptional MSHP program, as it is a support group of like-minded individuals who are pursuing a math or science bachelor’s degree, similar to the STEM Scholars Program. As Cindy said it is through having a support network, such as colleagues or a program that you can succeed. I truly agree with Cindy, so “collaborate to graduate” with your colleagues and get connected to a program such as the STEM Scholars Program. Cindy started with the MSHP program taking Pre-Calculus and tried to associate with students in higher math course levels. However, she noticed the distinction between students who are in different math levels. The calculus students don’t usually associate with pre-calculus students. Another barrier she confronted was having one of her professors tell her that there was no future for her in astronomy. This was a big shock for Cindy as she had always wanted to become an astronomer since she was little kid. It set her back as she had to start her career discovery again. Therefore, she decided to take on an internship with NASA and through her experience decided that astronomy was not what she wanted to do. It was through her own decision of not pursuing astronomy and not her professor’s opinion that she decided to cancel the whole astronomy career. Then when it came time to declare her major, she noticed that she had enough credits toward a math major, so she decided to complete her math bachelors.

After completing her Bachelors in math, she went on to complete her master’s in education and is now teaching at the community college while she is the Senior Coordinator for the Joaquin Bustoz Math and Science Honors Program. In her classes at South Mountain Community College she encourages her students to work in teams as she also values the importance of networking. It is important to collaborate with your classmates as you may never know when you may need of their assistance to obtain the notes you missed in class. Cindy also emphasized that through her college courses she felt singled out as she was the only female and minority student in her courses. However, she did not let that intimidate her and she took control of her career choice.

The third guest speaker was Cleopatria Martinez who is a math faculty here at Phoenix College. She shared a few sections of her life story, which is depicted in the book she wrote along with nine other PhD level Chicana professionals. Cleopatria mentioned that her mother was a single mother who worked really hard to get her through her career. She is very thankful to her mother as she showed her that there is no difference between a man’s and woman’s work for her mother performed both roles. Throughout Cleopatria’s schooling she noticed much of the culture differences, but she did not let that be a barrier in her success as she is very proud of her culture. Something I got from Cleopatria’s speech is “do not let anybody put you down.” We all do great things and in all we do we must strive to do our best work. You can check out the book by the title of “Paths to Discovery” here at the Phoenix College Fannin Library to read more on Cleopatria Martinez’s life story, which is very inspiring!

In all, the three guest speakers were complimentary of each other and each one of them supported the other. Crispin Zamudio opened up the forum very well and reinforced the importance of networking and even provided the students with his business card. Therefore, network for you never know which card you will need to play. Cindy’s story, left me the message that you decide your future, don’t let anyone dictate to you can or cannot do. The future is in your hands. Cleopatria Martinez supported this idea with “do not let anybody put you down.” Be proud of who you are and who you represent. To learn more on Cleopatria's Martinez story read the book Paths to Discovery: http://www.chicano.ucla.edu/press/paths.asp

The Phoenix College Faninn Library has four copies you can check out under the following Call #: Q141 .P3746 2008