Students and industry professionals gathered at De Anza College’s fifth annual UndocuSTEM Math Engineering Science Achievement Conference, which promotes STEM resources and opportunities, on April 30 in Conference Rooms A and B.
The full-day event, themed “Rooted in Resilience. Growing in STEM,” featured science, technology, engineering and math fields such as robotics, computer engineering and data science.
Keynote speaker Rebecca Valero, 25, Cisco electrical product engineer, said this conference showcases community involvement for students that are feeling lonely.
“The purpose is to target the underrepresented community of students who are navigating a difficult situation,” Valero said. “When we actually see other people who are going through the same challenges, it motivates us and provides support.”
Patricio Gonzalez, 25, Vertrotek backend developer and former UndocuSTEM event coordinator, said students should remain adaptable and purpose-driven even if their majors seem to conflict with their goals.
“Having a job does not get in the way if you want to help other people,” Gonzalez said. “Do what you want to do, and if there’s no way to it, you will find (a way).”
In breakout sessions, students learned career insight such as valuing time and work, prioritizing paid internships and kickstarting ventures.
“I’m feeling a bit more ambitious to try pitching my own ideas … and get myself out there,” Nigel Raj, 18, electrical engineering major, said.
Alex Nguyen, 21, computer science major, said the event inspired him to “lead with curiosity” and that students should focus on “creating your own opportunities and making your own projects.”
MESA hosted a STEM fair at the main quad and featured industry partners and De Anza clubs such as Diversity by Doing, Robotics and AI Club and Competitive Programming Club.
“One of the advantages of these events is that more students know about our club,” Oak Soe, 20, Competitive Programming Club officer, said. “Because of the exposure they get from these events, small clubs similar to us survive and drive.”
Attendees seeking new opportunities, including Wongyong Choi, 23, computer science major, said they appreciated these events.
“As a community college student, we don’t have much opportunity,” Choi said. “Every single event like this helps out.”
