Q: You graduated about seven months ago. What did you study while at Santa Clara?
A: I have degrees in sociology and ethnic studies.
Q: What faculty of staff member had the greatest impact on your career path and why?
A: Enrique Pumar. He teaches sociology. I took a class with him in the spring quarter of my freshman year. It really lit a fire in me. We connected during office hours and that’s where we developed a deeper relationship. He came from a similar background as me—first generation college student, Latino, interested in sociology. He became my mentor and showed me what was possible. He taught me to believe in myself.
Q: Can you share a favorite memory from your time at SCU?
A: My first introduction to Santa Clara was during LEAD Week. LEAD Scholars are invited to campus a week early to get acclimated and settle in. Seeing the size of the incoming class and the enthusiasm of the staff really made an impression on me. They spent the whole week helping us learn the ins and outs of the university so that as first-generation college students we’d have all the resources we needed. I met some of my best friends that week. It was a beautiful experience for me.
Q: How do you your time at Santa Clara prepare you for your role at Roblox?
A: Santa Clara puts a lot of emphasis on being a well-rounded person. That stuck with me. And the academic rigor has served me well. I feel prepared for whatever comes next. I developed foundational skills like communication and empathy, and I learned how to work well with a variety of people. That’s been really beneficial in this role. I’m trying to soak up as much knowledge as I possibly can.
Q: How has the Bronco Network supported you on your professional journey?
A: Last spring, as I was getting ready to graduate, I reached out on Bronco Exchange to alumni who were working in fields that interested me. They told me about their career paths and gave me tips on how to transition to the professional world. I talked to people who’d only been out of college for a few years and others who were further along in their careers; they all wanted to help.
Q: What has your experience been on Bronco Exchange? Have you benefitted from being on the platform?
A: Yeah, absolutely. It’s simple and easy to use. The platform suggests people to connect with. Since everyone is tied to SCU, it helps create a bridge. When I reached out, I wasn’t just some random person, I was a fellow Santa Clara grad. I think that makes people more likely to respond. Bronco Exchange just made the process of talking to people easier and more accessible.
Q: What propelled you to join the platform?
A: Like I said, I was looking to make the transition from school to career. Bronco Exchange was an excellent tool to help me gather the resources I needed and learn as much as possible during the process.
Q: Looking back, what career advice would you give your college self?
A: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be transparent and admit when you don’t know things. Take responsibility for any and all things in the work you do, even when you mess up. And, lastly, step out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to try something new.