Melanie Saenzpardo is a second-year undergraduate from El Paso, Texas. She joined the Texas ECE Honors program in Fall 2021. She serves as secretary of the UT Austin Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. We sat down with Melanie to learn more about her student experience in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.
HOW DID YOU END UP AT UT? WHAT PATH LED YOU HERE?
I chose to study Electrical and Computer Engineering due to my curiosity in electronics and their applications in our daily lives. I strive to one day help advance our society's quality of life and needs through ECE. Growing up in the border of Juarez-El Paso TX, the idea of moving 8 hours away from home seemed intimidating and far-fetched, but UT's tremendous support during my college admission process combined with their top-tier ECE program was an opportunity that I knew I could not let go.
WHO HAS BEEN A MAJOR INFLUENCE ON YOUR LIFE?
My parents have always been a major influence in my life. They both are the embodiment of hard-work, dedication, and kindness.
IF YOU COULD PROVIDE ONE POSITIVE MEMORY OF YOUR TIME AT UT SO FAR THAT STANDS OUT, WHAT WOULD THAT BE?
Experiencing "Gone to Texas" during my first year of college (last year) is my favorite memory at UT so far. Finally standing at the University of Texas at Austin felt like a dream come true—especially after being in a pandemic where so many of us lost so much.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?
Upon graduation, I want to work in industry for a few years and then come back to graduate school for my MBA. All types of industries are very interesting and meaningful to me in their own way (from the healthcare industry to the technology industry), so I still have not decided which industry path I would want to pursue.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME INVOLVED IN SHPE? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU TO BE INVOLVED IN STUDENT ORGS?
l decided to first become involved in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers in hopes of making new friends. After being involved in this organization for over a year, I have realized that I have gained so much more. SHPE has helped me advance my career as an engineer by providing me with mentors, meaningful friendships, and opportunities that I don't think I would have had elsewhere. To me, it is important to be involved in student organizations because they often become your support system throughout college and are a great way to alleviate the stress from academics.
WHAT DOES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH MEAN TO YOU?
To me, Hispanic Heritage Month means commemorating and celebrating our hispanic roots and those who have paved the way for us to be standing here today. Hispanic Heritage Month also means celebrating my parents, who immigrated from Mexico to the U.S. and have since made immense sacrifices for my siblings and me.
HOW HAS YOUR HISPANIC HERITAGE AFFECTED YOUR LIFE IN A UNIQUE WAY?
My Hispanic Heritage has provided me with a background and experiences that have helped me navigate my personal life and academic career in a unique way; it has helped me bring perspectives and strengths that only I can bring to the table.
