Alejandro Ontiveros is a junior in Texas ECE. He serves as the Community Outreach Director for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), a Program Officer for SEEK (Student Engineers Educating Kids). He is pursuing the Embedded Systems and Computer Architecture technical core. We sat down with Alejandro to learn more about his student experience in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Where are you from?
I am from the border town community, down south, that is Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras; fun fact Piedras Negras is actually the place where Nachos are from (Google it!)
What student organizations are you a part of?
I am the Community Outreach Director for SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers), I am a Program Officer for SEEK (Student Engineers Educating Kids), and lastly, although I am not a woman, I often try to participate with WECE (Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering) as they are an organization that supports minority groups in STEM.
What are some of your interests outside of school?
I love to volunteer, build Legos, play guitar, watch all types of movies, from sci-fi to rom-coms, and learn more about other cultures!
HOW DID YOU END UP AT UT? WHAT PATH LED YOU HERE?
One of my friends in high school, Jan Carlos, actually chose to go to UT to study ECE; I kept contact with him throughout my years in high school while he was at UT. He helped me recognize some of the great things of ECE, and what really convinced me was my computer science class along with my digital electronic class. It was this along with the advice given to me by Jan that I chose to study ECE in UT.
WHO HAS BEEN A MAJOR INFLUENCE ON YOUR LIFE?
Overall, I would have to say all of my family has had a major impact in my life; the life advice that I have received from the wise consejos of my Abuelito Anselmo will forever be a guide to my life.
The great stories from the history of Mexico along with his demonstration of the love he had for El Cine de Oro Mexicano by my Abuelito Joaquin guide my perspective of the past and present. The humor and humility of my Abuelita Amparo has always taught me to appreciate every moment. Along with the great dichos told by my Abuelita Toñita, those of which I will carry on with me for life.
My Ontiveros family from all different parts, from Louisiana all the way to the Villa de Fuente, it is them who have always been so loving and kind. To the Flores, Gonzalez, Aguilera, and Rosales families who have always shown support and taught me about important stories that have helped me understand my family's history. To my amazing fun younger sisters, Mariana and Annalucia, who rejuvenate my life, offering constant support and inspiration. Lastly, to my hardworking parents, my loving mother, who has always demonstrated that I should show empathy to all and my devoted father, who has shown me the most beautiful parts of Mexico, a nation I will forever cherish in my heart and proudly share as part of my heritage with the world.
IF YOU COULD PROVIDE ONE POSITIVE MEMORY OF YOUR TIME AT UT SO FAR THAT STANDS OUT, WHAT WOULD THAT BE?
One of the most positive memories that I have had while at UT would have to be my first year living in the dorms whilst being a part of the First Generation Living Learning Community (LLC); we would do everything together, from studying, eating, and getting through the roughest points in college. They were my support group throughout the first year in college and I will always cherish the time I spent on the 14th Floor of Jester West.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?
Upon graduation, I hope to work as a Digital Logic Engineer or Embedded Systems Engineer, to later on return to school and hopefully continue on to obtain my Masters. I would also hope to continue on to volunteer with organizations that promote STEM within the minority community.
WHAT DOES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH MEAN TO YOU?
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time in which we recognize and celebrate the history, contributions, and cultures of all the Hispanic communities in the United States.
For me it is a time to celebrate my roots and acknowledge the sacrifices people in my past have made in order to get me to where I am today. It is a time in which I recognize those hard working people within my family, from my Abuelitos and Parents, all the way to my Tio’s and Tia’s. It's also a moment to unite with others from different fields, acknowledging the essential contributions of Hispanics to the United States.
HOW HAS YOUR HISPANIC HERITAGE AFFECTED YOUR LIFE IN A UNIQUE WAY?
My Hispanic heritage has profoundly shaped my life, grounding me in my roots and serving as my greatest motivation to persevere through challenges. It’s this unique story that inspires me to explore the world and share my experiences along the way.
