Meet the Future of Latino STEM Professionals: Damián Aragonez

The Lone Star State is the setting for NCLR’s 2016 STEM Youth Summit this January at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The STEM Youth Summit, generously supported by Shell Oil, is designed to expose Latino youth to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines through hands-on exploratory activities and engagement. At the event, students will have the opportunity to work closely with Latino STEM professionals who seek to increase the number of underrepresented youth in STEM fields. Participants will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other youth from our national Escalera network. As the Summit draws nearer, we’ll be featuring some of the remarkable young people, in their own words, who look forward to attending this year’s event. Today’s spotlight is on Damián Aragonez, a student at West Jefferson High School and Puentes New Orleans in Louisiana.

Hi! My name is Damián Aragonez. I like to be outgoing, positive, and a great friend. I am Mexican, but was born in Galveston, Texas. I love that my culture includes plenty of food and music, not to mention motivation. My hobbies are listening to music, playing sports such as soccer and football, and especially spending time gaming with my little brother.

I originally became involved with NCLR STEM as an official member through my sister, Jessica Aragonez, who was in NCLR STEM last year and is now in college. My favorite part of the program is the communication that goes on in the program and having snacks is fun too. NCLR STEM has supported me by keeping me on track and broadening my vision of responsibility.

I knew about STEM before joining this program because I wanted to be an engineer. However, the NCLR STEM program has given me more knowledge and support in finding opportunities in STEM fields. I would absolutely recommend this program to my friends because it helps you set your goals and sets you on a better path.