“Being a Latina in STEM is giving yourself a taste of pride. Seeing that my ancestors could not fulfill their dreams due to various obligations, now I have the chance to do this for them and myself. That is what STEM is about, especially as a Latina. It is seeing the future while remembering the past.”
Name: Brisa Aguirre Jurado
Pronouns: She/her
Age: 22
Residence: Layton
From: Tijuana, México
Major: Animation. I chose to go into animation because I want to be able to express myself and what life has taught me in animations in order to help future generations of children to learn about themselves, their environments, and more.
Academic goals: Graduate from SLCC with an associate's degree and transfer into a good school with a good animation program with the best grades I can get.
Dream job: Children's tv show animator (think Nickelodeon or Disney channel)
Plan B: I'm going to do my best to make sure plan A will work.
Why higher education? I feel like higher education is extremely important when it comes to many jobs nowadays. It's truly a way to prove to yourself and potential employers that you have the determination and strive to push through higher education. It's also a great way to learn more skills than just academics, like networking, time management, critical thinking, and more. Pursuing higher education is one of the best and most important decisions of my life.
Why SLCC: I learned about SLCC from my brother; he wanted to pursue his education through community college. He explained to me how great SLCC was. He met new people, went to events, had a great teacher, as well as it was affordable. He seemed to enjoy going to SLCC, so I felt that it would be a good idea to go as well.
What motivates you or inspires you at school or in life: I have a lot of inspiration. My parents have pushed me to do whatever I need to do in order to get my dream job. They have become a pillar in my life. They have always believed in me and tried to help me in my pursuit of higher education. As well Mexican painter Frida Kahlo had to go through many hard obstacles in her life and still thrived, with her paintings still famously regarded to this day.
Meaningful life or career lessons you have learned so far: I learned that you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. If you personally don't take the time and effort to invest in yourself and limit yourself, you will never truly be happy. Happiness and stability take hard work. You have to be willing to do what's best for yourself now and in the future. Whether it be pursuing a higher education, a new job, or making friends, if you don't go out and try things, you'll never know what you would have missed as well as what you could have gained.
Family: My father, Marco Aguirre; my mother, Vanessa Jurado; my brother Marco Aguirre Jr., Bella the dog; and my three hand-raised cockatiels, Alien, Ripley, and Calcifer.
Hobbies: I'm an artist. I love to draw and paint, whether it be naturalism or abstract. I also love going to the movies, whether to see the new marvel movie or be part of the studio Ghibli fest.
Awards/accomplishments: Graduated from Davis technical college as part of the honor society (2021). Being a part of Latinas in Stem (2022).
Student highlight club: Latinas in STEM is a club that aims to empower Latinas to continue their careers by providing resources and connections to help throughout their educational journey. Brisa says, "many careers are part of the field, yet people don't know. An example of careers that are part of STEM is bakery chef or music therapist. It is not just about math or engineering. If you are not sure, come and meet with us. I am happy to help people figure it out and provide support and recourses to others." Brisa's goal as the club president is to help Latinas in STEM to ensure they get the necessary resources. "I want first-generation students to succeed in school because they need to learn how to ask for help. I want to ensure they get the help needed. However, they need it, whether with a portfolio, resume, or transfer.
“I am extremely proud to be part of SLCC and a Latina in STEM. I would tell others not to limit yourself by not joining a club. Give yourself the opportunity. Give yourself the benefit of the chance to be the best student that you can be.”
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