Hispanic Heritage Month

Gabriel A. Vazquez-Lizardi

Prior Education: University of Puerto Rico at Cayey (chemistry major)

Current Program: Chemistry

What motivates you to do science?

Science is a discipline that allows people from different backgrounds and strengths to work together to overcome a challenge or a question, which for me makes for an interesting and unique environment to pursue a career in. Additionally, finding and answering unknown questions is a hard but satisfying way to challenge oneself.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month is a period where we Hispanic people can show what we have been achieving over the years and what we are achieving right now. This month also allows others to see the hardships first-generation Hispanics overcame to be successful in their respective fields. For me personally, this month allows me to reflect on where I am now and give thanks to the ones that came before me, those who helped create a path for us -- the younger generation. Lastly, this month gives me the chance to speak about my culture to my peers and express how my experiences in Puerto Rico have molded me into the person I am today.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I am happy to chat with other Hispanics or Latinos from different levels about my experience and transition from Puerto Rico to the States, especially the language barrier some people might have as natives of a Hispanic country.