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Name: Orion Vasquez
Age: 18
College / University: University of Texas at Austin
Major: Astronomy / Astrophysics
Country origin: Mexico
What did you do in high school to prepare you for this major? Tell us about your extracurricular activities and any honors/awards you received while preparing for university.
I didn't realize I wanted to study astronomy until application deadlines were due. Originally, I was going to apply to become a business student and study supervisory business management, helping my family by taking over the business as I got older. My mother sat me down and told me, if I dedicated my life to my family, then what would I have left for myself? My high school life had already been dedicated to business; I joined FBLA and received an endorsement for Business Management and Accounting, but that was all for naught as I decided to pursue STEM to pave the way for other Latinas to choose STEM.
Please tell us your daily life schedule as a student with this major in your university.
My daily life (as a freshman) usually consists of going to classes, going to work, coming back to help with the org (the astronomy students association), and doing homework/research for my classes.
How do you manage your stress? What's the secret?
I manage stress by going for walks to somewhere quiet and pretty. In nature, I feel relaxed, and it helps me get into a state of mind where my duties are a million miles away—it's just me and nature, breathing.
What advice would you give high school students wanting to study this major?
Pursue whatever you aspire to do, no matter what anyone tells you—like that astronomy is 'useless' in the long run or anything else. You have a place in the field to mold it to your desires.
What was the most helpful when applying to college for this major?
If you can take upper-division STEM courses (like honors or AP), take them!
If there is an app/website/social media account that you love or follow related to your major, could you share the link?
I love skyandtelescope.org; I use it to stay updated on astro news and events.
Thank you to Orion Vasquez!
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