24 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol. 26, No. 2, 2020 College Beat
Chemistry and Connections
As an undergraduate chemistry
major, I had vaguely considered
graduate school. But it was
hard to picture myself as a Ph.D. candidate,
especially at a top-tier research institution like
the University of Michigan. Yet, a couple of
years later, here I sit. This path has had its
challenges, but I’ve learned that support from
friends, mentors, and social communities are
key to fostering growth and bolstering your
confidence by shaping your mindset.
When it came time to pick an
undergraduate institution, I chose to attend one
of the California state schools because it was
close to my hometown, but also because of the
relationships I built while there. During my
undergrad, I made two incredible friends who
were also chemistry majors so we called
ourselves the “Chem Squad”. Thinking back,
these ladies were key to my success in
undergrad because they were academically
driven so we held each other accountable for
our work. We genuinely had each other’s best
interests at heart. They demonstrated to me the
importance of actively seeking out peers that
motivate and propel you forward.
As a first-generation college student, I
knew I would also need help building a
network and professional reputation for
myself. I sought mentors who would invest
time and effort into my professional
development as well as hold me to a higher
standard. I was lucky enough to find two
excellent mentors in my undergraduate
research advisor and, later, my industry
supervisor. They have guided me through
milestones like job applications and graduate
school visits, and, although they are on the
west coast, continue to support me as I pursue
my Ph.D. in the Midwest. Their support
inspires me to find opportunities to give back
and help marginalized communities pursue
STEM disciplines.
Today my concept of a supportive
community also comes from women scientists
I have met through social media that are
deconstructing the stereotypical concept of
what scientists look like. During my first year
of graduate school, I started posting about my
experience and luckily at the same time so did
others. Three years later we have a network of
“non-traditional scientists” all over the world
that represent different disciplines, career
stages, and backgrounds. Higher education
is notoriously competitive and this new
support system offers advice and provides
encouragement that nourishes our motivation
to pursue our respective careers.
As I consider my trajectory to graduate
school, I feel like I am standing on the
shoulders of my mentors and am being held up
by my friends. I am working to pay their
encouragement forward to the next generation
of scientists, but I also want to stop and give
gratitude to my support system.
Reader, I hope you too have a community
of people who believe in you. Thank them
often; let them know how much they have
helped you. And I hope that if you find
yourself without a mentor, seek one out!
Every.1 (everypointone.com) is a great
platform to find like-minded women to form
your own, virtual “science squad”. LS
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Email us at info@latinastyle.com
By Gloria Diaz
Ph.D. Candidate
University of Michigan
B.S. Chemistry
Cal State San Marcos
Gloria and her two advisors continue to
guide her through her Ph.D. San Diego,
CA, Winter 2018.
Gloria dressed in protective wear for work
in the culture lab. University of Michigan,
Winter 2018.
Gloria Diaz, Rackham Graduate School,
Spring 2019.
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