What year(s) did you participate in the MATE ROV Competition?
2019 & 2022
What was the name of your MATE ROV team(s)?
Seafox Inventive
What is your favorite MATE memory?
I treasure all of my MATE memories, especially the ones made with my friends on the multiple all-nighters trying to finish our ROV for the classification video. However, the memory that I keep close to my heart is from my last year of University and last year competing in MATE. I was sitting at the Closing Award Ceremony, looking back at the last four years of dedicating a huge part of my life to this beautiful project, and was simply lost on what to do next with my life.
It is scare to say goodbye to your school, friends, and projects without knowing what the future will hold. I remember feeling very emotional at the award ceremony when I heard a speech that totally changed my life (although I didn't know it at that moment). At the closing ceremony, an intern from Ocean Infinity (a 2022 competition sponsor) shared her background and how she was able to make a big decision for her career path. She spoke about being in a job that she just simply just not happy at and then how she came across an opportunity at Ocean Infinity. She was absolutely thrilled to be a part of Ocean Infinity - a company that truly wanted to make a difference on the world.
I was so touched by her experience because at the moment I was working a job in my hometown that made me feel unhappy and hopeless about the future. Her speech was my first time learning about Ocean Infinity and since that day I started to follow their work. I applied for engineering positions with them right after the competition but had no luck, until I received an email from MATE in the fall of 2022, which invited us to apply for an ROV Trainee position with Ocean Infinity. Once again, I applied for the position and waited for an answer. After two interviews I received a formal offer for the position! If I'm being honest, I never thought I would be chosen by an international organization, especially because I'm a Latin female in STEM - but I was!
Since February 2023, I have been employed with Ocean Infinity. I've been given the opportunity to travel to Europe for the first time in my life and I've already participated in two offshore trips working with Work Class ROVs! How exciting - right?
Being a MATE participant changed my life, and I will always be grateful for that.
Share something you learned by participating in MATE.
I learned that I am capable of achieving big goals.
What does MATE mean to you?
For me, MATE means teamwork. I wouldn't be where I am today without the combination of efforts from the people around me; my Seafox Inventive team, my alma mater CETYS University, my family, my boyfriend, and my friends.
I'm also super grateful to the MATE family for making so many students' dreams come to reality, just like mine. Your effort is making the difference!
What advice do you have to offer currents MATE participants?
Don't be afraid of knocking doors for opportunities - you are capable and enough!
Being here is already an advantage.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
I want to inspire more Latin kids (especially girls) to pursue a career in STEM.
