Amy Chu Ramos is a senior majoring in chemical engineering and was the previous president of the University of South Florida chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and acts as co-readiness chair for the SHPE National Convention. Ramos also spent the last two summers interning at Goldman Sachs as an Operations Analyst and has served as a Resident Assistant with USF.
Amy Chu Ramos, Senior - Chemcial Engineering
Q: What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
A: "Hispanic Heritage Month represents an opportunity to share my culture with other people. Celebrations start on September 15th, which is also Independence Day in my home country, Honduras, and this pushes me to reflect on our history and how our values have shaped me into who I am today. This month is an opportunity for everyone to recognize and learn from the rich Hispanic culture and everything it offers, allowing us all to become stronger in our diversity."
Q: Can you discuss your background and journey to becoming an engineering major?
A: "My family has always encouraged me to pursue higher education. Growing up, my father always prioritized fostering my intellectual curiosity and motivated me to expand my interests in science, technology, and math. When I chose a major, I pursued engineering since it provides a well-rounded education while developing my problem-solving skills. I plan to use these skills to impact the health or environmental field."
Q: How do you bring your own unique background to your experience at USF?
A: "Throughout the last four years, I have formed a community on campus and developed a platform through which I can impact and mentor other students. My background shapes how I interact with those people and build our connections. Through my involvement in SHPE, I have shared my story with students with similar backgrounds and parts of my culture to embrace the diversity we foster within the organization."
Q: Can you discuss some of the mentors you have had throughout your education? How have they inspired and motivated you?
A: "I have been fortunate enough to have several mentors who have supported my journey, most noticeably within the USF community. Most of them organically became my mentors and inspired me by sharing their stories, struggles, and successes. They often had similar backgrounds or goals that allowed me to form a connection with them, and recognizing myself in their stories showed me what is possible and gave me an additional resource to succeed."
Q: What are you most proud of when it comes to your Hispanic heritage?
A: "I am most proud of the determination and energy that is characteristic of our culture. Growing up, my family and close friends were the prime examples of perseverance and hard work, which I carry with me in everything I do. Hispanic cultures tend to be lively and fun; there is a palpable energy whenever our community gathers, which allows us to build meaningful connections and a support system to help us succeed."