First-Generation American Engineer Shares Her Inspiring Journey

Zaida Hernandez, an engineer on the Lunar Architecture Team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, recently shared her inspiring story about her journey and the critical influences that shaped her career and life aspirations.

Born in the United States to immigrant parents, Zaida acknowledges the unique opportunities she received growing up in America—opportunities that were not available to her family in their home country. This duality instilled in her a profound sense of responsibility and ambition.

“I would say family and part of that ‘first-gen experience’ shaped me,” Zaida explains. “Being born in the U.S. gave me a lot of opportunities that my family and parents were robbed of because of situations in their home country. It shaped me to be a hard worker and to aspire to large things because not only was it my goal at this point, but it was also my parents’ aspiration.”

Zaida’s narrative is a testament to the strength and resilience of immigrant families who often sacrifice a great deal to provide better futures for their children. She acknowledges that much of her drive comes from wanting to make her parents proud and to honor the sacrifices they made for her.

“I feel that a lot of their pride comes from their kids. That pushes me to be a better employee or to want to do better for myself because I know that they’ve made a lot of sacrifices for me while I was building up to becoming an engineer. Now that I’ve accomplished my goal, it’s very important for me to always thank them and be a grateful person.”

Zaida also emphasizes the significant role that her cultural background played in shaping her values and work ethic. Coming from a Hispanic background, she was raised with an education-first mindset, coupled with strong family support. This cultural perspective was crucial to her development, especially during challenging times.

“Culture also shaped me. Coming from a minority background, and I’m only familiar with the Hispanic culture, it was an education-first mindset…and very supportive. I think that’s important. When I do outreach, I always like to share my experiences because sometimes, people don’t realize how much impact they can have, like the teacher who told me about [a NASA] internship. She didn’t know that was going to be my career. Or, my mom staying up with me during late night study sessions when I was like, ‘I can’t be an engineer’ and failed a test and she was like, ‘No, you can do it. I believe in you.’”

Zaida’s story resonates with many first-generation Americans who often face unique challenges but also possess an extraordinary drive to succeed. Her mother’s unwavering belief in her potential provided the motivation she needed during tough times. Small acts of encouragement, whether from a teacher suggesting an internship or a parent staying up late to provide moral support, played pivotal roles in her journey.

“It might not be memorable for the person who [says it], but it was super important for my motivation to keep going. So, [online, I am that voice for] first-gen motivation.”

Zaida’s narrative is both inspirational and educational, offering valuable insights into the experiences of first-generation Americans in the STEM field. Her story underscores the importance of family, culture, and community support in achieving professional success. It also highlights the profound impact that seemingly small acts of encouragement can have on someone’s life trajectory.

For those interested in learning more about the diverse professionals at NASA, you can explore other inspiring stories in the “Faces of NASA” gallery on their official website.

Good to Know Information

Zaida Hernandez’s journey serves as a powerful example of how the support systems within families and communities can significantly influence one’s career path. Her story is a reminder of the broader narrative of resilience and ambition often found among first-generation Americans. These individuals commonly navigate the delicate balance between honoring their heritage and seizing the opportunities available to them in their new country.

Reactions and Reviews

Zaida’s story has garnered admiration and respect from various quarters. Her fellow engineers and colleagues at NASA commend her for her tenacity and dedication. Her outreach efforts have also inspired many young students, particularly those from minority backgrounds, to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Educational institutions and community organizations have lauded her for her contributions to promoting diversity in STEM fields. By sharing her personal story, Zaida has become a role model for many aspiring engineers, demonstrating that with hard work, perseverance, and support, it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve one’s dreams.

Conclusion

Zaida Hernandez’s journey from a first-generation American to a respected engineer at NASA is a story of perseverance, family support, and cultural pride. Her experiences underscore the importance of encouragement and belief in oneself, as well as the profound impact that community and family can have on an individual’s success. For more inspiring stories like Zaida’s, you can visit the “Faces of NASA” gallery.

For more information and to explore other inspiring stories, visit the official NASA Faces of NASA gallery [here](https://www.nasa.gov/gallery/faces-of-nasa/).
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