Local Student Brings the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) to Ramona Convent Secondary School

This summer, junior Samantha Rivera was accepted into an internship at the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). This was a wonderful opportunity for her to become more aware of the abundance of STEM careers and what they are all about. This journey allowed her to venture into the world of STEM through SHPE by working for the organization and participating in the various events offered.

When asked about her experience, Samantha shared, “One of the most inspiring things I did was travel to JPL and tour the facility. I was able to meet real aerospace technicians, learn interesting facts I did not know about the NASA space programs, and see interesting sights such as a rock brought back from the moon, the landing of Curiosity as it landed on Mars, and the Dark Room where everyone gathers during the ‘Seven Minutes of Terror’ which occurs while everyone waits for the rover to send signals to the base for visuals. It typically takes eight to twelve minutes for the signal to reach Earth. I was very impressed with the facility and definitely learned a great deal by visiting.”

Her journey did not end with summer. Samantha was inspired to start a chapter of the SHPE at Ramona. During their first meeting, members learned about the organization directly from a visiting SHPE representative. New members learned of travel opportunities, workshops, careers in the STEM field, and so much more. Toward the end of the meeting, they participated in an engineering activity using marshmallows, spaghetti, and tape. The student who constructed the highest free-standing structure made of spaghetti and duct tape that was able to support a marshmallow was declared the winner!

Ramona Convent is a school for girls in grades 9 – 12 that is set apart by a rich curriculum, expansive selection of college preparatory and AP/Honors courses, comprehensive co-curricular programs, and a welcoming community. Students travel through four years of high school with the support of spirited friends and expert, caring, and engaged teachers while surrounded by the inspiring beauty of a college-like campus. Our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program includes more than 20 courses designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking through hands-on, project-based learning with real life applications. We warmly invite you to visit and meet Ramona for yourself!

Ramona Convent Secondary School, 1701 W. Ramona Rd., Alhambra, (626) 282-4151 or visit www.ramonaconvent.org.