Vivian Escalante is a Guatemalan-Mexican-American software engineer. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Currently, she is working as a Software Engineer at Isos Technology.
Is there any advice you would give young girls about going into your line of work?
YOU BELONG! Yes, you read that correctly. Always be proud of the journey no matter how long it takes. Imposter syndrome is a real thing and it can happen to anyone, but please do not doubt yourselves. Stand tall, know that you belong in the room where it all happens, and remember to always be kind to others that are also learning.
How did you know you wanted to go into your line of work?
I wish I had a better story, but I don’t and that’s alright! While talking to my digital design teacher in high school he suggested that I look into Computer Science when I was applying for college and I thank him all the time for this. Sometimes you just need to talk to people to find your way.
What other jobs can you have with your degree?
With a degree in Computer Science I can pursue careers such as: software development, AI development, web development, cybersecurity, and data science.
What are possible next steps in your career?
With the experience that I have acquired in the last 10 years I’m excited to move to the next phase of my career. My goal when I started was to be of service to communities directly around me and those in need around the world, whether it was as a teacher, serving as a lead in projects through Engineers Without Borders, or providing a space where first-gen students could find the support they need from professionals.
If you could do it all over again, would you still go into this field?
I would choose this life everyday all over again! I love challenging my mind and at first I definitely felt like an imposter, but never let that be the reason why you don’t do something.
What is the biggest misconception about what you do?
This is an amazing question. The list is endless! So here are a few: that I fix computers all day, that I don’t work because I work remotely, and that all I do is write code.
What inspired you to pursue a degree in Computer Science?
As a first-gen Latina I felt the responsibility to achieve what my parents had in mind for me. I always remind them that without them I wouldn’t be who I am today. It was a sacrifice on their part and all I had to do was study and what a privilege that was! Everyone has their own journey, I’m just glad to be part of my parents’. Aside from my parents, I have honestly desired to have a degree since I was a kid. My career choice changed drastically from an archaeologist (I mean who doesn’t like mummies?!) to a software engineer, but the job got done!
Who was your role model growing up?
I can’t choose one! I made it a goal to never learn from just one person. My parents and my siblings have always been quite the role models, but I also learned so much from art, books, music (Ricardo Arjona for my Guatemalan people), films, etc. My parents taught me to be independent yet make sure that I knew when to ask for help. They taught me to be responsible and always be on time, but to never forget to celebrate the wins by having fun. My siblings kept me young and I love them for that. Also, there’s this idea that we can’t learn from younger people and I want to say that’s not true! They taught me to be more patient, compassionate, and to not take everything so seriously.
What advice would you pass along to our Latinas that are looking to pursue a STEM degree?
Everyone goes through their journey at their own pace. Strive for greatness, but never compare yourselves to others. We are all glad that you’re here and never forget where you came from. Si se puede!
Instagram: @friendlyneighborhoodscoots
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivianescalante/
Is there any advice you would give young girls about going into your line of work?
YOU BELONG! Yes, you read that correctly. Always be proud of the journey no matter how long it takes. Imposter syndrome is a real thing and it can happen to anyone, but please do not doubt yourselves. Stand tall, know that you belong in the room where it all happens, and remember to always be kind to others that are also learning.
How did you know you wanted to go into your line of work?
I wish I had a better story, but I don’t and that’s alright! While talking to my digital design teacher in high school he suggested that I look into Computer Science when I was applying for college and I thank him all the time for this. Sometimes you just need to talk to people to find your way.
What other jobs can you have with your degree?
With a degree in Computer Science I can pursue careers such as: software development, AI development, web development, cybersecurity, and data science.
What are possible next steps in your career?
With the experience that I have acquired in the last 10 years I’m excited to move to the next phase of my career. My goal when I started was to be of service to communities directly around me and those in need around the world, whether it was as a teacher, serving as a lead in projects through Engineers Without Borders, or providing a space where first-gen students could find the support they need from professionals.
If you could do it all over again, would you still go into this field?
I would choose this life everyday all over again! I love challenging my mind and at first I definitely felt like an imposter, but never let that be the reason why you don’t do something.
What is the biggest misconception about what you do?
This is an amazing question. The list is endless! So here are a few: that I fix computers all day, that I don’t work because I work remotely, and that all I do is write code.
What inspired you to pursue a degree in Computer Science?
As a first-gen Latina I felt the responsibility to achieve what my parents had in mind for me. I always remind them that without them I wouldn’t be who I am today. It was a sacrifice on their part and all I had to do was study and what a privilege that was! Everyone has their own journey, I’m just glad to be part of my parents’. Aside from my parents, I have honestly desired to have a degree since I was a kid. My career choice changed drastically from an archaeologist (I mean who doesn’t like mummies?!) to a software engineer, but the job got done!
Who was your role model growing up?
I can’t choose one! I made it a goal to never learn from just one person. My parents and my siblings have always been quite the role models, but I also learned so much from art, books, music (Ricardo Arjona for my Guatemalan people), films, etc. My parents taught me to be independent yet make sure that I knew when to ask for help. They taught me to be responsible and always be on time, but to never forget to celebrate the wins by having fun. My siblings kept me young and I love them for that. Also, there’s this idea that we can’t learn from younger people and I want to say that’s not true! They taught me to be more patient, compassionate, and to not take everything so seriously.
What advice would you pass along to our Latinas that are looking to pursue a STEM degree?
Everyone goes through their journey at their own pace. Strive for greatness, but never compare yourselves to others. We are all glad that you’re here and never forget where you came from. Si se puede!
Instagram: @friendlyneighborhoodscoots
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivianescalante/
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