GS Blog: Oscar Fernandez

Hi, I’m Oscar Fernandez, and my story begins with sacrifice. I come from a small town in the mountains of North Carolina, a place where I was often the only person of color in my classes. But my journey stretches far beyond Burnsville–it reaches back to my parents’ lives in Mexico. They gave up everything they knew so that I could have the chance to pursue my dreams in America. As a first generation college student studying engineering, I owe everything to them. Their sacrifices fuel my determination, and their story is at the heart of my own. 

Growing up in a predominantly white town, I often felt like I was walking two different paths at once. On one hand, I was deeply connected to my Hispanic heritage–I spoke two languages, celebrated my culture with my family and knew that my background was a core part of who I was. But in school, I didn’t always feel like I belonged. There were no teachers or classmates who shared my experience or who looked like me. I was alone in many ways, navigating a world where my identity was often unseen.

Through all of this, it was my parents’ story that kept me grounded. They made the ultimate sacrifice to give me the opportunity for a better life, and I knew that I could not take that for granted. Their journey across borders, their struggle to provide for our family, and their unwavering belief in the power of education pushed me forward when things got tough. It was their hope for my future that inspired me to pursue a degree in engineering. 

When I got to NC State University, things began to change. For the first time, I was surrounded by a more diverse community, and I found a sense of belonging that I hadn’t experienced before. As a member of the Goodnight Scholars Program, I met people from different backgrounds who, like me, were some of the first in their families to pursue higher education. I no longer felt like an outsider; I felt part of something bigger–a community that understood the power of representation. This sense of belonging brought with it a sense of responsibility. I realized how important it is for students like me–students who don’t always see themselves represented in STEM fields– to know that they belong here too. Growing up, I didn’t have role models who looked like me in engineering, and that lack of representation made me question whether I truly belonged in this space. But now, I understand that my presence here matters. It matters for me, it matters for my family, and it matters for every young person who needs to see someone like them succeeding in STEM.

As a first generation Hispanic student in engineering, I carry this weight of my parents’ sacrifices and the hopes of future generations. I want to be a role model for others who are navigating similar experiences–to show them that it’s possible to succeed while staying true to who you are. My journey is not just about becoming an engineer; it’s about honoring the sacrifices that got me here and making sure that others have the same opportunities I’ve had. 

My parents’ story of sacrifice is not unique. So many immigrant families give up everything in hopes of providing a better future for their children. I am where I am today because of the sacrifices my parents made, and I hope to make them proud by using my education to create pathways for others in my community, just as my parents did for me.