Figuring out Fernando

Ryane McGreevy

Not everyday do we get to sit down with a total stranger and carry on with a deep meaningful conversation. Humans are biophilic, subconsciously seeking invigorating connections with the rest of life. Many psychologists even argue that we require meaningful human interactions in order to live a satisfying life. Questions are thrown back and forth, and unrehearsed words bubble off our tongues in exciting ways; sometimes we learn more about ourselves when we are forced to illustrate our stories to other people. I had the chance to speak with a classmate, Fernando, an easy going, art-loving guy who I’ve never met before. You really can’t judge a book by its cover; never would I have expected to be acquainted with this optimist who’s working hard to fulfill incredibly daring dreams. He doesn’t let anxieties get the best of him, “I just go with whatever comes my way.” he told me. Nothing will keep him from doing something utterly earth-shattering in the future, “I’ve dreamt of going to the international space station. I haven’t got there yet, I need to major in aerospace engineering, of course”. With a background in computer sciences and engineering, he began his journey to reach that very goal with support from his mother to join robotics. “My mom pushed me to find what I love, and I found it in the robotics team.” He has a very close relationship with her, “My mom has always been there for me and every time I even consider the thought of her dying, I know it’s inevitable, but I get really scared of the thought of that happening one day.” His mother, being one of his number one fans, supported him through his rise to a top competitor in a worldwide robotics competition. “Getting into semi-finals for robotics was one of my greatest accomplishments. My team and I went to St. Louis for a week to qualify, and we got to play teams from different countries.” Maybe one day we’ll all see Mr. Flores in a puffy white space suit waving to the country over national television, with the other hand holding his helmet, ready to get on board on the next flight to the moon. Maybe it’ll even be to Mars, who knows just what his vibrant perseverance will get him.