_Daniela González_ : One doesn’t know what to study, but I always enjoyed chemistry. I also liked biology, but I decided to study chemistry. My father always wanted me to study engineering, science or something related, but I always made my own decisions and so in this case I made the decision on my own.
_Erika Montero_ : You are listening to _EarthSky_’s podcast, _La Clara Voz_.
During the annual conference of _SACNAS_, _Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science_, _Cielo y Tierra, a clear voice for science_, interviewed graduate students about their decision to study science and about the people who influenced them. Daniela González, whom always wanted to be a scientist, talked about the importance of science today and the many benefits offered in graduate school.
_Erika Montero_ : If you could please tell me your name, what field of science you are studying and the name of the university where you are?
_Daniela González_ : My name is Daniela González and I study chemistry. I am in my second year of graduate school at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.
_Erika Montero_ : Very well, and what made you decide to study science?
_Daniela González_ : Well, I’ve always liked science and have thought of becoming a scientist. And well, frequently one doesn’t know what to study but I always enjoyed chemistry. I also liked biology, but I decided to study chemistry. I just simply thought about it and made my decision.
_Erika Montero_ : Was there a particular moment or a particular event that made you think, “I want to be a scientist”?
_Daniela González_ : Well, maybe when I chose my chemistry class in high school. I really liked that class and I felt I could do well in that subject. I would watch TV shows about science and all these things helped decide.
_Erika Montero_ : Thank you. What influence did your parents have in your decision?
_Daniela González_ : Well, maybe my father had some influence. My mother never had much influence she would just say “do whatever you want.” My father always wanted me to study engineering, science or something related, but I always made my own decisions and so in this case I made the decision on my own.
_Erika Montero_ : If you were talking to a young person who is still in high school and is not yet in college, what would you tell him, or her? What advise could you offer them, maybe in regards to the benefits it offers? Or what made you decide that science was a good option.
_Daniela González_ : Well, that science encompasses many fields, that well… how do you say it…. that it is booming. Today everything is about technology and science, because they are very necessary. I would tell them to consider it because there are scholarships and many other opportunities for scientists; and because it would be a good decision.
_Erika Montero_ : Thank you very much for being with us.
_Daniela González_ : Thank you.
_Erika Montero_ : Out thanks to Daniela González, second year chemistry graduate student at the _University of Massachusetts_ in Amherst. I am Erika Montero and this was _La Clara Voz_ podcast, produced by _EarthSky Communications_.
