Student Spotlight

Meet Samantha Sifuentes—a Technology and Engineering Studies (TES) major from Huntington Beach, California—and her sidekick, Skipper the Chihuahua. Skipper is more than just Samantha’s service animal; she’s the TES department’s unofficial mascot.

“She’s with me 24/7,” Samantha said. “She goes to my classes, my jobs, everything. Everyone knows her.”

Samantha’s education began at California State University, Long Beach, where she studied math education before transferring to BYU halfway through her degree. She struggled with math education and decided it was best to switch majors after meeting with her advisor. They chose technology and engineering studies, where Samantha felt at home.

“I think it was just the first day of class with Dr. B [Bartholomew]. I fell in love,” Samantha said.

Moving from her home state for the first time wasn’t easy. Samantha experienced culture shock, adjusting from the Mexican culture of her home to Provo. She remembers that, at first, it was hard to make friends. But after a year, she found her place in TES.

“They made me feel like family,” Samantha said. “It made me realize I do have a purpose being here at BYU.”

As a first-generation college student, Samantha carries her family’s pride with her in each step of her college studies. She tearfully recognizes what her upcoming graduation will mean for them.

“My whole family made education our number one priority,” Samantha said. “They’re already planning to come see me walk across the stage, no matter what it takes.”

When she’s not studying at the Toolbox—where she works with 3D printers, laser cutters, and sewing machines—you’ll probably find Samantha outside with her camera. “I love photography,” she said. “Any chance I get to take pictures, I take it.” She also recently picked up a new hobby: making chunky blankets.

Without hesitation, Samantha named TES 340, with Dr. Steve Shumway, her favorite class so far. She enjoyed its hands-on projects. “I got to use solar panels to power cars and use trebuchets to launch projectiles across the field,” she said.

Samantha advises her peers, especially first-generation students: “Find your support system. Go to your professors. Go to advisement. Use every resource you can—they’re there to help you. And don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’re not alone.”

We’re so happy to have Samantha Sifuentes as a part of our BYU College of Engineering community!