My name is Ismael Gomez and I am a first-generation college student from Southside Oklahoma City. My biggest challenge while at the University of Oklahoma has been my transition from the high school environment to the more rigorous college curriculum. I am also a student on DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). I was born in Morelia Michoacan, Mexico. I am constantly thinking about my status in this country, and I am constantly paying attention to what politicians say and do because my fate and my education relies on them.
As a first-generation student, it was really difficult to navigate through the application process just because I had no one close to me that had gone to any type of higher education. The University of Oklahoma has become a home and a place where I can find guidance and advice. Programs like Diversity Enrichment Programs and Multicultural Engineering programs have helped me in achieving my goals and guiding me.
I am majoring in electrical engineering. In the summer of 2019 I was able to acquire an internship with Halliburton as a field engineer intern. Interning at Halliburton was an amazing experience full of new experiences. I gained so much knowledge and understanding of the energy service field. I was able to travel to places in Texas and Oklahoma where I gained experience in working with field engineers on oil drilling rigs. I was working with Sperry Drilling in Oklahoma City, where I worked with measuring while drilling tools and logging while drilling tools. During my time at Halliburton I was able to research wireless technology and how to improve various electromagnetic tools. I really enjoyed my time at Halliburton because I was able to network with great people and work with brilliant minds. I plan on pursuing more opportunities in energy. I would not be where I am today without the support of the wonderful community OU has offered me.