Angel Cruz Salvador '24

ANGEL CRUZ SALVADOR ’24

COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJOR FROM DURHAM, NC

Talking to Angel, it feels like they have done just about everything they possibly could at Tufts. Angel has served as president of the Tufts Society of Latinx Engineers and Scientists, was part of the Bridge to Engineering Success (BEST) program, and interned for Microsoft twice, all while finding home and community in myriad spaces on the Hill. Warmth and exuberance flow through everything they say, so much so that it feels like a disservice not to share their exact words with you. Here is an edited and condensed transcript of Angel’s responses to our questions, so you can hear for yourself what their Tufts experience is like.

“When applying to schools, I spent countless hours looking for an engineering school that would let me explore my countless non-engineering passions. I wanted a school that had a great engineering program, but also kept things fun for its students. After all, I did not want to spend all of my free time doing homework. However, all the other schools I found were either super serious STEM schools or really interesting interdisciplinary liberal arts schools with no engineering major.

When people ask me why Tufts, I usually mention an engineering education at a liberal arts university, [with opportunities like] being able to take classes at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA), or having the amazing Division of Student Diversity and Inclusion (DSDI) Centers where I have been an intern planning fun events like Fruity Paint Night, Embroidery Nights, and Cooking Events. Or I can mention the amazing programs meant to support and empower students from diverse backgrounds such as BEST, the BEAST Pre-Orientation Program, or any of the programs offered by the Center for STEM Diversity.

I actually applied to Tufts as a civil engineering major, but Tufts allowed me the flexibility to explore different types of engineering through my introductory courses. My first engineering class was about using engineering concepts to make toys for kids! Taught by the spectacular Briana Bouchard, not only was it fun, it was the first time I was exposed to mechanical engineering and computer science. My favorite toy I created used machine learning to create a facial recognition cube which would light up different colors based on how the camera interpreted your emotions. If you were angry, it would light up red on the side with the angry face. If you were happy, it would light up green on the side with a smiley face. I even filmed a funny commercial to present it! Then in the spring I took my first computer science class and fell in love! I loved the process of designing, coding, debugging, and testing so much.

What really pushed me to switch to computer science was actually thanks to the BEST program. One of the older members of BEST sent out a computer science internship opportunity to other BESTies. I applied and when I was accepted, I took it as a sign to make the switch. Ever since then, I have spent my summers working for Microsoft in breathtaking Seattle, WA. Thankfully, all the classes I took freshman year easily counted for my new major! It just goes to show that you do not need to know your major in high school. Heck, I didn’t even know my major until my second year. If you are scrambling to pick one, just know that at Tufts you do not need to know right now. If you are undecided, gush about your passion for STEM or about a really cool concept that you could talk about for hours. Regardless of major, the School of Engineering wants to nurture your passion and curiosity, along with being flexible when plans change!

For me, community means everything. Community is the reason I will continue to smile after I get a bad grade. Community is the feeling of home when I share a meal with friends. Community is the shoulder I cry on when I hear bad news. Community is the family I found away from home. I found many of my communities through the DSDI Centers, which host a ton of events and programs for me to find other people who share the identities I do. From there, I was able to meet many people with many different stories. Each person and their accomplishments at Tufts has been an inspiration.

Another source of community was the Indigenous Student Organization at Tufts (ISOT). I have been a part of ISOT all throughout college. I was there when it was just starting and I was there when we submitted our documents to be officially recognized. I was there when we planned our Indigenous People’s Day Celebration, and I was there when we fought for the brand new Indigenous Center. Community at Tufts not only means finding a group you can call family, it means using your resources and collective strength to give back to said community.

When you apply I would say focus on your passions and values. What do you hope to learn more about? What do you hope to be involved with? How will you overcome challenges? When I applied to Tufts, I had zero internship experience and zero research experience. I was a student from a performing arts school applying to an engineering school. Focus on showing your strength of character and the values that drive you to learn and overcome. Never feel discouraged because of your background because any school would be lucky to have you!”