Alexander Amaya

Engineering Futures Scholar

“I built my own PC as a freshman in high school,” said Alexander Amaya, a rising junior studying computer systems engineering. “Ever since I was a kid, I enjoyed tinkering with computers.” 

Amaya chose Arizona State to embark on his engineering journey for its academic and scholarship opportunities. “I think that engineering was the best choice for me to pursue my interests and allow me to have a career in the field that I want,” he said.

Despite working as a community assistant and as an undergraduate teaching assistant during his first two years at ASU, Amaya maintained a spot on the Dean’s List every semester. 

“Finding a balance of school and life can be very challenging. It takes good time management skills and no procrastinating,” Amaya said. “keeping your grades up is something that is very difficult to do, but its also something very achievable.”

Like any college student, Amaya said he faces obstacles when it comes to organization and tackling course rigor. To continue his academic success, he has “massively improved his time management and studying skills.“

Amaya changed his major two times before he landed on computer systems engineering. His advice to freshmen is to be sure what you’re studying is appealing to you.

“You have to learn about things that interest you, or else you will lose motivation along the way,” he said.

By Danya Gainor, Science and Technology Writer, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
August 13, 2020