Azucena Trujillo Fuentes

10/29/14
Interview Preparation - Part 3: Prepping Responses (or "Luck is for the Unprepared")
What motivations do you have in life, that make you want to keep going?
The motivation I have in my life that keeps me going is my family. My parents gave up their lives
and sacrificed so many things in order for our family to move to Arizona and to give me better
opportunities here. Even though theyve never asked for anything in return from me, its my motivation to
do something with my life and make them proud. Why waste the opportunities they have given me, when
they werent able to receive the same? Another motivation I have that keeps me going is my citizen status.
In this society there are stereotypes and labeling that happens, one of them is undocumented students not
being good enough or smart enough. There are thousands of students in this country that are intelligent,
hardworking and determined to make something out of their lives. Its hard enough not being able to
receive certain scholarships, financial aid or other benefits but that wont stop students from trying. Its
just another reason to try harder to succeed. It is something I am willing to go through and prove people
that an obstacle like this wont stop me from being successful and fulfilling my dreams.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about science. An academic interest or passion that I have was discovered in my
sophomore and junior year due to my favorite school subjects I have taken; Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy
& Physiology and Introduction to Epidemiology. These classes made me interested in the human body
and i want to be able to assist people who are sick and have them healthy again. I would like to have a
career where i can continue studying and learning new information that I find interesting as well as assist
others. I want to continue learning new things as I develop my success in the career. I find these so
intriguing and wanting to learn more. I want to learn more about whats happening in the world around
me, I want to learn about how the human body works, they both are so complex yet so interesting to learn
about. I want to learn what are some diseases in the world, how diseases happen, how they affect the
human body, what are some disorders in the world, I just want to learn about everything yet there is so
much to learn about.
What are your weaknesses?
My weaknesses are that I can be bossy, stubborn, shy, selfish, get nervous around people and I
can be sensitive sometimes.
Have you ever been on a team where someone was not pulling their own weight? How did you handle it?
Yes I have been on a team where someone was not pulling their own weight, I would handle it by
communicating with them about the reason why they are not pulling their own weight. If there is a reason
we would discuss about it and work something out based on it. Then every so often I would be checking
if they are doing their work, either by asking them in person, email or text. I would ask how the progress
is going and if they need any help. At the end if they still have not pulled their own weight, I would
simply tell the teacher about the situation.

How do you handle stressful situations and working under pressure?

When handling stressful situations and working under pressure I try not to let it over power me, I
try to take a break and breathe for a few minutes. I know that if Im under a lot of pressure, it wont make
the situation any better and it would lead me to rushing things. I try to take my time because its better to
do your work slowly rather than rushed in order to make it the best possible. When Im stressed, usually
always, I try to control it by looking at the positives and not to overthink or overstress myself to the point
where I feel I can no longer continue and my emotions take over.
What are your strengths?
My strengths are that I am artistic/creative, compassionate, trustworthy, patient, focused,
determined, curious, organized, optimistic and ambitious.
How do you react to failure?
When I fail, honestly I feel disappointed in myself at first, but I soon realize that failure is a part
of me and has made the best of me. From failure, I am able to reflect back to what Ive done wrong and
use it to my advantage to grow and develop in the future. As humans, we arent perfect and we fail many
times and its completely normal. If you look into your past, youve failed and made many mistakes, but
they all helped mold the person you are today. Without them, you wouldnt have learned from them.
Sometimes the worst thing makes the best of us.
Can you tell me a little about yourself?
My name is Azucena Trujillo Fuentes. Born in Durango, Mexico on February 9 th, 1997. I have
two younger brothers. My favorite color is blue. I am bilingual in English and Spanish, also intermediate
in Mandarin Chinese, currently learning Greek. Raised in Phoenix, Arizona for almost 18 years now. My
career goals at the moment are to become either a doctor or nurse. I was in choir from 4 th to 9th grade. I
love to play volleyball. Ive volunteering at St. Josephs Hospital in 2013 and 2014 and currently
volunteer at Maricopa Integrated Health System. I love to draw, loved to draw since middle school.
What are some experiences that have shaped you?
Some experiences that have shaped me throughout the years have been volunteering at St.
Josephs Hospital and Maricopa Integrated Health System because it gave me exposure to the medical
field. Participating in the Med-Start Phoenix U of A College of Medicine program because it gave me
exposure to the research field. Also, interning at U of A College of Medicine Basic Medical Sciences
doing research regarding cancer cells and viruses.
Do you prefer to work independently or with a team?
I prefer to work independently because I have more control of what I am doing in regards of
doing a paper, project or presentation. I dont have to be dependent on someone and not worry if they are
doing their share of the work. It does depend who I work with as well, if I work with people who have
great skills and do their part, I can have a meaningful experience with them and do a great job. I am able
to trust and rely on them, also I can get more opinions and help working in a group.

What are your career goals?

My career goals are to become a doctor, specializing in pediatrics, internal medicine or
neuroscience. Also, as another option, it would be a nurse. My last option would be marine biology.
Tell me about a challenge or conflict you've dealt with in the past.
Ive had any challenges and conflicts in the past that I have dealt with and have contributed to
who I am today. One of the major ones that I have dealt with the most was in middle school I was bullied
a lot for a number of reasons and I always kept quiet. It did bother me a lot but I did nothing to help
myself. One reason was because I was afraid and I was the shyest person you could imagine. I wouldnt
speak only if I had to. I wouldnt leave the house, only to go out with my family or to school. I kept quiet,
but when I came to Bioscience, they pushed and challenged me beyond my expectations. I swore to
myself that I was going to change and that year would be a new fresh start. Another challenge or conflict I
dealt with in the past was my brother being diagnosed with autism. It was a big shock to my family and I
couldnt believe it, till this day I still dont. At that time, I didnt accept the fact that they had this disorder,
but over the years I slowly did and I gained empathy towards other rather than sympathy. It gave me a
new perspective that we all have our flaws in life, bigger or smaller than others.

What motivations do you have in life, that make you want to keep going?
What are you passionate about?
What are your weaknesses?
Have you ever been on a team where someone was not pulling their own weight? How did you handle it?
How do you handle stressful situations and working under pressure?
What are your strengths?
How do you react to failure?
Can you tell me a little about yourself?
What are some experiences that have shaped you?
Do you prefer to work independently or with a team?
What are your career goals?
Tell me about a challenge or conflict you've dealt with in the past.