Student Spotlight: Oscar Salas Romero

Meet Oscar Salas Romero, a geology major at Highline College who is juggling school and a full-time job and enjoys hobbies like photography and soccer. With the guidance of supportive professors and mentors, he’s grown academically and professionally, recently securing a summer internship. Read on to learn more about him!

Where is your hometown?

My hometown is SeaTac, Washington.

How did you choose Highline College?

I originally chose Highline College due to the short commute to campus. As I’ve continued to study here, I’ve found myself very fond of the college and campus. I’ve made great friends and met great professors, and it is a great campus overall. The college currently has a great geology department that makes me very excited for the future of geology at Highline.

What is your major?

My major is Geology.

What is your dream job?

My dream job would be just going on hikes, taking photos of nature and selling those prints.

Any clubs, activities or interests you are a part of outside of class?

I am a part of CSF! Outside of school, my interests are taking photos and playing soccer as much as my allotted time allows me to play.

What has been the most surprising thing for you so far about college?

The most surprising thing I have found in college is that Highline specifically has professors that care deeply for their students. As opposed to a university that has 100+ students in an auditorium, where it can be difficult to get help, the professors here can have one-on-ones with their students to help them. The professors I have had the pleasure of meeting have helped me open my world in terms of opportunities in my academic career.

What is a challenge you have encountered in college, and how did you navigate it?

The biggest challenge I have found is time management. I work full time, and it can be difficult trying to juggle school, work and a social life. I have found that creating a schedule of some sort is helpful, so I know what needs to be completed that day.

What student supports and resources have you used that have been most helpful to you?

My biggest resource is not a club or anything like that; it would have to be having great mentors in my corner to guide me towards what directions I could go.

What is one piece of advice you’d like to share with fellow students?

Talk to your professors, advisors and fellow students! Gaining a network of like-minded people can really help you find opportunities you wouldn’t have if you don’t talk to people. I recently landed an internship for the summer, and that simply wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t spoken to my professors.