Oscar Vasquez, subject of the book “Spare Parts,” will deliver a speech on Tuesday as part of the University of Alaska Southeast’s annual Power and Privilege Symposium.
An immigrant from Mexico, Vasquez came to the United States as a child searching for a better life. As a high schooler in Phoenix, he excelled in science, and led an unlikely group of low-income, undocumented immigrants to challenge the country’s top robotics programs.
“Spare Parts” details the inspiring story of Vasquez’ leadership of the Carl Hayden High School underwater robotics team and Vasquez’ adventure chasing the American dream.
Without legal status after graduating college, Vasquez couldn’t secure a job. He applied for a visa after returning to Mexico, and secured a green card in 2010. He went on to serve a tour with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan and is now a U.S. citizen.
“Spare Parts” is this year’s selection for UAS’ One Book program, in which students and faculty members read the same book at the same time. He’ll give a free speech at 1-2 p.m. Tuesday at the UAS Egan Library.
