'Surround Yourself With Positivity'
Student of the Week: Gabriel Humberto Gomez Jr.
“I am a first-generation college student and STC gave me a sense of comfort. I felt at home and people around me were very welcoming and made by transition from high school to college easier with the resources and support services offered.”
Success in college has come through an unflinching motivation to succeed, and by being surrounded by positive people, according to Gabriel Gomez.
Always ready for a challenge, Gabriel said it’s his personal philosophy to never make or accept excuses for why he can’t do something because he always aspires and strives for more.
As a hearing-impaired student in the Architectural & Civil Engineering Technology program (AEDT) at South Texas College, Gabriel said he has worked hard to overcome his challenges, and that effort is paying off.
He is currently working to receive his cooperative education hours at Halff Associates, Inc. as a civil drafting technician, and possibly a future career as a CAD Technician.
He was accepted last summer into the 2020 REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) Summer Program at Rochester Institute of Technology but due to COVID-19 the program was cancelled. He is planning on applying again for the program this summer.
“I am a first-generation college student and STC gave me a sense of comfort,” Gabriel said. “I felt at home and people around me were very welcoming and made by transition from high school to college easier with the resources and support services offered.”
The purpose of the AEDT program is to prepare students for employment in architectural, visual, and civil engineering technology industries.
Among the courses they are introduced to, students are taught principles of drafting, architectural drafting, civil drafting, layout and design, application of the latest drawing software programs, current knowledge of building standards and codes, and construction materials and specifications.
Gabriel said his plans include finishing up an internship at HALFF Associates and hopefully receive a job offer from the company. He plans to graduate this spring with an Associate degree in Architectural and Civil Engineering, and plans to pursue a bachelor degree at UTRGV in the fall.
“I have learned so much from my professors and my peers,” Gabriel said. “They have shown patience and acceptance. They see beyond my disability, and instead of focusing on that, they focus on enhancing my abilities so that I can reach my full potential.
“My message to my college peers would be to stay focused,” he added. “College will test your patience and your ability, but you need to remember why you’re there in the first place. Don’t wait until the last minute to do something. Plan ahead. Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask for advice.”