Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Texas Southmost College has just what George Ramirez needed to kickstart a career of his own in construction and follow in his father’s footsteps.
Growing up with a father who is a construction contractor, the 20-year-old got an early start exploring everything the field has to offer.
“I was only 14 when I began working with my dad,” he said. “I’ve known this was my path to follow since then.”
In May of 2020, the Brownsville native graduated with a certificate from TSC’s Construction Technology program.
With his certificate and four years of high school drafting and design work under his belt, Ramirez returned to TSC to pursue an associate degree in Architecture to take his skills to the next level.
He expects to graduate in spring 2022.
With knowledge already in areas such as framing, foundation and roofing, Ramirez said the degree in architecture will make him a well-rounded professional in the field.
“As the first person in my family to be in college, it is my duty to gain all of the knowledge and skills I can to help me move forward in life,” said Ramirez. “Although it’s been challenging, plus having to work to help pay for college, I’m making it through, and TSC has made my experience so meaningful.”
In addition to taking on projects within his courses like leading the construction of a small home and preparing for community service-based projects in architecture, Ramirez also remains active on campus as a member of the Campus Activity Board.
TSC’s Campus Activity Board organizes and hosts student events on campus such as Welcome Week and holiday festivities.
“Being an active volunteer and getting involved has made all of the difference for me,” said Ramirez. “It’s been two years and I’ve got to meet and work with so many people and make lifelong friends and contacts. I love serving other students and inspiring their college experience.”
Ramirez added that his entire college experience was positively impacted by being involved and he’s learned additional skills for his professional toolbox.
“From communication to leadership, I’ve learned how to be a better presenter, how to talk with others, to be professional and how to problem solve, all because of CAB,” said Ramirez. “Combined with the skills I learn in the classroom, I’m more than prepared to either further my education or start working. I gained the confidence I needed to dream bigger.”
Ultimately, Ramirez aims to start his journey as a contractor like his father, to further his knowledge and gain experience. Then he hopes to start a design and construction business that will serve the Rio Grande Valley.
“Going to college has shown me that I can achieve whatever I put my mind to,” he said. “TSC has prepared me for my future by giving me in-depth learning and insight into what I enjoy doing most so I can make it a lifelong career.”
For more information about TSC’s Construction Technology program, which now offers an associate degree pathway, or the architecture program, visit tsc.edu.
