Santos Ramos
Name: Santos Eduardo Ramos
Age: 21
Major: Civil Engineering
Hometown: Brownsville
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV is a one-of-a-kind university. Nowhere in the world is there a culture like the Rio Grande Valley. I love the atmosphere that the students, faculty, and staff bring to this university every day. The location is close to home and the quality of education that UTRGV offers is unbelievable. Thanks to the level of dedication and devotion from the faculty and staff and the hard work of its students, UTRGV is becoming well known nationwide.
What made you decide on your current major?
Ever since I was a kid, I dreamt of being able to build my own house. That plan still stands, but in reality, I did not know what exactly being an engineer consisted of back then. It wasn’t until high school that I realized the benefits and challenges that studying engineering could bring into my life. Thanks to some great mentors, I was able to find a passion for this career.
What are your plans after graduation?
Going to graduate school has always been my educational dream. I also want to work in the field after graduation, so the perfect plan would be to do both. I want to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam before I graduate to be able to be get an Engineering in Training Certification after graduation. At the same time, I want to make sure that I keep my opportunities open and fulfill the general pre-requisites to apply and enter a master’s program.
What are you involved in on and off campus?
I try to be involved in organizations or departments that make an impact in other students’ lives. I am currently a resident assistant for Residence Life and serve as the president for the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations on our campus. I am also an active member of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and work for the College of Engineering and Computer Science. The abilities and knowledge that I have gained through campus involvement have helped me succeed even more as a college student.
What is your biggest accomplishment to date?
Both of my parents live in Mexico and are educators. They always say that they would have never thought to have two kids who would be able to speak, read, write and understand two different languages fluently and to successfully study in the U.S. Their support and unconditional love was what kept me going to complete those college applications and survive long nights of studying. I always keep their valuable lessons with me. Being able to see them happy and proud of me is the biggest and best reward of my hard work.
What advice do you have for future students?
Being open-minded and adapting to change is something that every college student needs to understand before coming into college. It is here in the university that you really get to know who you really are, and where you most definitely learn about your strengths and weaknesses. Do not ever be afraid to ask questions and get involved on campus. The friendships, opportunities and skills that you learn while being involved are one of a kind.