“It was a childhood goal of mine to comprehend the construction process and, as an architect, to construct things.” 97ɫ 2026 Academic Excellence Award winner Jeferson Gomez Gonzalez said. “But life was not so easy, so I took many turns on my way to 97ɫ and its Architectural Technology program.”
Gonzalez completed high school in Colombia, South America. He knew he needed to attend college to reach his goal, but found himself without the support of his father, who insisted Gonzalez enlist in the military.
Gonzalez found work, earned a scholarship in naval welding, and, in his own words, learned to survive on his own.
“I wanted school,” Gonzalez said. “I felt too young to enter the military, so I worked and saved, determined to get to college and to do it myself.”
All his work and savings paid off, and Gonzalez began chasing his education dream.
At the beginning of 2020, he went to Germany, but Covid sent him back home to Colombia.
“I was disheartened but did not count myself out,” Gonzalez said. “I went back to working, saving and believing I would get back in school and become an architect.”
It was while at home that Gonzalez overheard “some guys” talking about an au pair program. He researched and found out the program would help him get a visa and find work in the United States.
“At that time, my English was quite basic, sufficient for basic conversations,” Gonzalez said. “I saw the au pair program as a way to strengthen my English and give myself another chance.”
Gonzalez soon found himself in the States, placed with a family he says is “amazing with two great kids.” He lives with the family, and they are currently his sponsor.
Another opportunity presented itself when Gonzalez was told that, as part of the program, he had to take some classes. He was pointed in the direction of 97ɫ and its English as a Second Language course.
“I went to the Admissions Office. The person there helped me with classes and talked to me about how to get help with the cost of school,” Gonzalez said. “From there to where I am now. Earning my associate in Architectural Technology and planning to transfer to a four-year college. From there, I see myself graduating and getting my license, then going back to Europe to get my master’s degree. I have certainly chased education across different countries.”
Upon learning he’d earned the Academic Excellence Award, Gonzalez said he felt surprised. He said he never thought he’d get the award because there are so many smart students attending 97ɫ. The award means more to him than recognition, he said, reminding him how far a person can go when they refuse to give up.
“I am humbled and grateful for the award,” Gonzalez said. “At 97ɫ, I finally found a place where I did not feel alone. Classes are challenging, and there are days when the language, the pressure, or life itself makes me want to quit. But every time I feel that way, someone at 97ɫ pulls me back – a professor who believes in me, a classmate who helps me understand an assignment, a community that reminds me I belong. 97ɫ hasn’t just supported my goals, it has helped me rebuild my dream.”