Contact: Michael Padilla, 277-1816

November 15, 2002 Eunice native chooses engineering to help solve problems Eunice native Pedro “Art” Ramos wants to make a difference in the world. That’s why he is majoring in engineering at the University of New Mexico. “I find everything about engineering interesting,” he said. “A lot of what you learn can be applied to everyday things you see around you. You begin to understand things and how they work.” Problem solving is one area that sparked his interest in engineering. “The coolest thing about engineering is that you get to use your problem solving skills and what you have learned to make things better,” Ramos said. “You are the person that makes the car more fuel efficient or the computer faster. You work on things that make a difference and I think making a difference is what I look for in a career.” Ramos, a 2001 graduate of Eunice High School is in his second year at the University. He works at the UNM Diversity Engineering Programs Computer Pod. He said he decided to come to UNM for many reasons. “The main reason was that the University was willing to pay for my schooling through a scholarship,” he said. “I decided that if there was anything that I could do to help my parents financially, and not sacrifice my education, then I would do it.” He also has family in Albuquerque, which made his parents a little more comfortable because they knew there was someone there that he could go to for help if needed. “I felt like I need to get away from home, but not so far that I couldn’t visit my family,” he said. He says he likes the support he receives at UNM especially through the School of Engineering diversity programs. “From the minute I got here, I was given a mentor and shown where to go for help in classes and also where to get help for problems not dealing with class,” he said. “I think all of this is because faculty and staff here would really like to see you succeed. I have not met a single person here who has not been willing to help me.” One of the challenges he has faced while attending UNM is time management. “I have gotten involved in many things here, and my classes are only getting harder and requiring more time and homework, so I have to manage my time very well, or I won’t get anything done,” he said. His advice for high school students interested in majoring in engineering or any other major is “don’t let anything stop you.” “At first you might feel like you are not getting anywhere, but don’t get discouraged, you’ll be struggling in Calculus III before you know it,” he said. Ramos said he was not really equipped with the all of the math and science that was needed to start an engineering degree in college but that did not stop him. Ramos said his parents, Pedro and Maria Ramos, are the reason why he has succeeded in college. “The two role models that I am most grateful for are my parents,” Ramos said. “These two people have worked hard their entire life to give me what I have and that has not gone unnoticed. My parents are two of the most honest, hard working, respectful, intelligent, and loving individuals that I have ever known.” ###

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