Goodnight Scholar Colin Ramalho T’24 knows a thing or two about persistence and motivation. After multiple enlistments in the United States Navy, Ramalho planted roots in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he graduated from Cape Fear Community College. Now one semester and counting into his Construction Engineering degree NC State, Ramalho reflects on the unique perspective transfer students bring to NC State, and his plans for the upcoming summer term in our latest Goodnight Scholars Program student spotlight!
Goodnight Scholars Program: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Colin Ramaldho T’24: I grew up on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and lived there for most of my life. My parents, older sister, and two nieces still live there. After graduating from high school, I joined the Navy, and that eventually led me to Wilmington, North Carolina. For many years I worked in the construction industry building custom residential homes. As I got older, I decided I wanted to pursue higher education. I enrolled at Cape Fear Community College, and it was my time there that cultivated my interest in learning again. From there I set the goal to attend NC State and get a degree in construction engineering. I would consider my first semester at NC State to be a success. Not only have I learned a lot in classes, but I also accepted an internship with Turner Construction Co. for the summer of 2022. I’m very excited about the opportunity to work for one of the most innovative builders in the construction industry. Outside of school, my biggest passion is health and fitness. Specifically, I go to a CrossFit RDU where I have met a variety of people and am building valuable relationships.
Tell us about an accomplishment leading up to your time at NC State that you are proud of?
After high school, I joined the Navy and early in my career, I was meritoriously promoted to the rank of E-4. At the time, I had been in the Navy for a little under a year and had just graduated top of my class at my assigned technical school. Prior to this, I had never been a top student. This experience and accomplishment taught me the importance of persistence and determination. When I decided to go back to school and pursue a degree in construction engineering, I was able to lean into this prior experience in order to be successful.
What is something unique that transfer students bring to either NC State, or the Goodnight Scholars Program?
Transfer students are able to contribute to NC State and the Goodnight Scholars Program because they bring with them a unique perspective and the flexibility to succeed in changing environments. Many transfer students are non-traditional students in their educational paths. This is true for me, and I have found it to be true of many other transfer students. Personally, I have military experience, work experience, and community college experience. I bring all of these experiences and the insights I have gathered from them with me to both NC State and the GSP. I believe transfer students contribute a level of diversity among students.
Where is your favorite place to study on campus, and why?
Reserve a room at Hunt Library. I enjoy the quietness of having my own designated area and being able to just walk outside for a quick break. An added bonus is that it is only a few minutes away from the driving range at Loonie Poole for when I need an extended break.
What is your favorite part about being in the Goodnight Scholars Program?
The opportunity to be surrounded by the students and staff of the Goodnight Scholars Program is energizing. The program has created a culture where people are having the right conversations and are raising the bar. Students in this program are selfless. I have had the privilege to listen to so many bright minds discuss ideas, question truths, and desire to make the world a better place. My favorite part about being a Goodnight Scholar is the other Goodnight Scholars.
This post was originally published in Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering.
