SGA president learned to survive, make things happen for himself

“It was a childhood goal of mine to comprehend the construction process and, as an architect, to construct things,” Durham Tech 2026-27 Student Government Association President and Academic Excellence Award winner Jeferson Gomez Gonzalez said. “But life was not so easy, so I took many turns on my way to Durham Tech and its Architectural Technology program and the SGA presidency.”  

Gonzalez completed high school in Colombia, South America. He knew he needed to attend college to achieve his goals, but instead of following the path his father had envisioned for him, Gonzalez chose to pursue his own dreams and moved to Germany.

With determination and a strong desire to build a better future, he found work, earned a scholarship in naval welding, and, in his own words, learned to make his own way.

It was while at home that Gonzalez overheard people talking about an au pair program. He did some research and discovered that the program would allow him to experience a new culture, work in the United States, and take an important step toward his future.  

“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 a 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 to Durham Tech, where he enrolled in the Beyond Basic ESL (BBESL) program, which helps non-native English speakers strengthen their reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar skills.

“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.”  

Gonzalez earned the 2026 Academic Excellence Award at Durham Tech and said he felt “humbled and grateful” for the award.    

“At Durham Tech, I finally found a place where I did not feel alone,” Gonzalez said. “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 Durham Tech pulls me back — a professor who believes in me, a classmate who helps me understand an assignment, a community that reminds me I belong.”  

This culture of welcoming everyone and making sure each person feels a part of is one that Gonzalez hopes to strengthen during his tenure as SGA president.    

“I want the SGA to be visible and accessible,” Gonzalez said. “We will hold more activities so we can engage with many students and tell them all that Durham Tech has to offer. For example, I was going through some personal stuff for the past few months, and until an instructor pointed me in the direction of counseling that is available on campus, I had no idea that resource existed. I want students to have the opportunity to be empowered through knowledge of what is on campus for them to take advantage of.”  

Gonzalez said he has the team ready to take on this challenge.  

“All of my SGA team members are great,” Gonzalez said. “They are smart and kind, and each believes in Durham Tech. In fact, some professors, students, advisors, and the current vice president that first got me interested in SGA. They told me, ‘You like to talk a lot and are charismatic. You’d be a perfect advocate.' So here I am. Proud of my position on this multicultural team that is ready to promote SGA and fill students with knowledge.”  

Gonzalez graduates in May 2027 and says he is happy to have SGA as a way to leave a mark on a school he appreciates.  

“Durham Tech has been good to me,” Gonzalez said. “I want to leave something good here before I leave, and SGA is the best platform to do that from. I can be the voice of students who are lucky enough to call Durham Tech home.”