Student Stories

Rosa Jimenez knows about transitions! From small town Mexico to production worker in Chicago, from learning English to raising a family, Rosa was prepared for an even bigger transition-starting college at MHCC as a 29 year old mother of two boys to get an Engineering Technology degree.

“I was tired of working for minimum wage,” Jimenez said, “and not doing what I wanted to do. My dad was a plumber, and from the time I was little, I would watch him work. I was fascinated

with everything that had to do with construction. It all interested me; building a home, bridge, the design of a road, and of course, the connection of pipes and sewer. How did they work, how were they built? I decided to find out for myself.”

First, Rosa got her GED while working full time on a graveyard shift so she could spend time with her children during the day. “It wasn’t enough,” Jimenez said, “I didn’t feel satisfied.” So she decided on a Civil Engineering Technology degree.

Math was not the barrier she feared, even though she had to start in Math 60. “I realized I liked math,” she said. “I liked school better than I ever had before—because now I had a plan.”

Jimenez struggled with her English, but instructors were always available after class to help explain the material. Although she was one of only four women in the program, the male students were helpful and friendly too. Her teenage son pats her on the back when she’s studying, saying “Mom, this is going to be worth it.” Now, both her sons are talking about college too.

Jimenez was snatched up by the Forest Service before she finished her associate of science degree in 2003, and still works as a technician out of the Estacada Ranger Station. She does drafting, helps to make plans, and works in the field. But Jimenez said she still wasn’t satisfied, making $16 per hour. And she wasn’t done with transitions

Now she is back at MHCC, working on her Engineering Transfer degree. Her children are older, and the Forest Service has allowed her to work part-time so she can return to school. Rosa plans to start at PSU in fall 2007.

As a civil engineer working in a high-demand occupation, Jimenez will have her pick of jobs in the public or private sector. And she’s bilingual which will come in handy working on planning and construction projects in Oregon, with its growing Latino population.

Engineering is great for women, Jimenez said. “It’s an exciting career,” she said. “Don’t be afraid.”