As a transfer student, Delfino Juarez faced some challenges as he came to UGA to study engineering.  No longer on scholarship as a student-athlete, and after his HOPE Scholarship ran out, he was afraid the cost of attending UGA would be too much and would cause him to have to cut short his education.  Thanks to his own hard work and scholarship support from the Whiting-Turner Company, he has been able to continue studying engineering and has high hopes for his future as a Bulldog Engineer.

Why did you choose UGA for your undergrad?

“I chose UGA because of the amazing community!  Everyone at UGA is very supportive, motivating and kind, which is very important to me as it drives me to success.”

How did you choose engineering as your major?

“What made me choose engineering was a civil engineer I met while working with my father as a plumber during my junior year of high school.  At the time, I didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school, but he helped me to realize that I had always had an interest in building structures and challenging myself daily to solve problems.”

“Neither of my parents had the opportunity to attend school, so being able to fulfill their dreams for me always motivates me, and I know it makes them proud. I am truly thankful to have supportive parents.”

What do you feel are the most challenging aspects of being an engineering student?  What do you enjoy most about it?

“I think the most challenging aspects of being an engineering student are time management and discipline.  Engineering is a demanding major which often has many ups and downs with personal sacrifices.  Being able to manage time while participating in extracurriculars and finishing those labs can be very challenging, and sometimes lead to a lack of discipline with the heavy course load.  However, staying on top of both can be very rewarding, which is what I enjoy the most.  I continuously tell myself it will all be worth it in the end – because it really will be!”

Who or what has been an inspiration to you in your educational journey?

“My biggest inspiration in my educational journey has to be my parents.  Neither of my parents had the opportunity to attend school, so being able to fulfill their dreams for me always motivates me, and I know it makes them proud.  I am truly thankful to have supportive parents.”

“My recent scholarship has demonstrated to me how important and encouraging scholarship support is for students, and I’d love to give back one day as well!”

What has been a challenge during your educational journey, and how have you dealt with that challenge?

“In all honesty, my biggest challenge has been my transition from the University of Central Missouri to UGA.  During my first semester as a transfer student, I felt extremely defeated as more than half of my credits didn’t transfer, and my graduation was delayed by 2 years.  Additionally, I was no longer a track and field student-athlete, as NCAA transfer rules became stricter.  Although it was extremely challenging, I remained very positive.  I saw how amazing UGA’s programs are and how supportive they are of their students, how kind other students are, and how greatly structured all the extracurriculars are.  Not to mention, I was closer to home and got to see family very often.  This all allowed me to strive forward to overcome this challenge.”

How has being the recipient of scholarship support impacted you and your educational journey?  How has it affected your view of philanthropy?

“Being the recipient of scholarships has impacted me by giving me more motivation to continue my studies even after a huge setback.  I was very worried that school was going to be too expensive, as I ran out of my HOPE Scholarship shortly after I transferred.  I lost my motivation and feared that I would have to end my education half-way through.  My recent scholarship has demonstrated to me how important and encouraging scholarship support is for students, and I’d love to give back one day as well!”

“Giving back to students impacts them positively, as they feel more motivated and strive toward their goals with extra support behind them.  I am extremely grateful to have crossed paths with such amazing donors!”

What do you hope to accomplish while here at UGA?  What are your plans when you graduate?

“While at UGA, I hope to establish good relationships with my peers and showcase how amazing UGA’s support system is.  After graduation, I plan to be a great Bulldog Engineer, and give back to the engineering community at UGA.”

If you could say one thing to engineering donors, what would it be?

“Thank you for always being supportive of future engineers!  Giving back to students impacts them positively, as they feel more motivated and strive toward their goals with extra support behind them.  I am extremely grateful to have crossed paths with such amazing donors!”