When Sofia Nicolau graduated high school, she wasn’t sure what came next. She knew she loved creating things with her hands, but college wasn’t an obvious choice. After taking a gap year, she spent time helping her aunt with home construction and woodworking projects.
“I’ve always liked hands-on work. I enjoy building things, and I’ve always been interested in architecture and construction.”
What started as a way to pass the time quickly became something much bigger. Sofia enrolled at Austin Community College District (ACC), initially planning to study woodworking. After her first semester, an instructor encouraged her to explore Construction Management.
“One of my instructors told me, ‘You have a chance to go far.’ Once I started taking the classes, I realized I could really see myself doing this.”
Today, Sofia graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management and is taking the next step toward her dream career.
“I love that the program is not just theory. We took framing classes where our team actually built a house. We learned concrete, siding, roofing, and shingles. You really get to experience the work rather than just read about it. I can honestly say, ‘I helped build a house.'”
She says the support she found at ACC extended well beyond the classroom.
“All of my teachers have been amazing. In high school, they tell you college professors won’t really know you, but almost every instructor I’ve had has been a 10 out of 10. They don’t just treat you like a student. They treat you like a person.”
Choosing ACC also allowed Sofia to prove something to herself.
“I struggled with grades in high school. My dad was supporting me, and ACC made college more affordable. I wanted to do well because I wanted to be proud of myself. I wasn’t doing it for anyone else. I was doing it for me.”
Now, Sofia is beginning her next chapter after transferring to Texas State University in San Marcos, where she’ll study interior design and combine her construction knowledge with creative design. Even after transferring, she doesn’t think her time at ACC is over.
“I’ll come back. I want to take other classes like jewelry, sewing—anything that’s creative. I want to learn everything.”
For students wondering whether college is worth it, her advice is simple.
“If you’re on the fence, go to ACC first.”
For more information on Construction Management, visit austincc.edu/construction.
Tags: Applied Technology, BFWN, Built for What's Next, construction, Texas State, Transfer
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