Class of 2020: Nontraditional student’s journey ends with diploma and new career
Claudio Pena Fermin is one of the members of the Spring Class of 2020 chosen as a student speaker at commencement. He is graduating with a B.S. in Construction Engineering Technology.
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio; from Caracas, Venezuela
High School: Max Hayes High School
How did you come to choose your major?
I chose this major due to the effortless transition from my previous experience in welding as a student and as a teacher from Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C). I was also encouraged by my Aunt Tari, who is a graduate of the program as well. She shared that it was a robust program and that I would have success based on my previous construction experience.
What brought you to The University of Akron?
While researching schools to transfer to from Cuyahoga Community College, my advisor, Linda Lanier, suggested that I look at The University of Akron. Through prayer and guidance, I chose The University of Akron.
What’s next?
Upon graduation, I have accepted a position at The Ruhlin Company. I am hoping to explore graduate school options as well. My goal for now is to focus on stability with my family and taking a breather after completing this 10-year journey.
Q: What college experience contributed the most to your personal growth?
A: Through my experience as a nontraditional student working full time, I was able to personally grow from the balancing of both my work and school schedule. It taught me that failure is not an impossible obstacle. In my first years at Akron, I anticipated classes being easy, but I was challenged in ways that formed my professionalism and resilience.
Q: Best advice you ever got from a professor?
A: Professor Brian Ballou in the Construction Engineering Technology program once told me as he taught teenage summer campers to swim across the camp lake, not to look at what they had left to swim, but to continue to follow the canoe he was leading in front of them. He related that advice to my long college path, after witnessing my exhaustion from busy work and school schedules. Professor Ballou advised that my college odyssey should be treated likewise, never look at the length of the path but focus on the daily journey. “For focusing on the length of the path makes one exhausted about the journey.”
Q: How have you changed during your years at UA?
A: Through my time the University, I have changed the way I think about what seems as “impossible” life obstacles in general. I never thought graduating was even possible. As a part-time student the college “thing” seemed a very large obstacle to climb over, even to a few weeks back my train of thought was to make sure I got through the semester and plan the next. That has changed now because the wait is over and no matter what you aim to accomplish, with hard work and prayer it can be possible.
Claudio's remarks to graduates
Q: Where’s your favorite place on campus? Why?
A: My favorite place on campus was the Bierce Library, where I knew what time I went in but never knew why time went by so fast there as I immersed into my studies. There was always a comfy table where I could spend hours doing schoolwork — this place felt like a home.
Q: Favorite campus activity?
A: During my last semesters at UA, my favorite activity took place with Professor Craig Wise in the Construction Engineering Technology program. Right before the start of class we would perform breathing exercises that helped with anxiety and helped me relax prior to the beginning of the lecture, and truly helped me absorb the material at ease.
Q: What’s your advice to incoming freshmen?
A: My advice to incoming freshmen would be to take advantage of the resources The University of Akron has to offer. The advisors, staff and professors genuinely care about one’s success and will go the extra mile to help you succeed. As a student you will be challenged in many ways, but your resilience will come to light as you continue to strive through regardless of circumstances.