Propelling a First-Gen Milestone
Saul, the youngest of five in a tight-knit Mexican American family, takes pride in his upbringing and his family’s immigrant roots which taught him independence, selflessness, and being mindful of his future. Watching his father work in construction, Saul learned early the value of hard work – and the importance of education. “He wanted me to be the first in our family to earn a four-year degree,” Saul says. “And I’m proud to say that I have.”
In May 2025, Saul graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in construction science, fulfilling not only his own goal, but also the dream his parents had for him.
Putting Skills to Work
In his junior year, Saul secured an internship with a commercial construction firm in Austin. Though new to the field, he quickly took on core responsibilities and gained hands-on experience. “Throughout the internship, I was exposed to the real-world applications, methods, and day-to-day decisions involved in delivering a commercial building on time and within budget,” he says.
This experience gave him a front-row seat to the pace and pressure of commercial construction – and helped him build the confidence and skills needed to succeed as a project engineer. Now, he has his sights set on becoming a project manager or superintendent.