College Park, MD — Armando Rocha’s journey from a non-English speaker to a successful construction and design engineer epitomizes resilience and hard work. Five years ago, Rocha, balancing a full-time job while attending the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) and grappling with a new language, could barely manage his schedule. Today, he holds an associate degree in Construction Management Technology from CSM and a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Maryland (UMD).
“Looking back, I was a mess at the beginning when I was trying to balance everything. Now I have more free time and am enjoying life and taking better care of myself. I am grateful to CSM and my family,” Rocha reflected on his transformative journey.
His college life was not without challenges. Rocha recalls numerous instances of exhaustion leading him to fall asleep in class. However, rather than facing reprimand, his professors, including CSM Business Chair Tony Stout, provided the support he needed to succeed.
“Supporting students like Armando requires a multifaceted approach,” Stout said. “We focus on one-on-one engagement and foster an environment of empathy and encouragement, which helps us build a supportive community.”
Rocha’s academic achievements culminated last winter when he earned his four-year degree. He celebrated this milestone by participating in UMD’s Spring 2024 Commencement, an event that coincided with an unexpected reunion with Stout at a local tailor shop — a moment both described as full-circle.
“Running into Armando at the local tailor shop was a proud moment. To me, seeing him and his family there symbolized his hard work and determination,” Stout remarked.
At CSM, Rocha, alongside his brother Marvin and another student, formed the first cohort of the school’s Construction Management Technology program, which was later redesigned into the Business Management with a Construction Management concentration. This close-knit group provided Rocha with a collaborative environment that was crucial for his development.
“We were always chatting and helping each other; it was a really good environment,” Rocha reminisced. “It was fun because sometimes we were the only three students in the class. It helped me learn to work with other people and be a team player.”
His transition to UMD brought new challenges, including larger class sizes and the anonymity that came with them, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on in-person learning. Despite these obstacles, Rocha credits CSM with smoothing his adaptation to university life.
“CSM helped me go through the process of adapting to college,” Rocha acknowledged, highlighting the foundational support that propelled him into his current role at Whiting Turner Contracting Company.
Rocha’s story is a testament to the power of educational support systems and personal resilience in achieving one’s dreams. His journey reflects the potential of community colleges to serve as stepping stones for ambitious students navigating the complexities of higher education and career advancement.
