Carlos Lugardo, a first-generation college student, is always taking the good with the bad—it’s all about perspective
“This College makes me proud of myself,” Carlos Lugardo, a senior in the Carpentry Shop, confidently shared. When a coworker at the Providence Center in Philadelphia mentioned Williamson College of the Trades as a place to explore, Carlos initially thought he was going to learn about financial trading and bitcoin. After doing some research and learning more about Williamson, Carlos quickly realized that a career in the trades and the opportunity to attend Williamson would be life-changing for him.
Carlos moved to the U.S. from Puerto Rico with his family when he was 10 years old. His parents wanted him to have a better education, more opportunities and to be closer to family. “Life in Puerto Rico is very different than the U.S. They don’t have the same luxuries like cell phones and things like we have here.” Carlos taught himself English while writing papers and searching words on the internet. He attended Central High School for three years and graduated from Philadelphia Virtual Academy. He focused his studies on math and science. After high school graduation, Carlos took a year off and worked at the Providence Center, a nonprofit that provides educational programming to the Puerto Rican and Latino population. Carlos worked as a receptionist, team leader and youth advocate.
The moment that Carlos came to campus for a tour, he felt welcomed and supported. “I met Mr. Neville, the director of carpentry, and was inspired right away.” Carlos is rooted in his faith and likes the brotherhood at Williamson. He feels safe being himself and appreciates that Williamson makes him accountable. Carlos mentioned that although he has received some clothes from the Clothes Closet, he also purchased most of his suits and jackets because he believes that you have to be invested. “The more invested you are, the more committed you are.”
Carlos chooses to stay at Williamson on the weekends because of the great support system. “Rev. Specht, Mr. Howat, Mrs. Bruney and my dorm manager have all helped me during difficult times. I’ve learned to focus on myself and not the actions of others. With every difficult situation, there is an opportunity to learn and grow—you just have to focus on the positive.”
After a summer internship in his junior year, Carlos already has a solid job offer from a local company. Ultimately, Carlos would like to have a family, and start a family business with his brother and build generational wealth so his family doesn’t have to worry about money in the future. Carlos has been fortunate to have great mentors in his life and therefore plans to be a mentor for Brighter Horizon, an educational organization dedicated to supporting young people who are first-generation students. Carlos is currently a Brighter Horizon Scholar.
When asked to sum up his experience at Williamson, Carlos said: “Transformational! It’s hard to believe it’s possible that you can change so much in three years. This College makes me proud of myself.”
Your support enables deserving young men like Carlos to attend Williamson at no cost to them. Contact Arlene A. Snyder, CFRE at 610-566-1776, Ext. 246 and asnyder@williamson.edu to learn more about including Williamson in your estate plan.