Ellijay native Raul Gonzalez Santos is a two-time Future of Our Trades Scholarship recipient (2021, 2024). He is nearing the end of his final semester at Kennesaw State University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a focus on structural design.

Raul drew inspiration from his father’s construction work. Joining him on projects sparked a fascination with turning plans into reality and led him to design homes and study engineering. “Something about seeing houses leave a page and become real really appealed to me,” he says. The scholarship was pivotal. “Neither of my parents attended college, so it always felt like a dream for me. But when it came time, I worried it would stay just that—a dream.

The scholarship gave me hope, opened a door, and helped me start the race that’s called college.”

Raul has gained hands-on experience at 3LP Engineering in Woodstock, Georgia. What began as a summer internship became a part-time role designing remodels, additions, and new homes while learning engineering codes, materials, and site inspections. Looking ahead, he plans to continue as a structural engineer and eventually open his own firm focused on safe, lasting residential designs. His advice to aspiring engineers: “Pay close attention to detail. One mistake can carry over, so precision matters.”