Posted: February 12, 2020
When it came to picking a major, alumna Condia Gonzales knew it’d be important to select something that would fulfill both her artistic and analytical tendencies. A 2013 graduate of the drafting technologies program at Northwest College, she currently works at WWC Engineering in Sheridan and enjoys spending her free time hiking, fly fishing, camping, and exploring the Big Horn Mountains.
How did you discover your interest in CADD?
I was first introduced in high school. Buffalo High School offered a CADD class as an elective. We mostly worked architectural projects. We did a few projects with plotter paper, rulers, pencils, and rather-large erasers. AutoCAD was our main tool while working on computers. CADD for me fulfills my artistic side but analytic tendencies.
How did you know Northwest College was a good fit for you?
During my senior year in high school, we had a class to specifically prepare us for college. We filled out grant applications, scholarship applications, and/or student loan applications. We were also taught about the difference between universities, community colleges, private colleges, and how each have their pros and cons. To me, the professor to class size ratio, diverse courses, and overall size of Northwest College was all very appealing. When I learned Northwest had a drafting program, that confirmed my choice. Another reason was the geographical location of Powell, considering it’s close to the Big Horn Mountains, Absaroka Range, and the Beartooth Mountains.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
There’s never enough time to do it right, but there’s always enough time to do it over. This is something that is said around the office I work in. It isn’t so much a jab at lazy tendencies but more of a cautionary reminder that it’s always worth slowing down, understanding the project or situation, and doing it right the first time.
What do you remember most vividly about your NWC experience?
The kinship of my fellow students and myself. The feeling of knowing we were all in it together and striving for a similar goal. Classmates and I gathering after class or a long day of lectures, going over notes or doing homework together, made a big difference to me and helped remind me I didn’t have to struggle alone.
My professor also made Northwest a memorable experience in my life. Bob Townsend made me feel like I can succeed with this profession and challenged me into wanting better for myself. One specific moment I will never forget about NWC: during my second semester (spring 2012), Bob came into class asking if anyone was from Sheridan. No one raised their hand. I then raised mine and said, “I’m from Buffalo.” Bob then hands me a piece of paper saying, “Here call this number. They’re looking for a summer intern for CADD.” I called the number and was put in touch with the man who later became my boss and a job that I’ve advanced through for eight years now.
What advice do you have for current students?
Your professors are your biggest advocate! They want you to succeed not just in their class, but in all ways at Northwest. Be sure to make yourself stand out. Talk to your professor about goals, struggles, and what you hope to get out of their classes. Open communication with professors can be make all the difference in your experience in a professor’s course.