What defines a well-rounded college experience?
Judy Genshaft Honors College and USF College of Engineering mechanical engineering graduate Jacob Ramirez checked every box. From working full-time while maintaining a 3.98 GPA to exploring his musical and theatrical passions, Ramirez’s undergraduate experience reflected a commitment to not letting important parts of his identity take a backseat while pursuing a challenging degree.
Making Room for Music
Music has been a central part of Ramirez’s life since childhood. Growing up in a family
of musicians helped shape his early interests.
“Music has been probably the biggest thing in my life since I was a kid. My dad did
chorus and my mom did musical theater, so growing up, I was always very involved,”
Ramirez said.
In high school, that passion expanded into theater. Before ultimately choosing engineering
as his academic focus, Ramirez envisioned a future on stage.
His path to engineering was not immediate. After taking time off from St. Petersburg
College to work full-time, Ramirez decided to pursue engineering and applied to the
University of South Florida. After more than one round of applications, he was happy
to be admitted in spring 2023.
“It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go,” he
said.
Ramirez performs as lead singer in the USF Honors Contemporary Music Ensemble's "Glimpse of Us" performance.
At USF, the Judy Genshaft Honors College provided an outlet to continue his artistic
pursuits. Ramirez joined the Honors Contemporary Music Ensemble, where he performed as a lead electric guitarist and vocalist. The experience challenged
him to grow technically and creatively, including learning to play rhythm and melody
simultaneously.
“The Honors Contemporary Music Ensemble really exposed me to songs I was unfamiliar
with and outside my genre,” Ramirez said. “It helped me explore the neck of the guitar
rather than just stick to what I know.”
While developing his musical abilities and collaborating on projects with peers, Ramirez
also balanced a demanding schedule.
During his first year, he worked full time before transitioning to part-time employment
as a restaurant server. He also served as a teaching assistant in the mechanical engineering
department and completed an internship with a St. Petersburg-based engineering firm.
He credits his support system for helping him manage those responsibilities.
“Time management was very difficult, and I leaned on my partner and friends in my
engineering major,” he said. “I wouldn’t have been able to succeed without them.”
Carving His Own Path
Ramirez was named the mechanical engineering department’s Outstanding Senior, an honor
he said he did not anticipate but deeply appreciates.
After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in engineering while also auditioning
for professional theater opportunities in the Tampa Bay area. Earlier in his college
journey, Ramirez believed he would have to choose between engineering and the arts.
His experience proved otherwise.
Ramirez plays electric guitar in the USF Honors Contemporary Music Ensemble's performance of "Billie Jean."
“It’s not one or the other anymore. Now, I think I can do both,” he said.
For students with creative passions outside their academic field, Ramirez encourages
making space for artistic expression.
“You’ll never replace the bug for the arts; don’t deny yourself the ability to be
creative,” he said. “It’s possible to do both. Art is always there for you, and it’s
accessible anywhere.”
Though the Honors Contemporary Music Ensemble met only once a week, Ramirez said its
impact was lasting. The experience not only helped him navigate rigorous coursework
but also reinforced the role of creativity in his life moving forward.
“I didn’t realize how much going in once a week and playing music would have an impact
on me,” he said.
Whether in the classroom, on stage, or balancing the demands of work and academics,
Ramirez made space in his college experience for each part of his identity — and in
doing so, he created a path entirely his own.