KENNESAW, Ga. | Oct 11, 2024

As a 12-year-old, David Madrigal-Giraldo arrived in the U.S. speaking no English. Fast forward a decade, and he’s an information technology student at Kennesaw State University actively shaping his future.

Madrigal-Giraldo's journey began in Mexico, where he spent his early childhood before moving to the U.S. Transitioning to Atlanta presented challenges for Madrigal-Giraldo as he adjusted to a new culture and language. High school added to these hurdles with advanced AP and honors classes, but he embraced the rigor, fueled by his strong desire to attend college.

"I always wanted to go to college,” Madrigal-Giraldo said. “Even though nobody before me went, I never thought it was out of my reach.”

Madrigal-Giraldo had the unwavering support of his family, who remained his cornerstone during the toughest times. They stood together, navigating the struggles of a new life and providing encouragement and love when the challenges felt overwhelming. 

 "My family has always been there for me," he said. "Their support made all the difference, especially the support and love I received from my mother."

With no guidance in the college application process, Madrigal-Giraldo relied on his resolve. His hard work paid off when he was accepted into KSU’s College of Computing and Software Engineering, allowing him to stay close to home.

Since then, Madrigal-Giraldo has become involved in clubs and held numerous internships that have enriched his learning experience. After attending a career fair his junior year, Madrigal-Giraldo landed an internship at Republic National Distributing, where he learned to be understanding toward those facing technology challenges.

As a tester for new software, Madrigal-Giraldo provided valuable insights and support, skills he plans to carry into his future IT endeavors. Additionally, he honed his time management and organizational skills, ensuring he completed daily tasks efficiently. His internship also allowed him to travel to different states, assisting the platform engineering team, which taught him how to network and build connections.

"That internship taught me patience," Madrigal-Giraldo said. "Not everyone understands technology the same way, and being there to help others is what made it worthwhile."

Now interning at ARCO Construction, Madrigal-Giraldo serves as an information technology (IT) support specialist, where his responsibilities include troubleshooting technical issues, setting up new workstations, and providing support to employees across various locations. Each day presents new challenges, from resolving software glitches to assisting with hardware setups, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

Madrigal-Giraldo has learned the importance of effective communication, particularly when working with colleagues who may not be as tech-savvy.

"I’ve become better at explaining things in a way that makes sense to them," he said. "It's not just about fixing a problem; it's about making sure people feel comfortable and confident using the technology."

His role has also enhanced his technical skills, particularly in network support and system maintenance. He’s gained hands-on experience with various IT tools and practices, which will be invaluable as he enters the workforce after graduation.

“David’s story exemplifies the power of resilience and determination,” said Shaoen Wu, chair of KSU’s Department of Information Technology. “His journey showcases not only his commitment to personal growth but also the impact of education. We are proud to have students like him at Kennesaw State University.”

– Story by Raynard Churchwell

Photos by Darnell Wilburn

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.