Colorado State University Department of Construction Management graduating senior and first-generation student, Gaida Hulsey, grew up on a small farm in Larkspur, Colorado, the youngest of four girls. Her sisters and parents are her biggest supporters, and Hulsey recognizes them in helping her reach her personal goals.

“Growing up,” said Hulsey, “my family tried to give me every opportunity possible to better my future. I grew up in a low-income household with a big family. I never thought that I would ever be able to pursue higher education. My parents and sisters helped ensure that I was able to do just that. I learned from my parents, who didn’t have high school or college degrees, that working hard is the only way I could achieve my goals. I have worked very hard to get where I am now, including working three jobs over two years and having 16+ credit hours every semester to ensure I met graduation requirements. Not only am I graduating, but I am graduating early by completing the CM program in 3 years. I have my family to thank for that.”

For 2023, Hulsey was awarded the Construction Management Diversity Scholarship.

Service learning through internships

Hulsey completed two internships. Her first was with MacDonald Miller Facility Solutions, a large mechanical subcontractor in Washington state. While there, Hulsey worked on the largest project in Washington history. Her second internship was with GH Phipps in Colorado Springs, a medium-sized general contractor. Beyond her required internship, she has continued to work part-time as a project engineer intern with GH Phipps, where she has worked on two hospital projects and a K-12 project. She feels fortunate that she will transition to full-time employment with GH Phipps after graduation.

Hulsey cites key lessons from her internships. Never be afraid to ask questions; take every opportunity to better yourself whether that means learning from a mentor or taking on new tasks; and always work hard and be passionate about what you do.

“The CM department has given me every opportunity possible to succeed in my years here but also afterward,” Hulsey said. “Without the support from the department, I would not have experienced internships, or developed the skills needed to succeed in my career. I appreciate the CM Department in general. Without the CM staff and faculty, I would not have felt confident during career fairs, interviews, classes, and more. I’m forever grateful to the CM Department overall.”

Asked about personal accomplishments, Hulsey focused on the fact that she was pushed to step out of her comfort zone and take opportunities out of the ordinary. She joined the student mechanical competition team, worked an out-of-state internship, volunteered inside the CM program, and served as a CM “RAMbassador,” among other activities.

Bright future

Post graduation plans include relaxing and spending time with her family. Her long-term goal is to provide for her family and give opportunities to her own children and others, in helping them to achieve their goals, whatever those may be.

Hulsey said her best advice for new or current students is, “Take opportunities that get you out of your comfort zone. It will change your lives in the best ways possible and help you succeed further in both your career and your future.”

The Department of Construction Management is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.