STC student Hugo Olivera hopes to become a middle school teacher one day.
My family is my source of inspiration for everything I do. When I initially decided to attend college, I remember thinking that it would be difficult to juggle my role as head of the household and as a student at the same time. My wife reassured me that I could handle it all and that going to college is a very small price to pay compared to what I would get in return, and this reinforced my decision to continue my studies.
After serving in the Army for four years in places like Korea and Iraq, I was medically retired and I came back home with the notion that my life would never be the same. But luckily, the Veteran’s Affairs Department agreed to help me finance my education, and I decided to attend South Texas College because it was very affordable and conveniently located. And thus far, the classes have been very interesting and enlightening. I am very proud to be an STC student.
But this experience wasn’t the first time that I had to overcome great odds. I was born and raised in Mexico City and I had to start all over at the age of 15 when I came to the United States, speaking very little English. The language barrier was tough, but I mastered English one day at a time, and I graduated from high school with good grades and a newfound determination to make great things happen in my future.
And when I got married and my family started to grow, I had even more reason to succeed in life. As a father of three, I felt it was necessary to get on with my life and follow my dreams. Now, in my fifth term at STC and with a GPA of 3.6, you could say I’ve beat the odds.
My next goal is to earn my associate’s degree and then go on to The University of Texas-Pan American to pursue my bachelor’s in education and a teaching certification in mathematics and kinesiology. I hope to become a middle school teacher, providing students with the support that I was given in college, which I believe is the key to a person’s academic success.
Now I’m just trying to maintain my focus and finish what I started. I take comfort from the fact that one day my college degree will open many doors for me, providing my family with a better quality of life. It’s good to know that opportunity awaits and that life is full of promise. I guess my wife was right – the rewards are worth the struggle after all.
What are a few fun facts not too many know about me? I am huge Beatles fan and if I could have lunch with anyone, it would be with John Lennon because I admire his message of world peace. Also, I love to play soccer and that Las Chivas del Guadalajara are my number one team since childhood. Go Chivas!!!
