Teacher Certification Success at STC

May 13, 2013 No Comments
Abraham Garza poses for a photo at STC's Pecan Campus.

For 31 year old Harlingen native Abraham Garza, it was the support and detailed training of South Texas College’s (STC) Alternative Teacher Certification Program that elevated him from a part-time night school teacher into a full-time position as an English teacher for Ignite Public Schools.  With a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Texas-Pan American, Garza knew he had to pursue other educational options that would make him more competitive in the workforce and certify him to teach at the highest of standards. The mission of STC’s Alternative Teacher Certification … Read More …

Filed Under: Academics, Alumni, Around Campus, Arts, College News, Community, Faculty/Staff, Featured, Honors/Awards, Student Life, Uncategorized

Turning a language barrier into a career opportunity

February 17, 2012 No Comments
STC alum Claudia Galan.

“I miss the food and my family in Mexico, but I've adapted to life here and I don't think I will go back,” said STC alum Claudia Galan. Growing up the daughter of a doctor in Mexico, Galan has fond memories of her childhood, but her father knew that he wanted more for his three daughters. So he gave up his career to move back to his United States home with his family. “He wanted to make sure we had access to the best schools and opportunities for our future,” she said. “He couldn't be a surgeon in the U.S., but he was able to work as a surgeon’s assistant. It was a sacrifice … Read More …

Filed Under: Academics, Alumni, College News, Community, Featured, Student Life

Encouraging others to think about the possibilities of change

June 4, 2010 1 Comment
STC student Mirenda Jones hopes to become an adoption and family lawyer to help children navigate the foster care system.

It is never too late for change, and the person you were yesterday is not necessary the person you are today. Those simple words of wisdom have inspired me to take the best possible path in my life. And in doing so, I have not only changed my prospects for the future, but I also hope to transform the lives of my community by earning my degree from South Texas College. I grew up in Ontario, Canada, and I dropped out of high school my last semester to open a successful tanning salon. However, realizing the importance of an education, I returned two years later to earn my high school diploma. … Read More …

Filed Under: Academics, Around Campus, College News, Community, Honors/Awards

Discovering the formula of success

June 4, 2010 No Comments
John Montalbo hopes to launch a career in astrophysics to find out more about the physical properties of the universe.

Writer Christopher Hitchens once said that we “must establish our own paths in this most diverse and interesting of conceivable universes—one indifferent to our suffering, and therefore offering us maximum freedom to thrive, or to fail, in our own chosen way.” I can relate to these words of wisdom. And my story serves as a proof that forging your own path and truly believing in what you to have to offer is the only way to fully experience what it means to be alive. I believe there’s always more we can do to help others and humanity as a whole. These grand aspirations serve as a … Read More …

Filed Under: Academics, Around Campus, Community, Featured, Honors/Awards

Recent grad hopes to draft up a successful career as an architect

June 4, 2010 No Comments
Irvin Elizondo earned his Associate’s Degree in Computer Aided Drafting and Design this spring and he hopes to become an architect in the future.

Going to college is about discovering new things about ourselves and learning how we fit into the world. It is also a time to learn more about our strengths and how we can use them to have a positive impact on society. I’ve been realizing my potential by taking classes at South Texas College and working in the college’s Facilities Planning and Construction Department (FPC). In doing so, I’ve not only gained skills and knowledge for the workforce, but am also getting a glimpse into what the real world has in store for me. Serving as a work-study employee at STC has helped me understand … Read More …

Filed Under: Academics, Around Campus, College News, Honors/Awards

A lesson in leadership and service

June 4, 2010 No Comments
BAT student Edgar Castillo hopes to become an educator to show others the importance of a college degree.

Going to college is about learning how we fit into the world. It is also a time to learn more about our strengths and how we can use them to contribute to society. As a student at South Texas College, I’ve not only been able to gain the skills and knowledge to enter the workforce, but am getting a glimpse into what the real world has in store for me. I am currently a student in STC’s Bachelors Program and being at the college has allowed me to follow my dreams, and learn more about myself in the process. These days, technology is part of everything we do. It has become an essential … Read More …

Filed Under: Academics, College News, Community, Honors/Awards

Academy applauds student leaders, community participation

May 18, 2010 No Comments
The first cohort of STC's Student Leadership Academy was recently honored for completing the program.

Some of the qualities of a leader are innate, but many of the skills needed to be a great leader must be learned. And participants in STC’s Student Leadership Academy (SLA) can certainly attest to that fact. Throughout the spring semester, 48 students have participated in the academy, taking part in interactive workshops and seminars and completing more than 1700 combined service learning hours to cultivate their inner leaders. Those in the first cohort of the SLA were recently honored for completing the program during a graduation ceremony held at South Texas College’s Pecan Campus. … Read More …

Filed Under: Academics, Around Campus, College News, Community, Featured, Honors/Awards

Judith Lopez: Designing a future in graphics

April 26, 2010 No Comments
STC student Judith Lopez hopes to use her graphic design skills to work at a magazine or newspaper in the future.

The next time you pick up your favorite magazine, look past the words and notice the visual messages. This is the work of graphic artists. Most companies depend on graphic designers to help them convey their messages and promote their brands. And in this Internet age, there is so much visual media around us in our daily lives that the opportunities for talented designers are endless. That is one of the reasons I chose to pursue a career in this field. Graphic design is the process of combining text and graphics to create print or electronic forms of visual information to communicate an … Read More …

Filed Under: Academics, Arts, College News, Community, Featured, Honors/Awards