A passion for literature

South Texas College English major Adalee Garza has carried a love of literature since childhood. Garza is now looking forward to seeing her life-long passion turn into a future career.

Garza, 19, started her second semester at STC this spring and has found her place in the English department.

“Ever since I was little, I always loved reading and wondered if I would develop a passion for writing as I got older,” Garza said. “I did. I’m one of those people who loves writing. I can’t really see myself doing anything else besides English.”

Garza said she finds “something magical about writing.”

“I was someone who grew up creating stories in my head and needing to express them,” she said. “The power of reading and the way it can make you feel is extraordinary to me. Your whole worldview can change in a moment, in just the span of a few words.”

Garza said she quickly knew the STC English department was the place for her to explore different genres of literature and strengthen her writing skills. Especially when she took English 1301 with Instructor Marisa Taylor.

“She made me feel really comfortable at STC and made me feel like this major was for me,” Garza said. “I’m very much in love with the expression of writing, and (Taylor) made me feel like I was part of a shared experience.”

Taylor said she viewed Garza as an exemplary STC student.

“She is a dedicated and motivated student,” Taylor said. “I first noticed Adalee because she always carries a personal book to read with her. When I have spoken to her about literature, she displays a true joy of learning and education.”

Garza said she tries to find any free time during her day to read. Even if it’s a few minutes between classes.

“I don't have big gaps between classes, but whenever I have time, I try to read,” Garza said. “I usually bring some books and try to read before class or if I'm let out early. I enjoy going out to eat lunch and having a nice read.”

But, Garza also enjoys exploring other academic courses STC offers and has found ways to connect them to her writing.

“English is always my favorite class, but last semester I really enjoyed Art History,” Garza said. “I loved it. Art is a side hobby of mine and the class made me feel inspired. I feel a lot of things can inspire writers.”

Garza said she intends to become a teacher or professor someday.

“I feel like it would be nice to teach; even though I’m a very shy person,” Garza said. “I want to share this love for English. And I want someone to find a teacher who will express that same love of English with them. I also want to, hopefully, become an author one day.”

As a first-generation student, Garza is grateful to her parents for encouraging her to pursue college.

“Higher education was very important to me because my parents wanted me to have something better for myself,” Garza said. “My dad is an electrician so he always tries to provide whenever he can, but talks about how he wants me to have a career that will be fulfilling to me.”

She encourages fellow first-generation students to look into what STC has to offer.

“It seems like such a scary step, but it's not that scary once you're here,” Garza said. “It has been an eye-opener, really. You have to experience it, because sometimes it seems like there’s not a whole world out there, but there is.”