A trailblazer in pursuit of justice
Student of the Week: Valerie Salmeron
Everything I do while I'm at school and work, I do it thinking of my family. I like the fact that I can serve my country and be able to while doing what I love.
Valerie Salmeron, 21, has her sights set on an associate degree in Criminal Justice from South Texas College. Her journey is driven by a desire to chart new paths within her family and make a meaningful impact in her community.
Her decision to pursue Criminal Justice stemmed from wanting to try something out of her comfort zone and as an immigrant from Mexico, STC emerged as the ideal choice, offering both educational excellence and practical considerations.
"I like the fact that I can serve my country and be able to while doing what I love,” said Salmeron.
As she aspires to become a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, Salmeron finds motivation in the prospect of staying physically active while serving her country.
Before embarking on her college journey, Salmeron researched career options, ultimately finding her calling in Criminal Justice at STC, and with two years remaining until graduation, Salmeron is already strategizing her next steps.
My goal for the upcoming semester is not just to excel academically, but to surpass my own expectations. “I plan on maintaining a high grade-point average (GPA) and eventually pursuing a bachelor’s degree.”
Reflecting on her time at STC, Salmeron cherishes the memories of her first-time travels to Corpus Christi to represent the college in a flag football tournament this past year. Her involvement in STC's Intramural Sports, where she plays flag football and softball, underscores her commitment to both physical and academic pursuits.
"I enjoy being part of Student Activities because I get to stay active, meet more people and get to practice my English with more ease," said Salmeron.
Salmeron finds motivation in pushing herself to become a better student, athlete and person each day, and holds a special place in her heart for her family.
With an older sister in Mexico and a younger brother by her side in the U.S., she is set to become the first in her family to graduate.
"Everything I do while I'm at school and work, I do it thinking of my family," said Salmeron. "They're the ones that motivate me and push me to do better every day. Every day that I wake up, I hope I can make them proud."