Adversity is all in the past
Student of the Week: Aleida Chapa
“With all of the challenges I have faced in my life, I can honestly confess that I am very excited and looking forward to receiving my Associate of Arts in Teaching in the spring of 2021. It may have taken longer than expected, and I may have had to adjust my plans at times, but I never altered my main goal.”
Aleida Chapa found her passion as an educator while working at her daughter’s Head Start program. She enrolled at South Texas College to pursue that passion.
“My professional and educational objectives are to learn as much as possible and grasp all the knowledge I can,” said Chapa. “Every single child is extraordinary and learns in various ways, so I need to ensure I am well prepared to support every one of them. Like Michael Morpurgo’s quote says, ‘It is the teacher that makes the difference, not the classroom.’”
Chapa’s road to South Texas College has not been without its challenges.
Born and raised in Rio Grande City, Chapa was on track to graduate in 2007 but was diverted when she became a mother at the age of 15. A mixture of shifting interests and tending to her daughter’s needs led her to leave school behind. Realizing that a good education is the key to upward social mobility and reaching one’s potential, Chapa returned to Rio Grande City High School to earn her diploma through Chance 2 B in 2014. She also enrolled her middle child, then 2 years old, at TMC Head Start/Early Head Start, began volunteering at the site, and later landed a job at the program while securing a certificate in child development.
“I now have two lovely daughters and one son,” said Chapa. “With all of the challenges I have faced in my life, I can honestly confess that I am very excited and looking forward to receiving my Associate of Arts in Teaching in the spring of 2021. It may have taken longer than expected, and I may have had to adjust my plans at times, but I never altered my main goal.”
Chapa chose STC because of its small class sizes and its proximity to home. She has stayed at the college because of the people there who support her every step of the way.
“My experience at South Texas College has been amazing, from the staff to mentors who are always ready to assist to professors who encourage me to do well in every lesson. If I were to suggest South Texas College to a friend, I would tell them that it is a wonderful place to be and that the staff is extremely supportive with a lot of resources to offer.”