AEDT grad builds lifelong bonds at South Texas College
Student of the Week: Monique Salazar
Persistence and resilience have paid off for Monique Salazar, who over the course of a decade fought through personal challenges to receive her degree and finally enter a career in industry.
Initially entering South Texas College in the fall of 2010, Monique graduated this past May with an Associate Degree in Architectural and Visual Technology.
“STC was my ideal place to go being that I knew I was probably going to get some or no financial aid (but) by attending STC, I was able to afford to pay my tuition and not be in debt,” she said. “My unique approach to college was to set myself a goal, finish school, and to become financially independent. I implanted that into my mind which gave me the determination and strength to keep going.”
The Architectural and Visual Technology degree that Monique has acquired is one of three specializations within the Architectural & Engineering Design Technology Program at South Texas College along with Architectural & Engineering Design Technology and Architectural & Civil Engineering Technology.
Students with an Architectural & Visual Technology degree are trained to create, manipulate, or enhance computerized images. As technicians, they help prepare the imaging needs for architects, engineers, contractors, and publication agencies.
“My unique approach to college was to set myself a goal, finish school, and to become financially independent. I implanted that into my mind which gave me the determination and strength to keep going.”
With their skills learned in the program, students can utilize their skills not only for the creation of technical documents, but also for the creation of computer renderings and animations, digital photographs and video for presentation purposes.
“My experience has been great with STC,” she said. “It may not be a university, but it has its perks such as closer distances from the parking lot to our classes, smaller class sizes which benefits in building a bond with your professors, and affordable tuition.”
As a message for her peers, Monique said that despite several major changes and the years it took to choose the right degree and see it through, it was important to find something she was truly passionate about.
“My message to my peers would be that it's okay if you don't know what you want to major in right after high school,” Monique said. “Once you do, stay motivated! It won't be easy, but the satisfaction you'll get after graduating will be so rewarding and worthwhile.
“Remember, don't wait until you've reached your goal to be proud of yourself,” she said. “Always be proud of every step you take toward reaching that goal.”