Army veteran and future RN looks forward to serving patients
Student of the Week: Luis Barrientos
Looking to send a message to the community this Memorial Day, Luis Barrientos says it’s important to take a moment out of your day to remember those who never made it home.
A veteran of the Army, Luis said he is currently pursuing his Associate Degree in Nursing and hopes to enter a career as a registered nurse. He is slated to graduate in December 2019.
“What better way to give back to your community than to serve twice, first by serving your country and then by serving as a registered nurse,” Luis said. “I knew the program coming in was going to be tough, but I didn’t realize it was going to be this tough.
“It requires a lot of sacrifice, long hours of studying, and constant critical thinking,” Luis said. “You need to be on your toes, and it’s a very good program so I recommend that if anybody is thinking about nursing then they should come to STC.”
Enlisting in the Army right after high school in 2012, Luis said he served for two years in Germany after completing basic training in Fort Lee, Virginia.
“What better way to give back to your community than to serve twice, first by serving your country and then by serving as a registered nurse. I knew the program coming in was going to be tough, but I didn’t realize it was going to be this tough."
“For veterans thinking about coming back to school, I would tell them to never procrastinate. You have to throw yourself in with the sharks and try to get it done as quickly as possible,” Luis said. “A lot of people who end up procrastinating do not come back until their late thirties or later so you have to jump on that horse and go.”
STC and its Office of Student Veteran Affairs are dedicated to serving veterans, active military, reservists, spouses, and dependents in meeting their educational goals. STC/SVA Chapter also provides an added advantage and influence when advocating for veterans on campus or in the local community.
SVA offices at STC’s Pecan, Mid-Valley and Starr County campuses have also organized lab and lounge areas and additional study rooms, referred to as the Foxhole, that provide quiet study areas for veterans and their dependents.
“This Memorial Day, just remember those who never got to come back in uniform,” Luis said. “It’s all about the fallen. It’s not about discounts or an extra day off of work. It’s about remembering those who never got to come home.”