Balancing academics and ambition on the road to a tech career

For South Texas College, Texas A&M Engineering Academy student Armando Reyes Jr., the journey toward a future in computer science started back in high school as a Dual Credit Programs student. Now 19, he is set to graduate with his Associate of Science Degree with automatic admission into Texas A&M’s competitive and highly-coveted Engineering program.

“Next semester I will continue pursuing Computer Science for a bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University,” he said. “I’ll be moving to College Station in August.”

Reyes is part of the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at STC, a partnership between the college and the university that allows students to begin their engineering coursework locally before transitioning to College Station or the Higher Education Center in McAllen.

He said this unique opportunity helped shape his college experience from the start.

“I actually found out about the program through an open house hosted by Texas A&M here in McAllen,” he said. “I originally got accepted into Texas A&M College Station for computer science, but I talked to the advising center about finances. That’s when they introduced me to the Engineering Academy offered here at STC.”

Reyes credits the program not only for giving him a strong academic foundation, but also for helping him stay close to family for his first years of college.

“The Engineering Academy helped me transition into college life smoothly,” he said. “It gave me a chance to build confidence, grow academically and stay grounded before moving away.”

Computer Science, he said, has always sparked his interest. The degree offers multiple pathways, but Reyes already has his sights set on a future in artificial intelligence (AI) and coding.

“My goal is to complete my bachelor’s degree and work in a field that focuses AI or computer coding,” he said. “It’s something that really fascinates me.”

Reyes added that some of his most memorable moments have been thanks to the academy’s engagement events.

“We traveled to College Station a few times,” he said. “Those trips helped me feel even more connected to the university and the goals I’m working toward.”

As a first-generation college student, Reyes says his biggest motivator has always been his family.

“They’ve been supporting me since day one,” he said. “I know they’re proud of me, and I’m proud to be showing them what’s possible.”

Reyes chose STC because his dual credit courses were transferrable and because the Engineering Academy made it possible to get a head start on his degree. He’s grateful for the staff, professors and support systems that made his experience memorable.

“I’m so thankful for everyone who helped me get here - family, friends, teachers, counselors,” he said. “This is just the beginning.”