08
June
2021
|
10:15 AM
America/Chicago

Bringing Her Best

Student of the Week: Itzayanna Lopez

“Working for STC has really brought the best of me because I do what I love which is being involved. Everyone is very kind and loving, we know each other and care for each other.”
STC Student of the Week Itzayanna Lopez

Itzayanna Lopez aspires to become the teacher and role model that she did not have as a young child. South Texas College is helping her realize her dream.

“Growing up, I wasn’t the smartest in class and had trouble reading,” Lopez recalled. “When I said I wanted to become a teacher, my teacher laughed at me; how was I going to become a teacher if I didn’t know how to read?”

Her experience discouraged Lopez from valuing her own aspirations above others’ perceptions. Instead, Lopez considered herself a “follower.” That was until her sophomore year at Rio Grande City High School, where she was able to change her outlook.

“One day I was sitting down ready to go to drill team tryout practice and received a text message that the friend I was going to try out with wasn’t going. I thought for a while and slowly stood up and walked towards the gym with pride and joy because I know this was the start of a new me; a new beginning.”

Lopez had gone on to make captain of that same team and launch her journey as a leader. At South Texas College, she is president of the STC Student Government Association, serving as the voice for fellow students and as an advocate for student-centered improvement projects, such as expanding Wi-Fi accessibility.

“Working for STC has really brought the best of me because I do what I love which is being involved,” says Lopez, who has also been active member of the STC Leadership Academy, takes part in the Ascender program, is involved with College Connections, and serves as a student ambassador. “Everyone is very kind and loving, we know each other and care for each other.”

Lopez graduates this spring with an Associate of Arts Degree in Teaching, determined to work as an elementary school teacher helping young children reach their potential. “I thought about how other students had maybe gone through the same thing as I did and didn’t have the support of another teacher to make them feel better,” says Lopez. “I want to become that teacher.”

Lopez hopes future students will be able to get involved at STC as she has, and that they achieve anything they set their mind to.

“If someone told you otherwise, prove them wrong.”