Building a future through entrepreneurship

South Texas College student Jaykob Garza is building his future one goal at a time by helping to manage his family’s construction company, growing his own business ventures and working toward becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree.

The 20-year-old Business Administration student said entrepreneurship has always come naturally to him, inspired early on by his parents.

“Ever since I was young, my parents always had business and entrepreneurial mindset,” Garza said. “My dad started his own construction company, and I saw the way it worked. I really enjoyed it and wanted to be part of it.”

Following their example, Garza began exploring business opportunities of his own while still in high school, buying and reselling clothing and sneakers while working in retail and helping with his family’s construction company.

“Ever since I was in high school, I’ve had little side businesses,” he said. “I found it easy and enjoyable. I realized that if I could grow something on my own, not only could it be profitable, but it could also be something I genuinely enjoy doing.”

Over the years, Garza has taken on greater responsibilities within his family’s company, an experience that has helped shape his interest in business management.

After graduating from Donna High School in 2024, Garza knew he wanted to continue his education while remaining active in the workforce. He enrolled at STC that fall, initially taking one course before becoming a full-time student after his first year.

“I love it here,” he said. “I can talk to my professors, ask questions and connect with what I’m learning. Coming to STC has made me realize how much I enjoy going to school.”

Expected to graduate in summer 2027, Garza said his business courses at STC’s Mid-Valley Campus have allowed him to connect what he learns in the classroom with his own business experiences.

“There have been times when I’m dealing with a problem in my own business and then my professor brings up that exact subject in class,” he said. “I’ll think, ‘That’s exactly what I needed to hear.’ I get to take what I’m learning and use it.”

Beyond school and business, Garza has also remained active in his community, volunteering with the South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association (STJDA), where he has worked with children and supported its programs for the past two years.

“I just stay on top of everything and make sure to get my schoolwork done,” he said. “I’ve had a great time working with the kids and I want to keep helping as much as I can. I’ll go back every summer as long as I’m able to.”

Among all his goals, earning a college degree carries special meaning. Garza is working toward becoming the first in his family to graduate from college.

“It’s always been a dream of mine because no one in my family has ever gone on to higher education,” he said. “Being the first to complete college would be very fulfilling and I want to encourage my little brother to do the same.”

Looking ahead, Garza plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business management and eventually a master’s degree. While he is still determining exactly where that path will take him, he credits STC with giving him an accessible and affordable place to start.

“I want to get my bachelor’s and eventually a master’s,” he said. “In what, I don’t know yet but being at STC has shown me how much I enjoy learning and how fulfilling it is to continue my education. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here, and I want to keep going as far as I can."