Consider Your Legacy
Student of the Week: Kevin Rivera
"I believe when you know someone who has made you who you are, or who influenced you to be who you are, and you follow the same path, I think it's a nice way of saying ‘thank you’. I think it's a nice way of just honoring that legacy while creating your own.”
As an educator in training, Kevin Rivera wants to make sure his future students understand that among the most important things you can develop as a teacher is the tenacity and passion for helping people.
For Kevin, this trait stems from the way his parents helped he and his siblings growing up.
A second-generation South Texas College student, Kevin said he was inspired by his mother and father who both attended STC before he was born, but stopped short of graduating in order to raise their family.
“They always dreamed of coming back to finish their education but they always put us first,” Kevin said. “There's not a day that goes by where I'm not grateful for everything that they have had to face.”
Kevin is currently pursuing an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) with a concentration on grades eight through 12.
The associate degree in Education introduces students to the teaching profession. Students may choose between Elementary, Middle School and High School Education curricula tracks.
All three degrees require a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework including 42 credit hours of recommended courses from the core curriculum and a minimum of 18 credit hours in the field of study.
Also required are the courses EDUC 1301 Introduction to the Teaching Profession and EDUC 2301 Introduction to Special Populations in which students are introduced to the philosophies and practical knowledge of teaching as well as being given the opportunity to participate in field observations of classrooms in local public school districts.
Kevin said he is thankful to have had excellent mentors who have guided him, and who have inspired him to give back to the next generation of students.
“I think it has to do with legacy,” he said. “You know, I believe when you know someone who has made you who you are, or who influenced you to be who you are, and you follow the same path, I think it's a nice way of saying ‘thank you’. I think it's a nice way of just honoring that legacy while creating your own.”
“I think it all comes down to commitment and focusing on your dreams,” Kevin said. “We can’t always go straight to that dream right away though because there are always pieces missing. We have to take it step by step and plan ahead because there will be obstacles, and when the unexpected happens and you think you’re stuck…don’t forget about the people who support you. They make everything worth it.”