Dedicated to helping others

Yamilex Rodriguez is dedicated to helping others. That’s why she enrolled at South Texas College on her journey toward a career as an elementary school teacher.

Rodriguez graduates with an associate of arts degree in teaching this spring, leaving behind a legion of admirers who praise her for her dedication and kindness as a work-study student in Student Financial Services. She has even earned the title of Work Study Student of the Year at STC.

Born and raised in Edinburg, Rodriguez attended Edinburg North High School, where she described herself as sometimes lacking the motivation to do anything more than the bare minimum to get by. 

“I know what it feels like to try hard and still fail because there is no one to help you or understand your situation,” said Rodriguez, who overcame a fear of failure to push herself in high school and graduate with honors. “I like to be able to help someone overcome their obstacles or push them to do their best.”

Rodriguez said South Texas College was a natural choice. The associate of arts in teaching is a 60-unit program with courses ranging from ‘Introduction to the Teaching Profession’ and ‘Introduction to Special Populations’ to ‘General Psychology’ and ‘Math’.

More than that, Rodriguez has found a second home.

“I feel very safe here and I feel like my voice is heard,” she said. “The treatment I get from the professors, staff and students is amazing. STC helped me open up and helped me strive to do my best.”

If someone were to ask Rodriguez to share her thoughts, “I would begin by mentioning the kind environment that is created by the college. Then I would mention the helpfulness of the faculty and staff. Lastly, I would mention the dedication the professors have to their subject and how it should in their teaching.

Her goal?

“I would love to be that teacher that students can count on and I want to strive to do better than the bare minimum. I am planning to earn my bachelor’s degree and hopefully my master’s.”