Dual Credit journey to science and discovery

Mauricio Angel Sanchez, 20, is on track to earn his associate degree in Biology from South Texas College this August, with plans to officially walk the commencement stage in December.

Raised in Reynosa, Mexico, Sanchez began his college journey through STC’s Dual Credit Programs while still in high school Colegio Mexicano de Bachilleres, a unique experience that sparked his interest in science and planted the seed for his future in biology.

“I was always outdoors as a kid and I think that’s where I started appreciating life, nature, animals, everything around me,” Sanchez said. “That early curiosity evolved into a passion for biology, which has since shaped shaped my academic goals.”

Sanchez, after passing the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSI) exam, a test used to determine if a student is college ready, he began taking college courses his senior year of high school.

Now, two years later, he’s wrapping up his time at STC and preparing to transfer to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), where he plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biology with along-term goal of a career in research.

“I’m still deciding, but I’m leaning toward Zoology, Biotechnology or Genetics,” Sanchez said. “I want to earn a bachelor’s and maybe even a master’s degree. I’m really interested in contributing to the research side of biology.”

Though his focus has been largely academic, Sanchez gives credit to several faculty members at STC who helped shape his experience, including Alan Herrera, Sandra Espinoza and Regina Gonzalez.

“They played a big role in helping me grow—from the person I was when I first started to who I am now,” he said.

STC has helped in areas such as organizing his schedule to adjusting to the college environment and meeting people from all walks of life.

He said the transition wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it.

“I was kind of disoriented when I first started here, even though I’d already taken dual credit classes. But once I got used to everything, I learned how to manage my time better and be more social,” said Sanchez.

When he’s not studying, Sanchez enjoys going to the gym and occasionally heading back to his hometown to spend time with friends and family. He mentioned he’s especially proud of being a role model for his younger brother.

For other students in his situation or starting college, Sanchez keeps his advice simple, “Be prepared, adjust to the changes and take everything one step at a time.”