19
January
2021
|
09:51 AM
America/Chicago

Faith driving OTA student to greatness

Student of the Week: Armando Pinete

“STC has given me the opportunity to believe in myself, and it helped me realize that everything I desire in life is possible with hard work and dedication. The staff members and instructors have helped me, and guided me through my educational career path. School can sound stressful, but STC has definitely been the opposite."
Student of the Week Armando Pinete

Through his faith, Armando Pinete says he is guided to become a better person and help as many people as he can while pursuing his education at South Texas College.

Citing God and family as his main motivation in life, Armando says he is inspired to become the best version of himself in his personal and professional life.

Attending STC since 2014, Armando says he previously obtained an Associate degree in Arts Communication, and is currently in the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program.

“STC has given me the opportunity to believe in myself, and it helped me realize that everything I desire in life is possible with hard work and dedication,” Armando said. “The staff members and instructors have helped me, and guided me through my educational career path. School can sound stressful, but STC has definitely been the opposite.

“STC provided me with the resources needed to continue my education and accomplish my dreams,” Armando said. 

The OTA two-year program prepares individuals for careers as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA).

COTAs assist patients to develop life skills by providing services with the ultimate goal of increasing their independence in daily functioning.

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.

Armando says his career plan after completing the OTA program at STC is to continue his education, and transfer to a university to obtain a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy while working as a COTA.

“My message to my peers and everyone is to keep dreaming in big, nothing is impossible. Everything in life is possible with God that strengthens us,” Armando said. “Sometimes things might not go as you wanted, but God always has a purpose.

“My recommendation to anyone is to walk with faith in order to succeed in college and beyond,” he said. “Life is beautiful, don’t let anything stop you from dreaming. Chase your dreams, if not you will never catch up to them.”