Find Your Future event connects students with academic support staff at STC
South Texas College recently hosted its “Find Your Future” event at the Pecan Campus, giving students an opportunity to meet with academic coaches, guided pathway specialists and student success specialists to learn about the many resources available to support their success at the college.
South Texas College recently hosted its “Find Your Future” event at the Pecan Campus, giving students an opportunity to meet with academic coaches, guided pathway specialists and student success specialists to learn about the many resources available to support their success at the college.
The event welcomed students from across campus who wanted to exploreprograms aligned with their interests and career goals.
With registration already opened for the spring 2025 semester, representatives from multiple departments provided guidanceon degree pathways, tutoring services and academic planning.
Shannon Perales, Academic SuccessPrograms administrator, said the event is part of the college’s Pathways initiative, which helps students make informedacademic choices and stay on track for graduation.
“We started this with our Pathways program to help students whowere undecided and didn’t know what they wanted to do ,” Perales said. “Now, we’ve opened it up to all students because even those who beginwith one degree may change their minds. We want to make sure they’re on the right pathand finding the right courses.”
Perales explained that the event has grown from its early virtualformat into a comprehensive, in-person experience connecting students to everycorner of STC’s academic and support network.
“If students have questions, this is a great time to come and ask,” she said. “They can log into Starfish, raise their paw and tell us what they need. We’ll connect them to resources. Whether it’s the food pantry, clothing closet, mental health support or leadership opportunities, everything starts with that one connection.”
This event is different from the usual college fairs, it’s bigger, and includes so many departments working together. It’s a great way for students to connect with staff. There are a lot of resources online, but sometimes meeting people in person helps you feel more organized and have a better vision for your future.
Starfish is STC’s early alert and student success platform that connects students to academic and personal support services.
Perales added that “Find Your Future” has been held for three consecutive years and could soonexpand to all campuses and even into the community.
“Finding your Future is about taking that next step,” she said. “We’re alwaysgrowing and adjusting, and events like this help students realize that theirjourney doesn’t end with one goal, it keeps evolving.”
For Sofia Angueno, 27, a Business Administration major, the event was both inspiring andreassuring as she nears graduation.
“As a mom of two girls, I always wanted to go to college andfinish my degree,” Angueno said. “Once mydaughters started school, I finally had time to focus on myself and myeducation. Now I’m in my final semester, and I’m really proud of that.”
Angueno, who began her college journey online in 2022, said eventslike “Find Your Future” motivate her to stay connected and continue learning.
“You meet people, learn about new programs and see opportunitiesyou didn’t know were there,” she said. “This event helps students like meexplore different paths and figure out what works best for their future.”
Mark Cadenas, 24, an STC Bachelor’s of AppliedTechnology in Computer and Information Technologies student, volunteered duringthe event as president of the Student Government Association (SGA) and as part of the Jaguar Food Pantry team.
This event is different from the usual college fairs, it’s bigger, and includes so many departments working together,” Cadenassaid. “It’s a great way for students toconnect with staff. There are a lot of resources online, but sometimes meetingpeople in person helps you feel more organized and have a better vision foryour future.”
Cadenas said volunteering through both the SGA and the food pantry gave him a deeper appreciation for theresources STC provides.
“For example, a lot of students don’t know we have a food pantry,” he said.“We help stock items, organize and guide students through the application process. It’s all about supporting one another and making sure everyonehas what they need to succeed.”
Through opportunities like “Find Your Future,” STC continues to emphasize its commitment to studentachievement and engagement by connecting students directly with the academicsupport staff who guide them throughout their college journey.
For more information about STC Academic Support Services, emailstarfish@southtexascollege.edu or visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/.