First step in a Dual Credit journey

Every journey requires a first step, and South Texas College student Brandon Acosta is at the very start of his journey as a dual credit student.

The Mercedes native said although he’s only a high school freshman, he plans to earn an associate degree in Business Administration through STC’s Dual Credit program. His drive comes from knowing he can reach his educational goals quicker with STC.

“I really like the thought of completing all my college credits and hours as early as I can,” Acosta, 15, said. “I know college can take years and the costs can be expensive. So, being able to get a head start is a really big deal.”

Acosta said he was inspired to join the Dual Credit program after seeing his two older sisters earn college credits as high school students.

“One of my sisters is already going be a junior at her university even though she just started her first year,” Acosta said. “I want to be able to do the same thing.”

Since Acosta is a freshman, he was only allowed by his high school to enroll in one dual class to become accustomed to the program. But, Acosta said he’s enjoying his class and will enroll in as many dual courses as he can handle next semester.

“So far it’s been a good experience,” Acosta said. “STC offers a lot of support and the class schedule gives me plenty of time to think about what I’m working on so I feel confident in it.”

Acosta said his interest in business administration began when he saw his father, Brian Acosta, working in management at Magic Valley Electric Cooperative.

“I reflected on my dad’s career and how he's the general manager of Magic Valley,” Acosta said. “He has a master’s degree in business and is in a management position, and I find that inspiring. You can find a lot of opportunities in many different fields with a business degree. That what I would like to do.”

Acosta said he’s toured the Mid-Valley campus twice and has gone through the admission process of setting up his student identification card and other necessities. He said the visit was a great way to see what his future will look like as an on-campus student once he’s ready for that next step.

“When I visited the campus, I just felt really grown up and mature,” Acosta said. “I felt like it was another world, completely different from high school.”

And, knowing the Mid-Valley campus’ location is in the heart of the region and its history of serving the community is encouraging to Acosta.

“I think it’s great that the STC campus is available to everybody,” Acosta said. “To have this opportunity where everybody in the Valley has access to a higher education is great for the entire community.”

Acosta said he keeps his eye on the future while working hard in the present and intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree after earning his high school diploma and associate degree from STC. He sees higher education as the best way to help him reach his life goals.

“I would tell potential students that it's worth joining dual credit because of the hours they’ll gain,” Acosta said. “If you finish college earlier, you get more time when you’re older to take a look and figure things out, like being able to buy a house. Because, the higher your education, the better job opportunities you’ll have. To me, having financial freedom in the future is very important. That freedom comes, I think, from a better education.”