Following her mother’s footsteps into nursing
Student of the Week: Mya Mendoza
STC made the transition into college smooth. I got to talk to advisors, go to orientation, and it just felt like the right choice.
Mya Mendoza, 18, is taking her first steps toward a career in Nursing at South Texas College, following in the footsteps of her mother, who earned her license in vocational nursing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“She did it while raising me and my siblings,” Mendoza said. “It was really rough, but watching her overcome everything motivated me. I’ve always had a passion for the medical field, and now I’m excited to pursue it myself.”
She is currently a full-time student completing her prerequisite courses and plans to apply to the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program in the Spring. Her long-term goal is to specialize in women’s health and possibly become an OB-GYN.
“I want to open my own clinic someday,” she said. “There’s so many routes I can take in health care, but I know I want to care for women and families.”
A first-generation college student, Mendoza considered multiple universities across Texas, but chose to stay local.
“I applied to schools in San Antonio and Houston, but I’m a homebody,” she said. “STC made the transition into college smooth. I got to talk to advisors, go to orientation, and it just felt like the right choice. I don’t regret it at all.”
In addition to her studies, Mendoza is active on campus and recently joined STC’s intramural flag football team.
“I love sports. I did track and powerlifting in high school, so joining a sport in college felt right,” she said. “It helps me balance everything out and meet new people.”
Mendoza appreciates the support she’s found at STC, especially from faculty .
“Faculty are so kind and understanding,” she said. “I feel like STC truly cares about its students.”
Her biggest motivator remains her goals.
“I don’t want to wait for things to happen to me,” Mendoza said. “I’m a go-getter. If I want something, I’ll work for it. That’s what keeps me going.”
She encourages others considering college to explore STC’s programs and take the leap.
“You don’t have to leave home to chase your dreams,” she said. “You can start right here.”