Graduate Feature: Be the Change You Wish to See
The first in her family to achieve higher education, STC DEMSA graduate Emily Lara pursues career in medicine
Senior at Progreso High School, Emily Lara will graduate as an STC DEMSA student with an Associate in Science this spring and transfer to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to pursue a bachelor’s degree in science. Lara thanks her mother for being her Wonder Woman as her biggest supporter.
An all-around star student with a proud mom to cheer her on, Progreso High School senior Emily Lara will become the first in her family to graduate from college.
A driven student who served as vice president of her high school’s Medical Health Career's Club, president of the Student Council, and a devoted volunteer with 170 community hours, she said the journey so far has been rewarding, and is just getting started.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment forever especially because it’s been very challenging,” said Lara. “I am proud to be the first in my family to get an associate and college degree at 18 and be that role model for my younger sister.”
“I know she wants to enroll in the same academy and work alongside me in the future,” said Lara on her sister.
A member of STC’s Dual Enrollment Medical Science Academy (DEMSA), Lara earned college credit and two prominent scholarships with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
She was awarded the Luminary Scholarship for her academic success, leadership and community involvement that will cover her first four years of undergrad and medical studies. She also received the Presidential Scholarship for her high achievements in academics.
The DEMSA academy is designed to encourage area high school students into the health care profession by providing college coursework and health-related opportunities to educate and prepare students for higher education in the field.
“I love children and they are the future of tomorrow, and I want to continue serving my community and especially families who can’t afford a doctor. I want to be that positive change in the lives of others.”
From an early age, Lara recalls the love she had for helping others which influenced her decision to become a pediatrician.
“I love children and they are the future of tomorrow, and I want to continue serving my community and especially families who can’t afford a doctor. I want to be that positive change in the lives of others.”
Lara’s mom who has been cheering her daughter on and at times referred to as “Wonder Woman,” has served as an inspiration for her.
“She is the strongest person I have ever known. She makes sure everyone else is all right and sacrifices for her children,” said Lara. “I admire her strong will and her fierce devotion toward the people she cares about, and she’s been there since the day I was born cheering me on - she just loves unconditionally.”
Lara will walk the stage on Friday, May 6 and will be among the 3,100 graduates to receive degrees during South Texas College commencement ceremonies. Graduation will be comprised of five ceremonies taking place at the Bert Ogden Arena.
Lara plans to attend the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to pursue a Bachelor’s in Science and then hopefully to attend medical school.
Her younger sister hopes to work alongside her in the future as Valley pediatricians in their own clinic.
“Dream big and work hard. And as they say, if you truly love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. I am committed that as long as I do the work, everything else will fall into place,” she said.