Immersed in the college experience

Encouraged to succeed by faculty and staff, Jose A. Rios III is energized by the atmosphere at South Texas College, which is dedicated to always putting students first, he said.

Jose said he entered STC in high school as a dual credit student in the summer of 2018, and then continued at the college when he graduated in summer 2019. He is currently working for his Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Computer Information Technology (CIT).

“As I entered in my first class here as a dual credit student I knew STC was the perfect place for me,” he said. “I knew this because of the atmosphere that the college has towards its students, and most importantly how the faculty and staff always put the students first before anything else.

“I personally felt welcomed into this college due to all benefits the college offers, and most importantly how the faculty and staff treat all of the students regarding the overall college experience,” he said.

A BAT degree in Computer and Information Technologies (CIT) prepares students for a career with small or large businesses of all kinds, government agencies, school districts and colleges, hospitals and health care agencies or anywhere there is a need for computer-based information systems.

Technology-oriented coursework is a core requirement for the program, with an emphasis on the application and implementation of current technologies. Students graduating from the program will be prepared to enter the private sector as well as continue their education in a graduate program.

After graduating with his bachelor degree, Jose plans to apply for the Texas State Trooper Academy, fulfilling a dream he has always had to enter law enforcement, he said.

“I personally, have great support from family, friends, staff, and faculty members who I know want the best possible outcome for me,” Jose said. “My message to other students about being successful in college is to not give up, no matter what challenges they might encounter.

“I think success in college does have its challenges, but if the student has their mind set in prosperity then they have already succeeded,” he said. “Challenges in my opinion are meant to be conquered, but it's up to the individual to have a mindset to never ever give up, of course having the support of others only ensures success.”