On track for success in education
Student of the Week: Ana Maria Medrano Garcia
Everyone at STC is willing to help, no matter what. It has helped me so much.
Ana Maria Medrano Garcia is on the path to earning her associate degree in Education at South Texas College, with aspirations of one day becoming an elementary school teacher.
Her passion for teaching began in her own elementary school years, inspired by her second-grade teacher, whom she refers to as Mr. Jacobs. His dedication to his students, both in and out of the classroom, left a lasting impact on her.
“He helped me reach ‘Level Z’ in reading in second grade, a distinguished level for a child my age,” she said.“Apart from being a great teacher, he also attended his students’ after-school activities. He even came to support me at two of my soccer games. One day, I hope to make an impact in someone’s life the way he did in mine.”
With a strong support system and a clear goal, Garcia is set to graduate next spring. She has already registered for next semester and will be taking five classes, to get ahead.
A significant driving force behind her motivation is her daughter, Audelia Esperanza Medrano.
“I see her and I want to keep furthering my education to be able to provide a great future for her,” she said. “My supportive parents help by watching Audelia so I can come to school, and my two younger siblings also inspire me every day.”
Garcia has found a strong community at STC, where she appreciates the welcoming and helpful environment.
“Everyone here is willing to help, no matter what,” she said. “It has helped me so much.”
She said choosing STC was a natural decision, allowing her to stay close to home and attend morning classes while still having time to be with her baby.
Her dream job is to become an elementary school teacher, and she is already preparing to get involved on campus by joining STC’s intramural soccer team at the college’s Pecan campus this month.
“Sometimes it seems difficult with all the work we have, and some might feel like giving up,” she said. “But I truly believe that God has a plan for everyone. Through Him and with Him, we will soon be rewarded for all our hard work.”
For more information on STC’s Education program, visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/education/.