Persistence translates to success
Student of the Week: Olga Quintero
Persistence translates to success, according to Olga Quintero who overcame language barriers and juggled a family while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Technology Management from South Texas College.
Originally arriving from Monterrey, Mexico in 2011, Olga said she faced an intimidating language barrier, and hesitated to advance her education before being convinced by friends to join them at STC.
The first day, she admits, was scary, but surrounded by the support of STC’s established international community, she knew she had found a school that spoke her language.
“Speaking and writing in English have been a challenge for me,” Olga said. “Besides, I [had] stopped studying a long time ago, so I had some difficulties when I decided to start my associate, but I do my best every day.”
Olga achieved a 4.0 cumulative GPA in South Texas College’s Technology Management bachelor’s program, her second STC degree, and while she has maintained her grace and humility in overcoming her second-language struggles, she confesses that her tribulations – in class and at home – fueled her confidence.
Olga said completing college is about more than just proving herself and uplifting her family. With the language barrier successfully shattered, Olga said she plans to launch a career in her chosen field.
“Speaking and writing in English have been a challenge for me. Besides, I [had] stopped studying a long time ago, so I had some difficulties when I decided to start my associate, but I do my best every day.”
“In a competitive world society, women should increase their knowledge to gain equality in the labor market,” Olga said. “I want to have a career in this field [and] I am sure that this program will provide me with the tools and skills required to do it.”
Technology Management is part of a surging sector in South Texas that includes management analysts, risk management specialists and logistics professionals.
STC’s bachelor’s degree program brings the fundamentals of managing a business together with high-tech strategies to prepare grads for in-demand careers paying $75,000 and more. It’s a field with a future – and an ideal application for a managing mom’s versatile skill set.
“I am interested in the role that managers have in organizations and communities,” Olga said. “Obtaining a degree in technology management will enable me to look for a position in a large corporation and make a difference.”