STC became eye-opening experience for future business owner
Student of the Week: Wenndy Gutierrez
“I aspire to own a childcare business. I pursued this degree because it provided great lessons on how a business should be run. The different kinds of work environments you can come across opened my eyes to how I would like to manage my own business.”
Wenndy Gutierrez would not allow the COVID-19 pandemic to interfere with her goals. Thanks to the backing of and support services at South Texas College, she will be graduating in December of 2021 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership.
“I had great support from my classmates and professors who were always available any hour of the day,” Gutierrez said. “They go out of their way in helping you achieve your goals and guide you on your path to success.”
Born in McAllen and raised in Palmhurst, Gutierrez earned an Associate of Arts in Teaching-Secondary Education from STC before returning for bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership, which focuses on developing skills critical to team building, ethical decision making, enhanced communication, critical thinking, and working collaboratively with others.
Graduates have gone on to pursue careers in ranging from education and government work to nonprofits and business. The Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership falls under STC’s Bachelors of Applied Technology & Science programs. Its diverse range of coursework which allows students to get a broad feel for the business management environment.
The Applied Technology & Science programs, not to mention the affordable cost, are why Gutierrez opted to enroll at South Texas College.
“I aspire to own a childcare business,” said Gutierrez. “I pursued this degree because it provided great lessons on how a business should be run. The different kinds of work environments you can come across opened my eyes to how I would like to manage my own business.”
Last year’s transition to online courses made things more challenging – until STC stepped in to help. “I was born into a Hispanic family of six kids,” Gutierrez said. “I didn’t have a quiet place to study or do homework since we weren’t allowed on school premises. STC responded by allowing by appointments in the study room, which helped during finals.”
Gutierrez took part in a work-study program with STC Student Activities and intends to enroll in a master’s in applied science after she graduates. She is grateful for the support that STC has been able to provide for her to achieve her goals.
“The thing that stands out to be about STC is the welcoming environment that it provides to the students,” Gutierrez said. “They made me feel at home and I wasn’t by myself on my journey in getting my degree.”