STC was the obvious choice for world traveler, Arlette Gomez
Student of the Week: Arlette Gomez
Recently returned from China and eager to bring her talents to other students around the world, Arlette Gomez says South Texas College is assisting her in reaching the next stage of her career.
A native of McAllen, and graduate of Nicki Rowe High School, Arlette says she grew up a few blocks away from STC’s Pecan Campus, and has always been around the college one way or another.
She said she developed a love for travel when she first became a study abroad student in high school in Sydney, Australia. Years later, Arlette says she opted to begin teaching independently in various countries, often putting in her own money for travel expenses and housing.
“I fell in love with traveling because I was able to experience things that are completely unique and astounding. There are things you can’t even wrap your mind around,” Arlette said. “I started in Spain, which I did for two years, then went to Korea and two years in China. I just returned from China last summer.”
Now after visiting more than 30 countries as an educator, Arlette says she has returned to STC as a non-traditional student taking the pre-requisite classes required to pursue a masters degree in speech pathology.
“Along the way, I have discovered I want to transition to a different field in speech pathology while continuing to work with children, which I love to do,” she said. “However I have discovered that I am missing a couple of pre-requisite courses for that field, which includes four basics courses that I am missing.
“STC was the obvious choice to take these courses not just because of the location, but it’s also inexpensive and way more accessible than most universities,” she said. “The courses here are accepted all across the country so at the moment I am looking to apply to schools like Columbia University or Vanderbilt, and these courses transfer just as well.”
“STC was the obvious choice to take these courses not just because of the location, but it’s also inexpensive and way more accessible than most universities.The courses here are accepted all across the country so at the moment I am looking to apply to schools like Columbia University or Vanderbilt, and these courses transfer just as well.”
Top three accomplishments:
“I am so thankful to have educated students in more than 30 countries.”
“I am also the first in my immediate family to receive a college degree.”
“In May I also established a little foundation called ITeachAbroad, and I gave a scholarship to a student at Achieve Early College High School. It’s made for students who are seeking to teach abroad and how to do it.”
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