Kayla says she initially attended STC while still in high school as a student with the Dual Enrollment Medical Science Academy (DEMSA) in 2013. She graduated with her associate degree in Biology while still in high school, and then travelled to Texas A&M Kingsville where she completed a bachelor degree in Biomedical Sciences.

While at Kingsville, Kayla says she received her EMT Basic Certification and began working as an EMT when she returned to the Valley in 2019.

Now opting to take the next step into a career as a Physician’s Assistant, Kayla says entering PA school requires initial prerequisites be taken within five years, or she has to retake the class.

“It has been almost seven years since I last took those classes during my junior year in high school so I have been having to take my Biology courses along with courses in Chemistry,” Kayla said. “It has been awesome to see how STC has grown since I was last here.

“This is a great place to get an education, no matter where you go, STC has been amazing to me,” she said.

DEMSA is designed to encourage area high school students like Kayla into the health care professions by providing college course-work and health related opportunities that will motivate, educate, and prepare students for higher education in the field of medicine.

With the support of the local health providers, DEMSA promotes and participates in efforts that will reinforce the schools' and communities' commitment to prepare students for careers in health care.

Kayla says she is currently employed at McAllen Heart Hospital as a Patient Care Technician. Looking forward to entering PA school likely by fall 2021, Kayla says she is eyeing the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley after completing the necessary requisites at STC.

“STC has benefitted me in many ways,” she said. “It helped me so much even as a dual enrollment student, and now even after receiving my bachelor degree the college is still helping me.”

By the time he walked across the stage to accept his diploma, the former student from the Science Academy of South Texas in Mercedes had already graduated college — earning an associate degree in computer science through a dual enrollment program at South Texas College.

“I wish more people would give credit to a 2-year degree. I think a place like South Texas College is a great environment for being able to pursue that,” says Plummer, who has gone on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas-San Antonio just two years after his graduation from STC.

Plummer’s passion for programming started early, and he’s been ahead of the game ever since. As a 10-year-old, he discovered an online game creation platform called Roblox, where his creativity and tech-savviness quickly found a constructive outlet. Soon, he was building levels, contributing code to group projects, and even designing his own video games.

“I’ve been programming for about a decade now — I’m 20,” says Plummer. “I’m really enjoying this area, I don’t feel limited.”

As a South Texas College student, Plummer’s professional interests have shifted from virtual game worlds to an expanding universe of opportunity in cybersecurity. The college’s program recently received prestigious designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Security Two-Year Education (CAE2Y), and Plummer’s professors often talk of world-changing opportunities in the field.

“There’s a lot of demand for it,” says Nicolas Hinojosa, an instructor in the Computer Science department. “Many organizations use information technology in everyday operations.”

“A job in this field is always going to be out there,” agrees STC Cybersecurity instructor Nicolas Gutierrez.

Information security analysts earn an average of $100,490 in Texas, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while high-paying positions for security engineers, risk managers, and other related occupations continue to expand. Plummer’s goal is to become a “pen tester” — short for “penetration tester” — a sort of “white-hat” hacker paid to expose vulnerabilities within public and private security systems.

“There’s a whole unrealized front of digital warfare,” he says. “Part of the US power grid has been hacked before … a lot of places are less secure than they seem.”

In an increasingly digital world, cybersecurity experts are the first — and often only — line of defense against cybercriminals: thieves, spies, and sometimes worse. While most web users understand the importance of keeping their passwords safe and secure, Plummer says that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

“What they really misunderstand is how much it matters,” Plummer warns. “You realize how much data is actually on your phone.

“Cybersecurity is not just making sure your bank account is secure. It's making sure your life is secure.”

With its workforce-driven programs, South Texas College has adapted to a critical shortage of IT professionals in the region, particularly in the rapidly expanding field of cybersecurity. In March, STC will host its ninth annual Information Technology Expo that seeks to educate people on the “revolutionary” IT pathways available through the department.

For a prodigious student like Plummer, a computer career seems to have always been in the cards. But according to one South Texas College instructor, it’s not always a “head-start” mentality that characterizes students in his dual enrollment classes.

“Usually it’s procrastinators,” admits Gutierrez. “The majority enjoy video games.”

In fact, according to Gutierrez, video games are a common gateway to information science careers. And with virtually all computer-related careers growing at a faster-than-average rate, he expects this pathway to pay off.

“Someone like Thomas [has a] lot of potential, in a field where we really need people with potential to go all the way,” says Gutierrez, who identified Plummer early on as a future game-changer in the field. “It feels good knowing that you observe them doing their best, and you know they're going to make it big.”

Plummer credits South Texas College for providing a hands-on, career-focused foundation that he says not only prepares students for the nationally ranked cybersecurity program at UTSA, but in some ways outclasses it.

“I really love STC,” he says. “I feel they really care about their students there. Dr. Reed is the kind of person who could be running late to a meeting, see a student lost, and stop to help.”

“That reflects the entire college.”

Between the fundamental skills he picked up at STC and the business-administration-focused education he received at UTSA, Plummer’s future as a cybersecurity professional is bright. But for now, he feels he’s earned a little break. For a few months, at last, his life will not be pre-programmed.

“My next plan is to take a few months off,” says Plummer. “I went through school a lot faster than usual so I’m tired.”

Metaphorically, in the sense that he can reflect on the challenges and choices that got him here, and literally, because he can actually see his high school from where he stands.

A first-generation student with the determination to design his own road to success, Francisco Cantu now oversees a massive local expressway project, as a transportation engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation. He has come a long way since his days at La Joya High School, where he first developed a passion for engineering while taking dual credit classes through South Texas College.

“The Dual Enrollment program gave me the rocket fuel to continue setting goals,” says Cantu, who earned his Associate degree in engineering from STC in 2011—weeks before his high school graduation.

Cantu took the Engineering Academy Pathway at South Texas College, one of four Dual Enrollment routes available to high school students to earn college credit, and one of the most challenging. He applied during his sophomore year and was chosen to join the highly selective program for his junior and senior years.

After going to class each morning at La Joya High School, Cantu would receive transportation to STC’s campus for free afternoon classes taught by college professors. The best part? Tuition and textbooks were also free.

”I was able to get credit for both high school and college, totaling almost 90 college hours,” says Cantu, who touts the accessibility of the program. “I’m a first-generation student, so that’s a big chunk of money I saved! It was a big help.”

Cantu ignited his passion for engineering and drafting at STC, where he gained a solid background in 2D modeling. His stellar work led to a conditional grant from TXDOT— a scholarship that paid for a major portion of Cantu’s Bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas Pan-American and promised two years of employment when he finished.

While earning his Bachelor’s degree, Cantu dove into learning about cutting-edge 3D modeling. By the time he started with TXDOT, he was qualified to assist with the company’s transition from 2D to 3D roadway design.

“I became like a statewide leader in the implementation of 3D-design,” Cantu remembers.

According to Cantu, it was South Texas College that inspired him to connect his drafting and engineering interests. To be a good engineer, you also have to be a good drafter in order to effectively communicate to others the product you want to produce, he explains. His comprehensive training at STC helped him to later excel in 3D modeling and become a leader in his company.

“I started creating very complex models that included the roadways and bridges of very important projects in Starr County,” says Cantu. “Then, I used visualization tools to make project presentations so people could see how everything ties together.”

It was his ability to make these innovative connections that launched him into more significant projects and positions at his job. Now, Cantu works as a construction project manager for TXDOT, overseeing inspectors, contractors, and other groups who work on construction projects.

He continues to credit the soft skills he learned at STC for his leadership ability. When Cantu started taking dual enrollment classes at STC, he received tutoring support in various subjects. Eventually, he became a math & science tutor himself. Not only was Cantu able to give back to his peers, but he also learned valuable leadership and people skills.

“From being a tutor at STC, I’ve learned how to guide people and how to be patient,” Cantu recalls. “Now, where I work, I’m able to use these qualities in working with different personalities and departments.”

Looking back, Cantu is grateful to South Texas College for opening so many doors.

“Without the dual enrollment program, I would have had to start from scratch at the university,” he says. “Maybe I would have been up to the challenges, but it would have taken longer for me to finish.”

Cantu is especially appreciative of the small class sizes at STC that helped him receive individualized support and guidance. He also found that the excellent instructors at STC were able to explain the challenging course material clearly: “The professors were always willing to talk to us. I would ask a lot of questions, and that’s what helped me learn.”

In particular, Cantu was inspired by his math instructor Todd Steckler, who teaches at both La Joya High School and STC. Steckler helped him succeed in math courses, which were critical for his engineering degree. Though the courses were challenging, Steckler’s support would make all the difference.

“He was one of the teachers to encourage me to apply to the program in the first place,” says Cantu. “He was a tough teacher, but he was also like: ‘Hey, you’ve got to just go for it.’”

Steckler also made Cantu feel welcomed at the College.

“I would see him on campus, and I felt at home, like I was back in high school. That helped out a lot.”

It goes without saying that Steckler is proud of his former student. And it comes as little surprise to him that Cantu has continued to excel since taking his calculus courses. According to Steckler, Cantu has always been driven to give his best.

“Getting a positive start on his college experience while in high school allowed him to visualize future success coming his way,” says Steckler. “He is the one who set his life road map and followed it.”

Steckler adds that Dual Enrollment not only levels the playing field for students who do not have educational opportunities, but also gives these students advantages.

Cantu agrees, noting that he had a competitive edge when he applied for the grant because he was already about to earn an Associate degree in engineering from South Texas College.

The TXDOT grant guarantees students two years of employment, after which recipients can decide whether they want to stay with the company. For Cantu, nothing could pull him away from his dream job.

“I’ve stayed for more than five years with TXDOT already,” says Cantu, who aims to one day become a director for the department, so he can use everything he’s learning to give back to the region in even greater ways. “Thankfully I’ve been progressing in the agency and achieving all my goals inside of it.”

When Cantu was young, he would hear about the expressway project near his hometown, which has been “on the radar” for more than 15 years. But he never thought he would be the one overseeing the construction of the project and building a loop around his old high school.

“Every day we see how our innovative programs impact the growth our college going culture, but there is no better metric than the transformation that these opportunities bring to an individual, their family and our region,” says Rose Benavidez, Vice Chair of the South Texas College Board of Trustees. “We congratulate Mr. Cantu for his dedication and commitment to his professional advancement and for choosing to share his talent with our Starr County community.”

Cantu himself is still wrapping his head around what he has accomplished thanks to his strong work ethic and the guidance of STC.

“Sometimes, when they are pouring concrete for the bridges over La Joya Lake in the early morning when the sun is coming out, from far away, I see the stadium and the high school. It’s like a dream come true,” Cantu reflects.

Samuel says he looks back on a college career built on hard work but impacted by tragedy as he sought to compete among his peers.

Shortly before starting his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas in Austin, Samuel said he endured a hard time when his father passed away. His family, which included his mother Irma and his brother Ricco, were left picking up the pieces and trying to formulate the best plan for college.

Entering South Texas College was the answer, he said. A former dual enrollment student, Samuel says STC enabled him to get ahead of the curve and adjust to college work while still being in a small classroom setting.

Years later and now a best-selling author, political columnist, and soon-to-be graduate from Harvard Law, Samuel credits STC with laying the foundation for his success.

Taking courses as a dual enrollment student saved him thousands. A summer semester's worth of tuition and textbook costs, which were usually included in high school classes for about four or five classes at the time ran anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000, he said.

“Right before I went to undergrad my father passed away and we were pretty short on money,” he said. “Had I not been enrolled as a dual student I would have likely had to take a number of summer classes at UT my sophomore or junior year, which would have probably ran me thousands of dollars alone.”

Dual Credit Programs at South Texas College collaborate with 23 school districts and 78 high schools across the Valley, and are supported by more than 200 college faculty and over 300 dual credit faculty across Hidalgo and Starr Counties. To date, Dual Credit Programs at STC have served over 106,300 dual credit students like Samuel and awarded over 9,800 certificate and/or associate degrees.

“There are actually things that happen strategically when you take classes at STC,” he said. “I could go into things I thought were interesting, and it allowed me to explore my future career as a lawyer. These were all luxuries that were afforded to me because I took classes at STC.”

A native of the Rio Grande Valley, Samuel attended STC from 2011 to 2012 as a dual enrollment student and took summer classes before he attended UT. Within one year at UT, Sammy said he entered the university’s Business Honors Program and then graduated from UT’s McCombs Business School before entering Harvard.

It was at Harvard that Samuel said he found the urge to write as a way to supplement his education there.

He penned a book with his brother Ricco “How a Goat Was Elected Mayor and the Political Spring That Followed” that eventually debuted as a #1 bestseller on Amazon in both the Local U.S. Politics and Communication Policy categories and claimed the #1 New Release spot in Local U.S. Politics.

Samuel says the desire to write came from a deep need to express himself while developing his expertise in law school. Despite not coming from a writing background, Samuel says his inspiration amounted to simply finding interesting things and putting them down on paper.

“The reason I started though is because I finally felt like I was writing about something that was worth reading,” he said. “The first book was kind of figuring out ways to fight rural poverty in the Rio Grande Valley and that’s something I cared about. Caring about something is often enough to write something down.

“I have the luxury to write about things I care about so I write about immigration and fighting poverty in the Valley,” he said. “Education is great and you learn about a lot of things but it doesn’t always fit in neatly with what you are interested in as a person so I have been using the writing I have done on the side to supplement my own education and learn more than I ever thought I could at school.”

While attending Harvard, Samuel has written pieces on immigration for the New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, Austin American Statesman, the Texas Tribune, and Forbes.

His work and involvement on campus earned the admiration of his peers who selected him as Class Marshal, which will enable him to speak at his graduation ceremony representing his entire law school class in May 2019.

Class Marshals represent their class at the Harvard Law School Class Day and University Commencement. They are also responsible for organizing social and graduation related events throughout the year, including Class Day and Barristers’ Ball. Harvard Law School Class Marshals are selected by a vote of their class.

Samuel said his selection as Marshal has enabled him to begin informing people about the Valley and its culture.

“It is such a great honor to be selected,” he said. “I feel like there is a duty to do the things I am doing, and write about the Valley in a way that shows the truth about the region,” he said. “Most people come from areas they might not have to defend, New York for example, but since I come from the border they think I come from an episode of Narcos, which is not true.”

Upon graduation, Samuel says he has already taken a job with Debevoise and Plimpton LLP, an international law firm based in New York ranked as one of the most prestigious in the world.

“I am well aware that I had to compete with these kids who were coming from Houston or Dallas and these massively souped-up high schools, and the whole time they are getting ready for college,” Samuel said. “But by taking dual enrollment from STC, I was able to get ahead of the curve and adjust to college work while still being in small classroom setting.”

DEMSA is a two year-round dual enrollment program developed for high school juniors and seniors who are seriously interested in pursuing a career in health care.

The program is designed to encourage area high school students into the health care professions by providing college course-work and health related opportunities that will motivate, educate, and prepare students for higher education in the field of medicine.

After South Texas College, Lopez went on to attend Texas A & M University where he majored in biomedical science and attended medical school at the University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio.

Lopez also went on to attend the Christus Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency program and is currently a Post-Doctoral Fellow with the National Clinician Scholars Program at Yale University.

Lopez says South Texas College set him on the right path to becoming a doctor.

“STC provided a sturdy academic foundation for which to build invaluable knowledge and skills. The DEMSA program helped expose me to experiences in healthcare that proved valuable in the infancy of my academic career,” said Lopez.

“The College challenged me to strive for a standard of academic excellence, and helped me develop a robust, and regimented approach to learning.”