The work you put in, is the success you see
Student of the Week: Elitza Gomez
"It’s never too late to start your education, we are on our time. The work you put in is the success you will see, and always remember to be kind to yourself.”
Elitza Gomez is a determined 28-year-old student at South Texas College. She is on a mission to break stereotypes and to show everyone that it’s never too late to go back to school.
Before being a student at STC, Gomez's educational journey began at Harvest Christian Academy in Edinburg. After graduation, she attended Texas Bible Institute, earning her diploma in 2013. Unsure of her path, she explored her options and found her way back to Harvest Christian Academy as a substitute teacher.
“After speaking with advising I decided I want to graduate with my associate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, and from there if I choose to transfer, I am thinking about studying exercise science and pursuing physical therapy,” said Gomez.
Gomez's passion for physical therapy shines through, she said she finds it incredibly rewarding. It was as a substitute teacher in her former high school, where she first became a source of support for students as they would come to her as a confidant. This was the beginning of a journey where her goals started to align.
She has embraced her new chapter at STC by also becoming involved in student activities. At 28, navigating campus life felt overwhelming. However, everything changed when she crossed paths with Luis M. Banda, a coordinator at South Texas College for Student Activities and Wellness.
“They were having an event outside at STC’s Pecan campus. I was leaving, but I heard music, so I got curious. I saw they had intramural sports and I got recruited right away; now I am playing flag football,” she said.
Gomez's involvement in student activities led to a unique opportunity, in which she also participated in one of the focus groups responsible for choosing the new STC logo. Through this experience, she wants to invite more students to join in on all the opportunities that come with joining student activities.
“Students got to discuss the logo ideas they presented to us, and we all decided the logo chosen was the best fi. It describes the change we need - bold and new,” she said.
She credits STC for positively changing her life. Advocating for anyone considering returning to school, her message is clear,“It’s never too late to start your education, we are on our time. The work you put in is the success you will see, and always remember to be kind to yourself.”