You Can Achieve Great Things in Life
Student of the Week: Johana Salinas
“My motivation is my family, to teach them that it's never too late to accomplish a dream. To show them that the path might not be easy but to never give up. That it takes dedication, effort and sacrifice to achieve great things in life.”
Johana Salinas is living proof you can always go back to school and earn a college degree.
Nearly 15 years after she put her plans to enroll in college on hold after having the first of her three children, Salinas – now 34 – is thriving at South Texas College, thanks to the support of her professors and her family.
“It was a difficult adjustment, but in time you get accustomed to it,” said Salinas, who often finds herself studying well after midnight long after the family has gone to bed. “There were times when it was difficult, but my professor told me, ‘I believe in you, Johana. You’re going to do it.’ When you have that kind of support, it means a lot.’”
That professor, Joel Rodriguez, is one of her biggest fans, calling Salinas a model student whose exemplary work has led to a 4.0 GPA.
“During the pandemic, Johana not only had to learn how to take college level courses online after leaving college 15 years ago, but she also had to help her children learn online as well,” the history professor said. “She is a great example that you can always come back and accomplish a life dream of finishing school.”
A resident of Pharr, Salinas said she had always wanted to earn a college degree, and after her youngest, now 5, enrolled in preschool, it was time for her to pursue her goal. Her plans include earning an associate degree in engineering from South Texas College, transferring to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, then launching a career with Space X in nearby McAllen.
The support system she has in place has been critical.
“My motivation is my family, to teach them that it's never too late to accomplish a dream. To show them that the path might not be easy but to never give up. That it takes dedication, effort and sacrifice to achieve great things in life.”
Her advice to anyone considering becoming a returning student? Do it.
“The instructors here are amazing. They care about you, they’re available for any questions you may have. It’s a very good college. I’m glad I came here.”