Monday, May 7, 2012

Starr County Students Inspired by Local Role Models




Students at South Texas College’s Starr County Campus were excited to hear about the personal experiences of some local role models during two events this spring.

The campus Psychology Club presented “Get Inspired: Starr County Role Models,” which was a roundtable discussion featuring Roma ISD Superintendent Jesus O. Guerra Jr., STC Adjunct Psychology Instructor Alexandro Sarabia, City of Roma Councilman Jaime Escobar Jr. and Rio Grande City Mayor Ruben O. Villarreal. The four discussed their accomplishments in life and how they overcame obstacles to succeed.

“There is no such thing as perfect. Once you accept the status quo, you have already failed,” explained Mayor Villarreal. “There is always a better way to do something. That’s why I love my job so much, there is always a way to give people better service and more service. There is always a new challenge and the reward of helping the people I serve. Always remember that and it will keep you grounded to your mission in the future.”

At the “Career Inspirations Seminar: Criminal Justice” event, which was sponsored by STC Student Activities, College Success and Developmental Reading departments, students heard from professionals in the field including 229th Judicial District Judge Ana Lisa Garza, Starr County Assistant District Attorney Melisandra Mendoza, STC Criminal Justice Instructor James Blair and Attorney Omar Escobar Jr. The four discussed their career pathways and how life experiences motivated them to pursue higher education and work in different paths in the criminal justice field.

“At an early age I knew I wanted to be a lawyer. I set my mind to my goal and I worked hard and stay focused,” expressed Judge Garza. “When I was young, up until college, I lived in a trailer with my family of seven members and we didn’t have much money; and if any of you don’t have a lot of money that is not an excuse. It wasn’t an excuse for me. I had two great parents that pushed me all my life. My family always said I didn’t have a choice; that I was going to college. That support and focus are so key. You are very lucky to be in this position and have this opportunity to go to college right in your backyard so take advantage of it.”

Photo caption 1:
At the STC “Get Inspired: Starr County Role Models” event from left are STC Campus Coordinator Ruben Saenz, STC Board of Trustees Vice Chair Rose Benavidez, Rio Grande City Mayor Ruben O. Villarreal, STC Adjunct Psychology Instructor Alexandro Sarabia, City of Roma Councilman Jaime Escobar Jr., Roma ISD Superintendent Jesus O. Guerra Jr. and STC Psychology Instructor Eli Sarabia.

Photo caption 2:
At the STC “Career Inspirations Seminar: Criminal Justice” event are STC student and event organizer Joel Correa, 229th Judicial District Judge Ana Lisa Garza, Starr County Assistant District Attorney Melisandra Mendoza, STC Criminal Justice Instructor James Blair, Attorney Omar Escobar Jr. and STC Campus Coordinator Ruben Saenz.

No comments:

Post a Comment