Alumni stories prove that an STC degree can turn you into a leader. Their tales of success are massively motivational; you can listen to a few of them on STC’s My South Texas College Experience YouTube playlist. Or just keep reading! Elvira Alonzo returned to college after being a full-time employee and mom. In 2008 she was able to earn her bachelor’s degree in technology management. She’s the Deputy Director of Public Works for the city of McAllen, Texas, and oversees the work of hundreds of government employees. In 2015, the American Public Works Association recognized Alonzo’s service to McAllen and excellent management skills with a special honor: the Professional Manager of the Year in Administrative Management award. Alum Juan Castillo is also doing great things. Castillo started working as a delivery merchandiser for Coca-Cola after seven years serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He wanted to move into a management role, but he was advised to seek out higher education to get there. Through STC he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Castillo became Co-General Manager for the Texas chain store Buc-ee’s LTD. Alex Sarabia, a 2007 graduate, used his psychology associate’s degree as the foundation for becoming a licensed professional counselor. He also returned to STC to teach. So, if you decide to enroll, you might have Sarabia for a course like General Psychology. Remember to tap into alumni advice as a student; they serve as great resources as you plan your own path to leadership.

Geographically you won’t find many colleges in the United States that are as far south as South Texas College. Each of the five campuses has its fair share of towering palm trees and modern air-conditioned buildings—a must, since the temperature is almost always above 70 degrees. You can study at one or more of STC’s five campuses, all of which lie in cities near the Mexico border. If technology is your thing then you’ll probably study at the Technology Campus. Technology students have access to cutting-edge resources like the automation lab, where they can learn to operate a robotic arm. Or, if you’re more interested in hands-on art projects, you’re in luck. In March 2016 the Pecan Campus celebrated the grand opening of the Ceramic Kiln Building. In the spirit of Texas heat, you can fire your latest ceramic sculpture using electric and gas kilns. Pecan Campus also offers remodeled studio and gallery spaces where you can work on and show off your creations. On top of top-notch facilities, STC boasts three health and wellness centers, seven libraries, and around 75 student clubs across all campuses. That all adds up to one vibrant living and learning community where you can jump start your career.

You don’t have to live in southern Texas to have the South Texas experience. STC Online offers a little bit of everything completely online. This includes associate’s, bachelor’s, and certificate programs. Those who are considering getting an online associate’s degree have the most options. The list includes education, accounting, computer science, criminal justice, business administration, political science, and psychology. When you are finished, you can continue studying through STC Online at the bachelor’s level. What’s great about STC’s four online bachelor’s degree options is that they cover multiple industries. If you want to get into business, consider organizational leadership. Interested in healthcare? Look into the medical and healthcare management program. For the tech lovers out there, STC offers online bachelor’s programs in technology management and computer and information technologies. But the computer application specialist certificate can give you the knowledge to land an entry-level technology job sooner. You can apply your credits toward a degree when you are ready. At STC you can make the college experience fit your timeframe, not the other way around.

Craving action and competition? Unleash your inner Jaguar. STC offers several intramural sports; check out their IMLeague page for the most up-to-date list. In spring 2016 students played basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, Frisbee golf, ultimate Frisbee, flag football, ping-pong, and dodgeball. You’ll find athletic fields and facilities at the Pecan, Mid-Valley, and Starr County campuses. If your team is good, you may get to compete in regional championships at other colleges like Texas A&M. Members of student clubs exercise their own form of friendly competition: the Club Olympics event. It’s where you’ll find Biology Club, Sociology Club, and HVAC Club going head-to-head in battles of strength rather than smarts (except, of course, during trivia bouts). Speaking of clubs, there are also a few fitness-related clubs students can join. Have you ever heard of Laughter Yoga? You have now, and you can try it at STC. If you don’t see any options you like, you could find an advisor, enlist some friends, and create your own.

Look at the program list and you’ll quickly see STC provides technical education programs such as welding, engineering, and manufacturing. STC is home to the Institute of Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) and the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative (NAAMREI). IAM/NAAMREI offers technical training and continuing education courses for employees at regional manufacturing-related companies. In fact, Coca-Cola and Motorola have both partnered with STC to deliver training in the past. So if you land a job with employers like these after graduation, you may get to return to STC to keep learning. But STC offers non-technical programs, too. You can choose from drama, music, nursing, biology, business, paralegal, and dozens of other options. Plus, current students in any major on all five campuses can learn to be leaders. As a member of the Student Leadership Academy you’ll have access to interactive trainings, mentors, and service projects. At the kickoff event students network with Academy advisors and reps from local volunteer organizations. Throughout the semester they attend workshops on topics like conflict management, team communication, and servant leadership. Students graduate from the program sporting a leadership certificate and a snazzy monogrammed polo shirt. So you’ll refine your wardrobe, resume, and CEO potential all at once. If you’ve got the drive to thrive, STC will give you plenty of ways to do it.