STC honors 92 Vocational Nursing graduates

For soon-to-be Licensed Vocational Nurse Coral Garza, standing among 92 of South Texas College’s newest graduates once seemed like an improbable dream. Yet, in just one year, she turned her life around and managed to make a meaningful impact on both her peers and her community.

“Graduating today feels surreal and deeply emotional,” the 21-year-old said. “Last year, I was depressed and uncertain, doubting whether nursing was truly my calling. Now, I’m graduating and preparing to test for my license.”

As the daughter of immigrants, Garza always excelled academically, fueled by her parents’ courageous journey from Mexico to the United States, driven by the hope of better opportunities for their family.

She earned an associate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies through STC’s dual credit program and graduated from Mission Collegiate High School as the sixth in her class.

However, she encountered her first major obstacle when her path through STC’s Associate Degree in Nursing program was unexpectedly interrupted.

“I wasn’t fully prepared for the demands of nursing school, and I struggled during that first semester,” she said. “I began to doubt myself, even though nursing was my one true passion. But I pulled myself together, did my research, and found a second chance in STC’s Vocational Nursing program.”

Over the past 11 months, she not only immersed herself in learning to overcome her doubts, but she was also actively involved in STC’s Student Leadership and Student Government Associations and served as President of the Student Nurse Association.

“STC instructors encourage us to get involved and support one another, which has been incredibly helpful,” she said. “Now, I’m more than ready to return to the Associate Degree in Nursing program and graduate in December 2025.”

Also aspiring to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) at STC, Garza is grateful for the strong foundation she’s received and the range of opportunities that will help her achieve her dream.

Recently, she and her fellow graduates, were celebrated at a pinning ceremony, which marks a rite of passage and the shift from classroom learning to real-world practice. It is a powerful symbol of their hard-earned achievements.

“The fact that you are here symbolizes much more than the pursuit of a career; it represents a selfless dedication to healing, a profound empathy for the human condition, and a steadfast commitment to improving our community,” said Regional Health Care Liaison Jayson Valerio, DNP, during the ceremony. “You will be the backbone of our health care system, the healers, the listeners, the teachers and most importantly, the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Remember, you are the heartbeat of health care, and the world needs you now more than ever.”

Similarly, graduate Giselle Lopez shared her enthusiasm for the range of opportunities available to kickstart a career in nursing.

Inspired by her mother’s passion to care for others, she enrolled at STC’s Patient Care Technician program where she found out that nursing was her passion.

“After high school, I worked as a telehealth clerk and took some health care-related classes because I knew it was my calling, but it took me a while to take the next step toward nursing,” she said. “The Patient Care Technician program helped me realize this, and now here I am, about to become a licensed vocational nurse.”

Ready to dedicate her life to help others, Lopez is eager to continue her journey toward becoming a registered nurse and to earn her bachelor degree as well.

“It’s amazing to think that in just 11 months I’ve advanced so much,” she said. “It’s been such an incredibly fulfilling experience. Every day, I would come home with a new skill or having helped a patient. It feels incredible. This is a wonderful career, and I’m excited to keep moving forward.”

For more information on STC’s Vocational Nursing or other Nursing and Allied Health programs, visit nah.southtexascollege.edu or call 956-872-3100.