A staff member’s commitment to guiding students to the right direction

For nearly a decade, Walaa Shaath, Transfer and Educational Advancement Center coordinator at South Texas College, has walked a path that many students can relate to – one of self-discovery and career exploration.

From her early roles as an administrative assistant and event coordinator to even pursuing a medical management degree, Shaath has explored various potential futures for herself, experiences that have given her a unique perspective and now fuel her passion for helping guide students to success as they carefully choose their path.

“I came to realize that STC and student support is where I truly belong. In the past, I’ve always worked behind the scenes in clerical, administrative or technical roles, but now I have the opportunity to give back directly to students when they come to my office seeking guidance on transferring to a university,” she explained. “Most of the students are in the same situation I was in; they don’t know what they want to do or what they want to be. I can relate to that, so I encourage them to think about their future goals. And if they don’t know yet, that’s okay. They can take the time to explore.”

Shaath, 28, was born in Corpus Christi and raised with her four siblings in the Rio Grande Valley by parents who strongly emphasized the importance of earning a degree.

“My parents are from the Middle East, and my father came to the United States with one goal: To pursue his education. He was the first in his family to ever seek a degree,” she explained. “That’s why he always made it clear to me and my siblings that the one thing he wanted most for us was to earn a degree.”

Shaath’s journey at STC began in 2015 when she worked as a work study secretary for the Math, Science, Information Technology and Bachelor’s Program Division while earning her associate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.

This opportunity opened the door to further positions, allowing her to expand her role at the college, including working as a secretary for a temporary grant-related position.

“At a time when I was uncertain about my future, I embraced every opportunity that came my way,” she said. “In my culture, a career in the medical field is highly encouraged, so I decided to enroll in the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Medical and Health Services Management at STC. However, after graduating in 2018, I realized that health care wasn’t the right field for me.”

However, her bachelor’s degree opened the door to a grant-related temporary position at STC, allowing her to continue supporting the institution’s students.

In this new role, she was involved in a grant that funded the creation of active learning classrooms, equipped with TV screens, new furniture and collaborative pods.

“However, it was all temporary. When the pandemic hit, it was time to say goodbye,” she explained. “I was hired by the city of Mission as a marketing and events coordinator for the Mission Event Center, but, of course, with the pandemic, there were no events. It also turned out to not be the right fit for me. I missed the rewarding feeling of working in education.”

Over the next couple of years, Shaath would go on to earn a master’s degree in Business Administration in 2022 and find her way back to STC, eager to return to “A culture of community and support like no other.”

“There’s no comparison to the sense of community and unity at STC. I missed being a part of it. With all my experience in grants, I had the opportunity to come back through STC’s Office of Sponsored Initiatives department,” she said. “However, it wasn’t until I was promoted to my current position that I truly found my calling. In one way or another, I’ve always felt like I was making an impact, and now, even more so in this role.”

As Coordinator in the Transfer and Educational Advancement Center, she plays a key role in assisting STC students as they transition from an associate program to bachelor’s degrees at universities of their choice, opening doors to unlimited possibilities.

“I’ve had students request transfers to universities ranging from right here at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) to international institutions in South Korea,” she added. “We also oversee the Engineering Academy with Texas A&M University, which is a huge honor to be a part of.”

This newly formed partnership offers students the opportunity to pursue one of 22 majors within Texas A&M’s College of Engineering while co-enrolled at STC. Students can then transition seamlessly into the university’s highly competitive engineering program, with automatic acceptance, to complete their bachelor’s degree at the College Station, Galveston, or McAllen campuses.

“There are many opportunities you can find at STC. The possibilities are endless,” added Shaath. “Everywhere I go, I wear STC’s colors with pride. I’ve grown alongside this incredible college, witnessing its evolution and transformation. Now, I’m even considering pursuing a doctorate degree. With the support and encouragement we receive as a community, I believe we’re headed in the right direction.”

For more information on STC’s Transfer and Educational Advancement opportunities visit southtexascollege.edu/.