International alumna makes the American Dream a reality at STC

With the support of South Texas College, Colombia native Karen Cantu was able to pursue her dream of helping others, by overcoming language barriers, financial hardships and the challenges of an autoimmune disease to earn a degree – a goal once thought impossible in her home country.

A mother of two, the 39-year-old is already making a difference in the health care field after recently graduating from STC’s Medical Assistant Technology program, demonstrating that with positivity and dedication, anything is possible.

“STC has given me everything—from helping me learn English to securing the job I have today. It has provided me with every opportunity,” she said. “STC opens the door for those of us who struggle with a language barrier or are new to this country. I have received nothing but encouragement and support every step of the way.”

Cantu immigrated to the United States in 2015 after marrying her husband, a Rio Grande Valley native, and began a new chapter in her life.

Passionate about the medical field, she had always dreamed of working in health care. Although she was close to graduating with a degree in Biology in Colombia, she was unable to complete it due to financial struggles.

“I always felt incomplete. I knew I needed a degree that would help create a better life,” she said. “When I moved to the U.S., I felt out of place because I didn’t know the language, but that wasn’t going to stop me. I saved up and started classes before I even found out about financial aid. When I did, it completely changed everything. It motivated me even more to overcome my struggles and focus on my studies.”

Cantu enrolled at STC in 2018 to take English as a Second Language classes while working nights delivering newspapers. A year later, she was ready to apply to the Associate Degree in Nursing program when fate had other plans.

While taking her prerequisite classes, she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and faced heart problems that resulted in her first hospitalization, a challenging experience that would be the first of many.

“It was a rough time. I had a daughter, so it hurt to give up school and strive to be better for her. But all those challenges motivated me to keep seeking opportunities. That’s just the way I was raised, to always find the good in the bad,” she said. “Also, the medical staff who cared for me truly inspired me. They made me want it even more.”

Amid her health struggles, as she learned to cope with her condition, Cantu became pregnant again, prompting her to reevaluate her goals and aspirations.

“Fortunately, I came across the Medical Assistant Technology program at STC, which allowed me to start earning credentials in the first semester. It was a fantastic opportunity to secure a job and start working in the field right away,” she said. “This experience helped me confirm that helping patients is truly what I wanted all along.”

Earning additional certifications in Electrocardiogram Technician (EKG), medical office specialist and phlebotomy as part of the Medical Assistant Technology program, Cantu received several offers as she worked to finish the two-year associate degree.

During her final semester, she accepted a position with the DHR Health Urology Institute.

“I discovered that STC graduates are highly regarded everywhere. At my workplace, there are five of us alone,” she said. “I received job offers during all of my clinical rotations, but it was at DHR Urology where they truly expressed that they needed me.”

Three months in, Cantu said she takes pride in helping patients relieve pain and assisting doctors by caring for them as soon as they walk into the clinic.

“Being a medical assistant is precisely that—assisting the doctor. We provide the necessary information about each patient, which often includes listening to their concerns. We help create that bridge of information to ensure the patient receives the best treatment possible,” she explained. “Sometimes, doctors have too many patients to see, so we become their eyes and ears. Beyond just taking vital signs, it’s our job to help patients express their needs.”

As Cantu continues to gain experience in both the administrative and medical aspects of health care, she has realized that her true calling is to be next to the patients. She still aspires to earn a nursing degree in the future.

“Even with everything I’ve gone through, I remain optimistic. I believe we’re here to help others and be of service,” she added. “My instructors would tell me, ‘You will be the difference,’ and I believe I’m doing that. I stand up for those who feel different or out of place. I’m here to prove that everything is possible and that you can always create a better life for yourself.”

For more information on Medical Assistant Technology or other Nursing and Allied Health programs offered at STC, visit nah.southtexascollege.edu or call 956-872-3100.