STC alum rises from migrant roots to become a successful therapist

After spending most of his life away from home, working as a migrant in the fields, Jesus Gonzalez transformed his path just four years ago, when he decided to enroll at South Texas College, graduating at the top of his class and now pursuing a second degree.

As a respiratory therapist, the 33-year-old not only enjoys the fulfillment of a rewarding career, but most importantly, he has the joy of returning to his family every day.

“I owe everything to my parents. Their incredible work ethic inspired me to keep pushing myself,” he said. “I grew up watching them work tirelessly. They come from small towns in Mexico, and hard work is all they’ve ever known.”

Raised in McAllen as the middle child of three, Gonzalez and his family would leave home each year at the end of the school year so their parents could work in the fields, a lifestyle that made it difficult for them to finish their high school education.

“We traveled to more states than I can remember: Florida, Michigan, North Dakota, each very different, which obligated us to adapt and start all over. I always felt out of place,” said Gonzalez. “In a way, I do cherish those days. I appreciate my father for keeping the family together and ultimately, I learned so much from those experiences – how to work hard, pursue what you want and set goals.”

He started working alongside his parents at the age of 15, gaining valuable hands-on experience with large trucks in the field. Eventually, at 20, he decided to leverage those skills by attending STC to obtain his Commercial Driver License (CDL).

“I began exploring opportunities that would allow me to stay home, which led to many years of driving and obtaining credentials for transporting hazardous materials and driving tanks,” he said. “When I became a father, providing for my family became a priority, so I decided to shift my job to working in the oil fields.”

Away from his home once more, the birth of his second daughter and the pandemic changed his perspective. In 2020, because of COVID-19, he was let go and later offered only half of his paycheck to return.

“It just wasn’t worth it anymore. I would be away so much that my baby daughter didn’t even know who I was. It got harder and harder to leave,” he said. “I had encouraged my wife throughout the years to enroll in college. She also graduated from STC and became a teacher. I would tell her that if I had the opportunity to finish high school, I would do so much more. When COVID hit, I knew it was time for me to follow my own advice.”

With the help of videos and online resources, Gonzalez earned a General Education Diploma (GED) in just a couple of months, a feat he was proud of after being out of school for more than a decade. He then enrolled in STC’s Respiratory Therapy program in 2021, a new profession where he would never have to fear being out of a job again.

“I also thought about becoming a teacher, but that would have taken me four years. STC was the fastest way for me to become someone,” he said. “Once I started, I found the medical field so interesting that even though it’s a rigorous program that requires tons of studying, I didn’t mind at all.”

Graduating in 2023 with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA), acing his board licensure exam just a week later to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist and earning a credential in Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty, was just the beginning for him.

He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Medical and Health Services Management from STC and aspires to become a physician assistant one day.

He is also enjoying two very different, rewarding jobs – during the week at Lee’s Pharmacy and on the weekends at Edinburg Regional Medical Center.

“I was hired by the pharmacy before I graduated, where I get to help many patients who suffer from sleep apnea. Some even call me their ‘angel’ because I’ve helped them sleep better. It feels great,” he said. “At the hospital, every day is different. I can help adults, kids and babies. I never get bored. I truly love it. The best part is that I get to go home to my girls every single day.”

As his oldest daughter aspires to be a nurse, Gonzalez is committed to setting a positive example for her and the rest of his family, demonstrating that education opens doors to better opportunities.

“I want my daughters to attend STC because why would they choose anywhere else? It’s right at home, affordable and full of opportunities,” he said. “I’m incredibly grateful for my instructors. They are dedicated and truly prepare you for the real world. You can graduate today and be ready to start working tomorrow, that’s what I did. With the quality of education we receive, we’re just set up for success. Choosing STC was the best decision I could have made.”

For more information on the STC’s Respiratory Therapy Associate or other health care programs offered, visit nah.southtexascollege.edu or call 956-872-3100.