Texas Border Business
By Veronica Salinas
South Texas College’s Valley Promise program is helping students like Fernanda Olague turn ambition into achievement. Once unsure about her path, Olague is now confidently working toward a career in Architecture with financial support and mentorship guiding the way.
Olague travels daily from Nuevo Progreso, Mexico and credits the program and dedicated faculty for helping her stay focused and supported throughout her academic journey.
“I didn’t know where I was going to go or how I was going to get there,” Olague said. “I always knew I wanted to study architecture, but I didn’t know how to make it happen.”
Her path to STC began with encouragement from Architecture faculty who introduced her to opportunities at the college. While relying on financial aid, Olague later discovered Valley Promise through the STC Student Financial Services department.
The Valley Promise program is a last-dollar initiative that provides financial assistance, after all financial aid and scholarships have been applied, and personalized coaching to help students overcome barriers and stay on track toward completion. For Olague, that support has been essential.
“I didn’t realize how big Valley Promise was until I applied,” she said. “When I got the call from my coach, it changed everything. Having someone there to guide me and help me when I needed it made a huge difference.”
Beyond financial assistance, Olague says the encouragement she’s received from faculty has been equally impactful. She points to Architecture instructor Claudia Silverman as a key influence in her academic experience.
“They remind me of what I’m capable of,” she said. “Even when things get difficult, they push me to keep going.”
Olague’s passion for architecture began at just 8 years old and has only grown stronger. Despite facing challenges such as crossing the U.S.- Mexico border, she remains committed to her goals.
“I’ve been crossing the border since I was 7 years old to go to school,” she said. “It’s stressful, but it’s all worth it. It taught me discipline and not to give up.”
As the first in her family on her mother’s side to graduate high school and attend college, Olague says she feels a strong sense of responsibility to succeed, but also pride in forging her own path.
“People didn’t expect me to choose architecture, but I’ve always known this is what I want,” she said. “No matter how hard it gets, I won’t stop.”
After completing her studies, Olague plans to pursue internships and continue her education towards becoming a licensed architect, a process she knows will take years, but she is ready to embrace.
“People didn’t expect me to choose architecture, but I’ve always known this is what I want,” she said. “No matter how hard it gets, I won’t stop.”
Olague hopes her story will inspire others to pursue their goals, regardless of obstacles.
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something,” she said. “If you’ve made it this far, keep going. Take every opportunity you’re given and don’t give up.”
For more information about the Valley Promise program, visit: www.southtexascollege.edu/promise/.
Information source: STC
