Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – Ingrid Gonzalez knew that higher education would be an opportunity for a better life. Now, about to graduate from South Texas College, she looks back at all the sacrifices she made to succeed and reflects on how she found a community at STC that supported her on the way to a bright future.
Gonzalez, 20, began her journey at STC as a freshman in high school taking dual credit classes. She earned an associate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies before even earning her diploma in 2022 from Rio Grande City High School.
Fast-forward to 2025, she will now earn a bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, joining other graduates at STC’s Commencement Ceremonies on May 10 with the hopes of entering or fostering a career in medical business after graduation.
“I began here at STC as a freshman in high school and the spirit of the college, the ethos, stayed with me. People here want you to grow. They want to help you,” Gonzalez said. “The close community present at our Starr County campus allows us to feel more confident about being able to achieve our goals and it keep us motivated, even if it’s something like a simple smile or help when we most need it. That’s what I feel I’ve experience during my time here at STC.”
Born and raised in Rio Grande City, Gonzalez said she knew early on that she would have to fight the mindset of many in the community who prioritized work over a college degree. By entering college as early as possible, she said she made it a priority to determine her own future.
Also currently a student learning assistant at STC’s Center for Learning Excellence (CLE), Gonzalez said she has enjoyed her time at the college encouraging and mentoring other students to reach the next step in their academic journey.
“I knew it was going to be a sacrifice because a lot of my friends that I had known my whole life just didn’t want to go to college. But I knew it was an opportunity that I needed to take,” she said. “I knew getting an education would help me boost my career chances and help me achieve what I want to achieve faster. I had the mindset that could determine my own future and whether I succeed or fail, it was all up to me.”
With graduation around the corner, Gonzalez now said she looks ahead to combining a love for business with the medical field, which she was introduced to through an internship at a durable medical equipment (DME) company in McAllen.
Over the course of the semester, she said her degree in Operations Management has enabled her to make the most out of the internship as she gains experience in the industry.
“Getting this amazing experience has given me access to see how this type of business works, while opening doors so I can help other people in need, whether it’s with medical supplies, of they’re health provders. I credit STC for all the opportunities it has placed in my path,” Gonzalez said. “I feel like it really has been an awesome thing to able to learn and grow because of the degree I have chosen for my future career.”
For more information on STC graduation visit www.southtexascollege.edu/graduation/.
