Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
At 43-year-old, South Texas College graduate Orelia Garza finally achieved a dream of a bachelor’s degree. To make this occasion even more momentous, her 17-year-old son Javier Alvarez also graduated the same day, before even receiving a high school diploma.
Garza and Alvarez both received their degrees during STC’s recent fall 2025 Commencement Ceremonies at Bert Ogden Arena. Garza received a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership, while Alvarez received an associate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies as a dual credit student through Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (PSJA) T. Jefferson T-STEM Early College High School.
“It’s been quite the journey to get to this day,” said the mom of three. “I never let my dream fade though. This was always something that was in the back of my mind…life didn’t feel complete without it. Now, thanks to STC, it feels like I have everything.”
Her journey to a bachelor’s degree began in 2001 at STC. She eventually earned an associate degree in social and behavioral sciences in 2003. She also received a few credit hours in early childhood education, with the goal of becoming a teacher.
Soon after, she transferred to the University of Rio Grande Valley, but she didn’t finish.
She started taking classes again in 2008, but this time in San Antonio, withdrawing again in 2011.
“Javier’s first day of college was actually in 2008,” she said. “He was a baby, I didn’t have child care, but my professors would let me take him to class in his stroller. Then I had a second baby, and they both would attend, but after my third child was born, it became too many kids for a classroom.”
Therefore, she paused her education again to raise her children. In the meantime, her husband earned a degree and eventually became a teacher.
With his education complete, he encouraged her to return. With the motivation and encouragement from family and children, Garza finally made her move.
“We had made a promise to our kids, that we would finish college, since we’ve always instilled in them the importance of an education,” said Garza. “It was my sister who told me about STC’s bachelor’s programs, specifically Organizational Leadership. So, in 2019, I enrolled once more…this time, I knew I would finish.”
Reflecting on her time at STC, Garza said she feels fulfilled and has many pathways to follow, thanks to her program’s competency-based education that covered a multitude of lessons and skills that broadened her horizon.
“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, but now I have so many other options,” she said. “I’ve even been more interested in Human Resources. Knowing my opportunities are limitless is a great feeling.”
Nonetheless, her best memory of returning to school was having the opportunity to experience college with her son, this time, he was also a student.
Alvarez said dual credit was challenging, but having his mom by his side made it an easier experience.
“I never imagined we’d be doing college at the same time, but we were there to push each other,” Alvarez said. “This was a chance for both of us to get ahead. I’m ahead of where I should be and I’m excited to pursue my career, and my mom, I’m so proud of her. She has shown us, me and my siblings, that it’s never too late to make your dreams come true. Everything and anything is possible.”
Expected to earn his high school diploma in May, Alvarez plans on pursuing a degree in Architecture. Although he said he was never a “Legos kid,” he was always mesmerized with skyscrapers and buildings.
“I want to build things…a career, a great life and really big buildings,” he said. “If my mom can do it, so can I.”
Garza said she is excited to see her children passionate about education and now pursuing their own dreams.
“Seeing ‘Javiersito’ graduate from college, way before I ever did, is such a proud moment,” she said. “Doing it together was the icing on the cake. I couldn’t have imagined a better day.”
For more information on STC’s Dual Credit programs or bachelor’s degree programs, visit southtexascollege.edu.
