Texas Border Business
By Veronica Salinas
For Brian Tello, receiving an associate degree wasn’t just a personal victory, it was a moment that carried the weight of sacrifice, love and resilience.
Tello received an Associate of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from South Texas College, however, his journey to graduation was anything but easy.
Just four months before he was set to begin college and only two weeks from finishing his service in the U.S. Navy, Tello received devastating news from home while stationed in Japan – his father had suffered a severe hemorrhagic stroke that left him non-verbal and entirely dependent on care.
“I got the news about my father while I was serving out of the country,” said Tello. “I was in the middle of being discharged, moving back home and at the same time needed to get documents together regarding my father’s care.”
At 22-years-old and the eldest of six siblings, Tello was forced to become “the man of the house” overnight. He stepped into the role of caregiver, mentor and father figure for his younger brothers and sister.
“I would help feed him, change him, move him around. We all would. I also needed to help with the things he used to handle such as bills, fixing things and guiding my family. That was my responsibility now,” he said.
He took on these responsibilities while ensuring his siblings stayed on track in school and pursuing his own dream of earning a college degree, a dream his father had always encouraged.
“My dad was always a big supporter of education,” said Tello. “He wanted me to go to school, but I felt I should serve my country first, so I enlisted right out of high school,” Tello said. “Graduating means everything to me because I did it not just for myself, but for him and for my siblings. I want them to know they can achieve anything, no matter what life throws at them.”
Despite all the responsibility, Tello never lost sight of his goal and on graduation day, as he looked into the audience, despite bound to a gurney, he saw his biggest inspiration, his father.
“He can’t speak, but when we asked him if he wanted to go to the graduation, he smiled,” said Linda Tello, Tello’s stepmother. “Before his stroke, he would always try and be there for anything school related the kids had going on and always encouraged them to do their best. We knew this meant everything to him. He’s proud of Brian. We all are.”
Now at 25-years-old and with his degree in hand, Tello is ready for the next chapter in his career and staying close to home where his heart is.
“I want to work as a wastewater treatment plant operator so I can stay near my family. They’ve been my rock through it all,” said Tello
To others facing unimaginable challenges, Tello has a message of hope grounded in experience, sacrifice and unwavering determination.
His message, “Strength is found in perseverance. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, you can still move forward.”
For Tello, achieving his degree wasn’t just about personal accomplishment, it was about proving to himself and his family that no matter the obstacle, you can rise above it.
Information source: STC
