Texas Border Business
By Veronica Salinas
McALLEN, Texas – Yahir Rodriguez, 22, is celebrating multiple academic milestones after earning his associate degree in Chemistry from South Texas College (STC) and being selected for a nationally competitive scholarship from the American Chemical Society (ACS).
Rodriguez has been named the recipient of the ACS Catalyst Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year, a prestigious award that recognizes students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential and a commitment to pursuing careers in chemistry and related scientific fields.
For Rodriguez, the recognition came as an unexpected, but rewarding surprise.
“It means a lot to me,” he said. “I applied to a bunch of scholarships on a whim, not really expecting to get picked, but just hoping for that slight chance. Winning this proves to me that taking the leap-of-faith chances really pays off.”
When he learned he had been selected, Rodriguez could hardly believe it.
“I honestly thought it was a mistake,” he said. “I immediately took a screenshot of the email and sent it to my supervisor to ask if it was real and he told me it was. Since I’d never won a scholarship before, I was completely shocked, happy and confused all at the same time.”
The achievement marks another milestone in a journey that began with uncertainty. Rodriguez initially enrolled at STC as a Radiologic Technology major, knowing he wanted a career in healthcare, but was unsure of the path he wanted to take. After discovering a passion for chemistry, he made the decision to change majors and commit himself fully to the field.
Beyond the classroom, Rodriguez found a sense of belonging that helped shape both his academic and personal growth. Through his involvement in the Chemistry and Pre-Pharmacy Club, faculty mentorship and connections with fellow students, he built relationships that became an important part of his college experience.
“I stayed because of the people,” he said. “The friendships I made here are unmatched.”
Some of his most cherished memories at STC extend beyond academics. During his time at the college, Rodriguez met both his best friend and his wife, experiences he says made his journey even more meaningful.
His commitment to academics and engagement within the scientific community has not gone unnoticed.
“His dedication to chemistry extends beyond the classroom, inspiring those around him to pursue excellence and meaningful engagement within the scientific community,” said Daniel Martinez, Science Laboratory coordinator and ACS South Texas chair.
Rodriguez plans to continue his education and pursue a bachelor’s degree in chemistry before working toward becoming an Anesthesiologist Assistant.
“My goal is to become an Anesthesiologist Assistant,” he said. “After finishing my associate degree at STC, I’m already more than halfway there and ready for the next step.”
As he reflects on his journey, Rodriguez hopes his story encourages other students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers to pursue opportunities, even when they seem out of reach.
“I know it sounds cliché, and everyone says it, but seriously: ‘If I can do it, anyone can,’” he said. “You don’t have to be a natural genius to do STEM. All it takes is putting in the hours and committing to the time it takes to learn it.”
