Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The fall 2020 semester started a bit differently this year for Texas Southmost College freshman.
Nonetheless, it was a warm welcome for them during the college’s recent virtual Freshman Seminar from TSC President Jesus Roberto Rodriguez and Associate Vice President of Instruction and Academic Success and Academic Success Angelica Fuentes.
“Welcome to the family,” Rodriguez told the newest Scorpions. “I’m so proud of you for making the decision to begin your college career despite the circumstances. You are already showing us that you’re Scorpion Strong.”
Rodriguez went on to share a personal story about his sister being the person who motivated him to get a college education, a story similar to many.
“I had already made up my mind,” he said. “I was taking my high school diploma, buying a car and getting a job, but my sister believed in me and it was that support that sent me to college.”
Rodriguez spoke from the heart to motivate the students who are experiencing a different type of college and learning experience because of COVID-19.
“Our goal is your success,” he said. “As part of the TSC family, you have access to a number of resources to help you achieve your goals. You are not alone.”
Rodriguez and Fuentes took the opportunity to introduce all of the services and resources available for students at TSC.
Students were informed about the college’s counseling services, 24/7 virtual tutoring services, the recent reopening of the Oliveira Student Services Center computer labs and TSC Recreation Center, which follow all Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) safety protocols, the virtual student activities hosted by TSC Student Life and the public bus service available to TSC students.
The seminar ended with a Q&A session, with the most popular question being asked – Will TSC allow in-person learning and open its doors in Spring 2021?
“I’ll be the first to tell you that I cannot wait for the day that we can all be together on campus again. The campus is lonely,” said Rodriguez. “But there are so many variables to monitor and consider. This decision impacts many lives and first and foremost, we always consider the health and safety of our TSC family.”
He added that whatever is decided, whether the college continues remote learning or opens its doors for in-person learning, he can assure students that their education will never be compromised.
“TSC is the fastest growing community college in Texas and the most affordable in the Rio Grande Valley,” he said. “Everyone at TSC, from my office, to our Board of Trustees to our faculty and staff, know that education is life changing and you can always expect the highest quality of education.”
Rodriguez ended the seminar by encouraging every student to remain focused on their education and to believe in themselves as much as TSC believes in them, and to remember that he is proud of them for overcoming the challenges of today and taking the first step toward their future.
