Texas Border Business
By Selene Rodriguez
Finding a home at South Texas College helped alumna and former employee of STC’s Mid-Valley campus, Ashlley Ramirez decide to hold off a career in law enforcement to start a job as a lab coordinator at STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence, which she calls a unique opportunity to define herself as a professional.
“After graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice, I was indecisive about going straight into the field because I have many interests, and I wasn’t sure where to go next. I was also interested in working in education, so this job is perfect for me,” she said. “I’m so grateful to keep finding opportunities of growth at South Texas College. It’s amazing.”
Born a twin, Ramirez grew up in Weslaco as part of a close-knit family who shared the same career interests.
“Both my twin sister and my older brother were interested in law enforcement, which I believe is what made me lean into the field,” she shared. “I’ve also always liked to be active and involved in my community, which is why teaching is appealing to me.”
Ramirez recalls her participation in the college’s flag football team as one of her favorite parts of her experience.
“My sister and I were both part of the school’s team and even traveled for state competitions; we both studied criminal justice and graduated in 2020,” she said. “We’ve been on this journey together so finding a new path for myself has been challenging.”
During her time as a student, Ramirez started a work-study job with the biology department and after graduating, she was offered a part-time position as a lab assistant.
Ramirez continued to work with STC while studying for a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley, and graduated in 2022 and started seeking a job in law enforcement.
“I considered applying to various agencies or becoming a corrections officer, but I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” she said. “My heart has always been at STC, so it just made sense for me to come back and start a professional career with the college.”
Ramirez applied to different positions within the college such as security guard, but it was through a former STC colleague that she found out about the job opportunities offered at the college’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence in Pharr.
“I’m amazed at all the resources here, it’s the best of both worlds; I get to learn more about law enforcement and fire science, and also I have the opportunity to help the cadets grow into skillful professionals,” she said.
Established in 2018, the Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence is home to both a police and fire academy, as well as various public safety trainings for local, state and federal first responder professionals.
“One of my duties is to assist with tours around the facility and assist with entry agility exams, which is really exciting. I’ll get to see the students evolve from the very beginning,” said Ramirez.
As lab coordinator, her duties also include assisting instructors by preparing and maintaining STC’s public safety equipment and the various simulation resources utilized for classes and training.
“From the moment I came to this campus I fell in love with its potential; it feels new and advanced,” she said. “Everybody has made me feel welcomed and part of a family. I feel at home.”
After two months working closely with experienced instructors and staff, Ramirez now has discovered new opportunities and envisions a bright future for herself.
“I’m excited to continue this journey with STC and see all the possibilities open to me. Lately I’ve even considered the fire service,” she said. “Whether I continue in law enforcement, move on to the fire service or maybe become an instructor, I’m certain I’m in the right place to figure it out. STC is the best place for me to start my future.”
For more information on the programs and trainings offered through STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence, visit southtexascollege.edu/rcpse.
