Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
For the first time, Monica De La Garza put on a cap and gown and called herself a graduate after earning her general educational development (GED) diploma from South Texas College and the role of class speaker for this year’s graduating class.
The 35-year-old and nearly 40 other graduates recently celebrated this achievement among their family and friends during a GED graduation ceremony hosted by STC and its Continuing Education and Workforce Development department.
“I started this journey in 2025 because I wanted to make my father proud,” said the Corpus Christi native. “He was an amazing father and earned several degrees, so when he passed away, I felt like I had some big shoes to fill. I wanted to be just like him someday, but I put my plans and education on hold to be the best mom I could be. Now, I’m back, not only for my father, but my kids as well.”
Overcoming the challenges of raising eight children as a single mother and working two jobs, while going to school, De La Garza said there were days she was exhausted, but nothing stopped her from getting up and going to class.
“Now, that most of my kids have graduated and some are beginning college, it was my turn to set the example that it’s never too late to get an education,” she said. “And, inspired by my teachers, I now want to return to STC to pursue a degree in Education. I want to inspire others the way they’ve inspired me.”
In the fall, De La Garza will be returning to STC to pursue an associate degree in Education, alongside her 18-year-old daughter Amber De La Garza who will be studying Business Administration and said she is extremely proud of her mother.
“Without STC, I would have never returned to the classroom or even be thinking of continuing my education. Thank you,” said the elder De La Garza.
Annually, students like De La Garza are celebrated with a GED Graduation Ceremony, meant to signify not an ending, but the beginning of a new chapter.
“This is more than a ceremony, this is a celebration of perseverance, determination and the belief that it is never too late to pursue your dreams,” STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. told the graduates. “This is not the finish line; it is the starting point for even greater opportunities. Each of these students, from Starr County to Mid-Valley and Corpus Christi, now have the foundation and the knowledge to continue their education. We want our graduates to remember that they have a choice, and by deciding to be here, they are changing their futures.”
Dalinda Gonzalez-Alcantar, STC trustee and board vice chair, gave the graduates an inspirational speech about feeling proud and sitting in that feeling.
“I know how it feels to sometimes question whether what you’re doing is the right thing, especially when you have a family counting on you every day and things get very hard,” Gonzalez-Alcantar said in her address. “I want you to sit and be proud of yourself for the courage it took to chase your dream. Here at STC, we’re family where we will motivate you and celebrate you today, but like Latinos, like we do here at the southern border, tomorrow we look ahead to see how we can get better and what we can do for ourselves and our family. This is a beautiful thing for your children and families to see…we are so proud of you.”
GED courses at STC are held year-round through the college’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development department, offering GED Math, Science, Social Studies and reviews in English and in Spanish, to ensure success in earning a GED diploma.
For more information on GED courses, visit southtexascollege.edu/cpit/courses/personal/ged/.
