Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – For South Texas College Cosmetology faculty member Minela Jaime, graduation on Dec. 13 will be more than a walk across the stage—it’s the celebration of a dream she fought to build one step at a time.
Jaime will be among the thousands of graduates earning degrees that day, but her journey to finish stands as a powerful message to every working parent, immigrant and student who has ever wondered if they could rise above their circumstances.
Jaime’s path began thousands of miles away in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she first discovered her love for beauty and creativity. But when she emigrated to the United States in 2008, Jaime said she arrived with limited English and resources, and no roadmap for how to rebuild her life.
“Everything was different. From the culture, language and people, I had to start over completely – but every challenge made me stronger,” she said.
Determined to support her young family, Jaime found work, taught herself English and Spanish, and eventually opened her own beauty business. For eight years, she ran her salon with pride, serving clients and creating a better future for her business. But when COVID-19 hit, Jaime said she was forced to shut down her business for more than a year and faced an uncertain future.
“That was the moment when I realized that I needed another plan,” Jaime said. “I needed to invest in myself.”
Encouraged by her husband, who is an STC graduate, Jaime explored STC’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership (BASOL), a program designed for working adults, offered 100% online, affordable and flexible enough to fit into a busy life.
“It wasn’t easy,” she said. “There were long nights reading, researching and writing. I’d be up after the kids went to sleep, just pushing through. But every hour I put into my education became a step toward the life I wanted.”
The BASOL program, the first competency-based bachelor’s degree from a Texas public institution, allowed Jaime to apply prior work experience toward her progress and learn at a pace tailored to her life. She credits academic coaches, tutors and instructors for keeping her motivated throughout her educational journey.
“They believed in me, even when I doubted myself,” she said. “They reminded me that I was capable.”
Her journey took a transformative turn when she joined STC’s Cosmetology program as an instructor, which she discovered thanks to a client who mentioned STC was hiring.
“I always dreamed of being an educator,” she said. “When I see a student master a skill we taught them, it’s the most rewarding feeling. It reminds me of why I never gave up.”
Now as she prepares to graduate, Jaime is already looking ahead. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in Business or Leadership, continuing the momentum she worked hard to build.
“We are proud of Mrs. Jaime’s accomplishment and her commitment to growth,” said STC Cosmetology Department Chair Carla Balleza. “Earning her bachelor’s degree only strengthens the high expectations she sets for students and the strong leadership she brings into the classroom every day.”
Jaime’s message for students is simple and powerful, “Believe in yourself, even on the days it feels impossible.”
“The degree didn’t just educate me—it empowered me,” she said. “To students I say don’t wait for the perfect moment, create it. You have to be better than your circumstances. You can do it. I am proof of that.”
Information source: STC
