Texas Border Business
By Sara Reyna
Growing up in the halls of South Texas College, STC Recruiter Jeanette Gomez said her role at the college brings her journey full circle, guiding students to a place that has been her second home since the age of two.
“My memory of South Texas College goes back to the early years of my childhood,” Gomez shared. “In some cases, most young children are not exposed to colleges or universities until they are much older. For me, STC has been like a second home since I was a little girl and it has touched many moments and experiences of my life, ultimately bringing me full circle in my career.”
During her formative years, Gomez developed a deep passion and pride for the college, inspired by her mother, Sara Gomez, who has been working in Student Services since March 1997 and now an STC Graduation Analyst.
Spending weekends at the college further exposed her to the possibilities available to the community, shaping her outlook on life and leading her to a successful educational endeavor.
“I spent many weekends at work with my mom, and I truly believe that’s why I always knew that I would attend STC after graduating from high school. I didn’t see myself being anywhere else,” she said. “I was unsure about what to pursue when I first started college, but I was eager to start somewhere.”
Starting what would be a rewarding journey at STC, Gomez got a job as a work study and found an interest in studying American Sign Language.
She completed the Interpreting Program in 2018 and continued her education to earn her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership, also from STC, in 2019 .
Following her graduation, Gomez sought out various professional opportunities at local school districts like the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA) and at the college, following in her mother’s footsteps.
“I landed a job as a special education paraprofessional for PSJA that brought me a lot of joy,” she said. “I loved my job, but I had this vision of developing more as a professional in higher education. So, a few years later, I applied for a position with College Connections as a recruiter for STC’s Mid-Valley campus, and while my departure as a paraprofessional was bittersweet, I was excited to start this new era in my life at the place that helped shape me.”
Reflecting on where her story originally started, Gomez said being a recruiter has been an eye-opening, emotional and exciting journey.
“I get emotional looking back at where it all started and how this experience has come full circle for me at the college,” Gomez said. “Although I connected immediately with the students I work with, I was nervous to start a new experience. However, now I feel empowered and I am able to pay it forward by going out into my communities and presenting on everything that STC has to offer. Whether it’s at local high schools or community events, my goal remains the same – instilling a sense of community and motivation into our incoming students.”
Looking forward to what lies ahead, Gomez explained that being a part of the innovation taking shape at the college and helping others through a holistic lens is what will continue fueling her passion.
“As I look ahead to continuing my professional growth at STC and witnessing its ongoing evolution, I am excited to continue contributing to our mission of innovation, community impact and student success,” Gomez shared. “I want to continue sharing the transformative journey of becoming a Jaguar with others while also appreciating all that this institution has afforded me. I am truly grateful that I can give back to the college that gave me so much. I would not be who I am without STC.”
