Texas Border Business
By Veronica Salinas
For 26-year-old South Texas College student Neftali Medina, the road to higher education has been filled with self-doubt, long nights, moments of uncertainty and the quiet fear that maybe college was not meant for someone like him.
But today, Medina stands as proof that it is.
Living with a learning disability, Medina admits there were times when the idea of attending college felt overwhelming.
“My college experience has been like a roller coaster, but I am so grateful for it,” he said. “There were moments when I felt afraid and unsure of myself.”
He began his journey at STC in the Kinesiology program, driven by a desire to work in a field centered on helping others. Along the way, he discovered new strengths and a broader vision for his future, transitioning into an Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2023. He is now on track to graduate in spring 2027 and plans to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership.
For Medina, earning degrees is more than only a career advancement.
“By getting these degrees, I want to show people that I am capable of things they might have thought were impossible,” he said. “If I can do it, you can do it too.”
His voice carries not only determination, but responsibility, especially as a father. Medina’s one year old daughter is his greatest motivation.
“The example I want to set for my daughter is that I want her to go to college,” he said. “I want her to see that no matter what challenges you face, you don’t give up.”
He knows firsthand how intimidating college can feel for students with disabilities.
“I want to show her and people who have a disability that although it’s scary, and college feels out of reach, it is possible,” he said.
There were times when Medina questioned himself. Times when he wondered whether he was capable, but each challenge strengthened his resolve.
“College has pushed me out of my comfort zone,” he said. “It opened so many doors for me and my confidence has increased.”
That growth is evident in his leadership on campus. Medina is actively involved in the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Student Leadership Academy, organizations that have allowed him to find his voice and encourage others. What once felt intimidating now feels empowering.
“I am most proud of being able to help people,” he said. “I push my friends when they feel like quitting, especially our younger students.”
He knows that sometimes all someone needs is reassurance from a peer who truly understands the struggle.
Behind Medina’s perseverance is a powerful support system. He credits his mother as his foundation and his constant source of encouragement.
“My biggest supporters have been my mom, she’s my No. 1, and my family.,” he said.
Between the unconditional support of his mother and the bright future he envisions for his daughter, Medina found courage to keep moving forward, even on the hardest days.
At STC, he found more than classrooms and coursework. He found belonging.
“The people on this campus have become like a family to me, and for that I am grateful,” he said. “I have created so many lifelong relationships at STC. We all push each other.”
Today, Medina’s mission is clear. He wants to open doors for students who never believed college was within reach. He wants to be visible and be an example.
“If I can do it, you can do it too,” he said.
Through resilience, faith in himself and love for his family, Medina is not only earning a degree, but rewriting what is possible and lighting the path for others to follow.
For more information on STC’s Interdisciplinary Studies program, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/interdisciplinary-aa/.
