Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – For Gonzalo Zedillo, Texas Southmost College was a place of self-discovery and realization for the passion he will make into a career.
As a General Studies program student, the 20-year-old enrolled in college with no definitive plan, but because he knew of the services and resources provided by TSC he decided it was his first step in moving forward.
“I took a long break after high school,” said the Brownsville native. “It’s hard to believe I’m now only one year away from an associate degree. College wasn’t a decision I could take lightly given my financial situation.”
Coming from a humble home, raised by a single mother, Zedillo has overcome financial hardships throughout his life.
“I was the first in my family to graduate from high school and I plan on being the first to graduate from college,” he said. “Although college was never pushed or forced on me, I know that it’s going to be the key I need to take care of my mom and give us financial security.”
Although it hasn’t been easy investing in his future when there are bills that need to be paid and food that needs to be placed on the table, Zedillo said he is grateful for the opportunity TSC has given him through its student worker program.
“By working on campus, I get to earn money, help my mom and focus on school because TSC understands that my education comes first,” said Zedillo. “I see myself growing as a person. I never imagined that I could do a job like this because I’ve always been shy.”
Zedillo is a student worker with the TSC Office of Student Life, assisting the office with organizing and hosting campus events and helping students learn about the resources the college offers.
“This is my chance to change someone’s college experience for the better,” he said. “This is my chance to help others and teach others, and for me, that’s really rewarding. The feeling is unexplainable.”
Realizing his potential as a student worker and active member of the Campus Activity Board and taking his past experience as a powerlifter, Zedillo has combined his newfound confidence and talent in teaching and his leadership skills to pursue a major in kinesiology.
“TSC has empowered me to create goals and have confidence in myself to achieve those goals,” said Zedillo. “I have the tools I need to find success now and I plan on helping others live their healthiest and best lives.”
Ultimately, Zedillo hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree and become a nutritionist or coach who will empower others to reach their full potential.
But for now, he said he is taking this journey one day and one step at a time.
“I still have a long way to go, but I try not to focus on that,” he said. “I focus on what I have to look forward to, the opportunities that are in front of me and helping other students like myself overcome obstacles so that we can all make our dreams come true.”
For more information about the programs offered at TSC, visit tsc.edu.
Spring 2022 classes begin Jan. 17.
