Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – Izaiah Calderon said he discovered his future inside a machine shop. Guided by South Texas College faculty, but inspired by family, the 19-year-old student believes he is well on his way to becoming a machinist and a role model for those who come after him.
Carrying on an STC family tradition, his mother earned a degree from the college in Accounting and his stepfather received certificates in Electrician Technology and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Calderon plans to complete his certificate this summer in Advanced Manufacturing Technology, carrying a perfect 4.0 GPA and a clear vision for his future.
“It’s exciting. It motivates me,” Calderon said about earning his certificate. “Every day, I remind myself to make the most of this opportunity.”
That opportunity was brought further along thanks to a life-changing scholarship. Calderon is among the 27 students who collectively received more than $62,000 in scholarship support from GE Aerospace and the GE Aerospace Foundation for the spring 2025 semester.
This is part of a historic $165,000 investment into STC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) program — the largest in the program’s history.
The financial support, Calderon said, made a real difference. “It has helped me stay focused on school,” he said. “I don’t have to stress about how I’m going to pay for everything.”
Calderon credits his family who inspired him from an early age — both in and out of the classroom.
As the middle child of six siblings, Calderon said education is becoming a family legacy. His younger sister, a fifth grader, recently attended one of STC’s open houses and told him she now dreams of going to college.
“My mom is my biggest motivator. She always tells me, ‘You can do anything.’ That’s what pushes me every day,” Calderon said. “I think we all inspire each other. Whether it’s college, trade school or starting a business — the goal is to succeed.”
While originally planning to study Cybersecurity, Calderon said he came across the manufacturing program while browsing STC’s website and after doing personal research and watching industry videos online, he realized he’d found the right fit.
Now, he dreams of becoming a machinist, working at a company like GE Aerospace, and continuing to grow from there.
His secret to success? Discipline and purpose.
“It’s easy to procrastinate,” he said. “But I just remind myself why I’m here. I want to work hard now so I can play hard later.”
He also credits STC faculty for their support and encouragement. “The professors feel like family,” he said. “They’re not just here to teach — they want to see you succeed.”
Calderon hopes his story encourages other students to believe in themselves and take the leap.
“Do your research, find what you love and don’t give up,” he said. “Anyone can do it. You just need the willpower. I’m grateful to STC, to my family and to everyone who helped me get here. This is just the beginning.”
For more information on STC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology program visit www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/manufacturing/.
