(HARLINGEN) – From youth director to a retired United States Navy veteran, Texas State Technical College student Chris Walters never expected to end up in Texas, much less pursuing a college education.

On Friday, Walters will earn a certificate from the Medical Assistant program joining the other 253 TSTC students who are also earning a certificate or associate degree at the commencement ceremonies at Marine Military Academy.

Walters grew up in Cridersville, Ohio living with his grandmother for most of his life. He graduated from high school in 2006 and immediately enrolled at a nearby college to study Human Services. While in school he worked full-time at a local state community center as a Youth Director, but was laid off during the recession.

“I grew up relatively poor. I’ve had to work for everything I have,” said Walters. “Which means losing my job also meant leaving school.”

The 29-year-old said the military was something he kept at the back of his mind, so he took his situation as a sign to enlist. He was only 20-years-old when it happened.

“My grandma has always been supportive, but not about me enlisting,” said Walters. “She was worried about me, but I told her I would be okay.”

Walters said he was more than okay, because the Navy is what inspired him to pursue a career as a medical assistant.

The veteran served in the Navy for 5 years, before starting at TSTC in 2015. In the Navy he worked as a Hospital Corpsman and served in Japan humanitarian missions, strategizing and preparing for mass casualty situations such as nuclear warfare or natural disasters while stationed there.

“Before enlisting in the Navy, I never thought of a career in the medical field,” said Walters. “But my job in the Navy was the civilian equivalent of medical assistant and I loved helping people.”

During his last years in the Navy, Walters was placed at the Naval Air Station in Kingsville, where he met his wife of 3 years.

It was Walters’ wife who was familiar with TSTC and the type of job opportunities that were available to graduates from the college. She encouraged him to enroll.

“If not for TSTC, I don’t know where I would be or what I would be doing,” said Walters. “The college has definitely changed my life. It’s given me hope.”

Walters said he has had the best college experience at TSTC. From the Veterans Center that helped him apply and get his GI Bill in order, to his lectures and hands-on training, he feels prepared to take the medical world by storm beginning with the job offer he has already received from the medical practice of Dr. Roa and Dr. Conchas in Harlingen.

“Everyone was so helpful and truly cares about our success,” said Walters.

The medical assistant graduate will be returning to TSTC in the spring to pursue his associate degree in the same program and complete his general Academic Core so that he can begin working toward a bachelor’s degree in Medical Administration.

“I want to keep growing in the medical field. There’s no stopping now,” said Walters. “I want to be able to help as many people as I can.”

In addition to graduating, Walters was also recently pinned at a ceremony held for all medical assistant graduates symbolizing the hard work he has done, and his dedication and commitment to the field. His wife was privileged to present him with the honor.

“The pinning was extra special because my wife got to do it,” said Walters. “She has been my support and biggest cheerleader. I’ve done all of this for her and my grandma. I want to make them proud.”

TSTC Commencement Ceremonies will be held at Marine Military Academy at Yeckel Hall. There will be two ceremonies: 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.