(HARLINGEN) – Carolina Castro is a student at Texas State Technical College studying Education and Training. She expects to graduate from the college in 2019 with an associate degree.

The Brownsville native has been married for 19 years and is the mother of three children. Castro said she waited for her children to be old enough before setting her sights on college.

Today, she credits faculty and classmates’ support for her newfound academic success.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduating from TSTC I plan on transferring to Texas A&M Kingsville to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Education so that I can become a teacher.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to be an elementary school teacher and work with children.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment has been passing all of my classes and proving to myself that it was not too late to come to college 20 years after high school.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that everyone needs mentors. In order to grow as a person I need to stay humble and seek mentors who can teach me how to experience life to its fullest. Life is a journey that should be enjoyed as much as possible.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

The person who has influenced my success the most is my English Composition instructor Sarah McDonald. She is the most influential person I have met this year. She brings a wealth of experience to her class and is always providing assistance and encouragement to her students.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want students to know that it is important to stay committed to their education. They will need to develop a strong support system of friends and family who can help them stay focused on their studies. Every assignment counts, so make it your goal to complete each one. Don’t make excuses, hold yourself accountable for your success.