(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College student Sergio Garcia is studying his General Academic Core. The Brownsville native currently boasts a 3.7 grade-point average and hopes to complete his courses by the end of summer.

The 32-year-old said he is ready to continue pursuing his career dreams after taking time off to take care of his mother as she battled a brain tumor.

“She lost her battle and I decided it was time to come back and help others like her fight,” he said.

What are your plans after graduation?

After completing my classes at TSTC I plan on transferring to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to pursue a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a master’s degree in occupational therapy.

What’s your dream job?

My ultimate dream job is to help children and adults suffering with an illness, and with my career as an occupational therapist, I can do that.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

For me, my GPA is something to be proud of. I have taken at the most 17-18 credit hours and I’ve been able to maintain my grades. This is especially a huge achievement for me after being out of school for so long.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is to always help others, put them first and make them happy. My mom always instilled this in me growing up and I always followed it. I put my mom first when she was with us and now I make sure to put my wife first.

Who at TSTC has had the greatest influence on your success?

First there’s my government instructor Elizabeth Bryant. She reinvigorated my fire and desire to learn. Next, is my Anatomy and Physiology instructor Eduardo Saldivar, who has made learning fun and helped me steer my career decision.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?  

I want to advice students to take every single class seriously, no matter how easy they may think it is. Also, do your best and make the most of your college career and have no regrets.