(HARLINGEN) – Ruben Rodriguez, a Harlingen native, is the newly elected Student Government Association treasurer at Texas State Technical College.

The 19-year-old is studying his academic core and expects to finish in Spring 2020. He is a recent graduate of the TSTC Student Leadership Academy, volunteers across the community and around campus, and is working toward growing the TSTC discount program, which provides TSTC students with discounts at local restaurants and shops.

What are your plans after graduation?

As soon as I complete my academic core at TSTC, I plan on transferring to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become a U.S. Border Patrol agent and when I retire become a state trooper.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment at TSTC so far has been becoming treasurer of the SGA. I was unsure about trying for the position, but with the great leadership from Student Life and my friends, I was encouraged to do it, and it has been the best experience.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that anything worth having is not easy. It requires hard work, sacrifice, and trial and error, but in the end it’s all worth it.

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

The people who have influenced my success the most are my supervisors: Executive Director of Student Life Adele Clinton, Student Life coordinators Belinda Palomino and Larissa Moreno, and my fellow SGA officers. They are my advisors, motivation and support and always help me push forward.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to remember that college is what you make of it. It can be hard or easy, fun or boring, but when you make the best out of any situation, your experience is bound to be great. Work hard, reach for your goals and have fun.