Student Success Profile – Angelina Cruz

(Harlingen) – Angelina Cruz, originally from Europe, but now residing in Harlingen, is currently a Business Management Technology student at Texas State Technical College. She is working toward an associate degree and is expected to graduate in Spring 2017. While working toward her degree, Cruz is completing her General Academic Core to prepare for a bachelor’s degree. Recently, she was also appointed as the Education and Humanities Division Student Senator.

What are your plans after graduation? After graduating I plan on transferring to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg to further my education. There I will pursue a bachelor’s degree in International Business.

What is your dream job? I would like to join a business and work my way up; become a manager and hopefully someday get hired at a corporate level. Ultimately, I would love to open my own music production business. I’ve played the piano since I was six years-old, I’ve sang with a European choir and I’ve always composed and written music. So opening my own studio would be a dream coAngelina Cruz - Student Success Profileme true.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC? I’ve really been able to learn the ins and outs of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access, while studying my major here at TSTC. I’ve really strengthened my skill and I’m now able to help and tutor others in these programs.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life? Throughout my life I have faced challenges and have overcome obstacles that has taught me that one: Respect is earned, not given; and two: never take things for granted.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success? The follow instructors and people have been here for me and have really shown how much they care about my success. I know I can count on their help when I need it: Claudia Arnold, general studies instructor; Father George Gonzalez, music appreciation instructor; Scott Contois, mathematics instructor; and business technology instructors Eddie Benitez, Steve Szymoniak, Elvia Silva and Janie Cuellar.

What is your advice for future TSTC students? The key to a successful college career is punctuality, attendance and participation in class. Most importantly, read the material. Dedication and time management are huge factors in meeting goals.