(Fort Bend County) – Sugar Land native Marigold Sagrado finds herself back home as one of Texas State Technical College’s student recruitment representatives after a seven-year stint in California.

The 28-year-old moved to California immediately after high school with only $200 in her pocket to attend California State University in San Bernardino. She earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2012, but found that her true passion was student affairs.

“My time in California during and after college was spent working in housing, residential life and student affairs,” said Sagrado. “I found this to be my way of helping students, like myself, who come to school alone and with nothing.”

Sagrado gained experience in student affairs at the University of Southern California, San Diego State University and at her alma mater.

Nearly three years ago, an illness in the family pulled Sagrado back to Texas. Within that time she took odd jobs, but finding something in higher education proved to be a challenge. It was not until an Internet job search brought up TSTC’s open positions for the new Fort Bend County campus.

“I knew I wanted a career in higher education, it’s what I love,” said Sagrado. “So I immediately jumped on every job opportunity that was in my realm of expertise and passion.”

Fortunately Sagrado is now part of the TSTC family and loving every moment. She hit the ground running as a recruitment representative in February 2016 and has not looked back.

“I can only go up from here,” she said. “It’s a brand-new campus and I know there will be a lot of room for me to grow and enhance my leadership.”

As a student recruitment representative, Sagrado is active in Fort Bend County and the surrounding communities speaking to high school students about the benefits of a technical education. She said she hopes to help students of all ages realize their dream of a college degree that will lead to a successful career.

“I hope I can turn students’ lives around with my guidance,” said Sagrado. “I know I have succeeded in my job when I begin to see my students graduate. The greatest feeling in the world is when they come back and tell me how I’ve impacted their lives and those of their families.”

Sagrado wants current and incoming TSTC students to stay encouraged, no matter how challenging college and life get. She said she never wants to hear her students say “I can’t.”

“Like people say, where there is a will, there is a way,” said Sagrado. “This career path helps me connect with people. I’m empathetic to those who want to better themselves and they are the reason behind my love for the job.”

In her spare time, Sagrado enjoys practicing photography, traveling, spending time outdoors and hanging out with her family.

Sagrado can be found at Lamar High School or TSTC’s Enrollment Center in Rosenberg. TSTC’s Fort Bend campus is set to open in August 2016. Registration is in progress. To register or apply anytime, visit tstc.edu.