(HARLINGEN) – Hector Cerda is a student at Texas State Technical College. The La Feria native is pursuing an associate degree in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics.
The 18-year-old said creativity and art comes natural to him. For as long as he can remember, art has been his passion. Through his major, he said he can use his art to aspire to a successful architectural career.
Cerda is also an active volunteer with the TSTC Student Government Association.
What are your pla
ns after graduation?
After I graduate I hope to immediately start working. My family and I are struggling financially right now, and my brother is helping me pay for school. I want to pay him back and get my family out of our money troubles. I owe them this.
What is your dream job?
I hope to find a career with an architectural company or somewhere I can use the skills I am learning. Wherever I end up, I know for sure I want it to be a place where I enjoy my job. I also want to expand my hobby and become a tattoo artist.
What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?
My greatest accomplishment is just being here. When I was in high school I never saw college in my future, everyone had lost hope. I’m a recovering drug addict and I needed to do something productive with my life, make my family proud and prove my non-believers wrong.
What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?
I have learned that no matter how dark life gets, there is light at the end of the tunnel; there is hope. I have support from my parents and my brother so I cannot quit. I have to keep pushing forward and succeed in changing our lives.
Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success.
It’s really difficult to just name one. Every one of my instructors is motivating. They work so hard to make sure we stay in the program and succeed. They show they really care about us and take the time to understand us as individuals.
What is your advice for future TSTC students?
Don’t stress out, you don’t need to. There are so many people here at TSTC who are willing to help you if you only you ask for help.. They do what they can to help you, but you must believe in yourself and remember that you will make it through.