By Astrid Mendez — KRGV — May 17

Graduation season is underway and more than 1,100 students graduated from 51����.

Among them were a Los Fresnos mom and her two children.

‘Don’t wait for the tide just to dip both your feet in,’ that’s the message written across the graduation cap of Alexa Sanchez Martinez, but it’s a phrase that describes her family’s journey to the graduation stage.

“It was definitely hard. It was a lot of endless nights, I worked so I had to juggle that too, but honestly, this is the number one thing I feel most accomplished with,” Alexa said.

This isn’t Alexa’s high school graduation. It’s her graduation from TSC, where she received an Associate of Arts in General Studies, all while still attending Los Fresnos High School.

She wasn’t the only one in her family wearing a cap and gown. Her mother and brother, Hilda Martinez and Brandon Guzman, also graduated from TSC on the same day.

“There’s no one else I rather graduate with and seeing them finally going through that stepping stone with me right behind them, just copying their every move, honestly it just makes me really happy and I’m super proud of them,” Alexa said.

Alexa’s mom — Hilda — earned her Associate degree in Social Work, all while working full-time as an attendance and records clerk at Los Fresnos CISD.

Dr. Alejos Salazar Jr., superintendent of Lasara Independent School District and a proud graduate of 51���� (TSC), took a non-traditional path to educational leadership.

Salazar, a 1989 graduate of La Villa High School, was already a husband and father when he began taking evening classes at TSC in the mid-1990s. During this period, he worked as a teacher’s aide and bus driver for the South Texas Independent School District, carefully balancing his professional responsibilities, education, and family life.

“Being 24 years old and already having children, I wanted to be able to provide more for them,” Salazar said. “To be able to give them the life I thought they deserved—and that my wife and I deserved. As tired as I was, there was always the motivation to continue to move forward.”

Many of Salazar’s classmates in his evening classes also worked during the day

“I didn’t feel out of place at all,” he said. “When you have a certain level of comfort, it allows you to work that much better. That made a huge difference. I tell people, UTB/TSC (University of Texas at Brownsville and 51����) was the place for me.”

Salazar graduated from UTB/TSC in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in government and political science. He recalls that some of his most meaningful learning experiences took place outside the classroom. As a student, he was invited to dinners hosted by political science professor Dr. Norman Binder, where he had the opportunity to interact with local politicians.

“I don’t know if I would have been able to do that at 18 or 19,” said Salazar. “At 25 to 28, it was easy for him to entrust me with a lot of things and to learn how to mingle and communicate. That was an education. I don’t think I would have that experience anywhere else if not for 51����.”

After graduating from UTB/TSC, Salazar was accepted into several law schools. At the time, he was the father of three children and chose to forgo law school to remain close to home and help raise his family. Instead, he took a position as a permanent substitute teacher. In 1999, he secured his first full teaching role with the Santa Maria Independent School District.

“My dad was a school administrator,” Salazar said. “He had always instilled in my sisters and me that if you’re going to do something, try to be the best or rise to the top in whatever you’re doing.”

Motivated by his father’s philosophy, Salazar continued advancing his education while building his career. He earned a master’s degree and moved into administrative roles across several school districts in the Rio Grande Valley. Committed to lifelong learning, he later enrolled in the Cooperative Superintendency Program at the University of Texas, ultimately earning his doctoral degree in 2019.

“To be able to go to what at one point is the number one program in the nation, I’m very proud of that,” Salazar said emotionally. “It makes my heart happy.”

The Lasara ISD superintendent takes pride in providing students with the opportunity to earn a college degree.

“What happens when you’re doing physical labor and your body can no longer do that?” said Salazar. “It’s of utmost importance that our kids have the educational background and cognitive ability to say, at that point, ‘I’m transitioning to management or the executive office. I’ve done the work, but I’m also capable of leading the work.’”

Salazar also emphasizes the need to advocate for his students beyond the classroom. In 2025, he spoke to policymakers at the Capitol, highlighting urgent concerns about school funding and how it affects educational equity across communities.

“That’s important to me,” Salazar said. “Whether you agree or disagree with school vouchers, the fact is: Are you willing to make the effort and go to speak on behalf of those who you represent? Are you willing to go and defend, or be the voice, for those who do not have a voice?”

Salazar remembers how his time as a student at TSC helped prepare him to become an educational leader.

“I found that voice at TSC,” he said. “Dr. Binder and Dr. John Robey allowed us to go to meet with all those politicians and people, and for them to sit and value what we had to say. To this day, I use that experience to be able to advocate for my kids and my community.”

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Dressed in their traditional cap and gown regalia, Osvaldo Padilla and Aide Duque celebrate earning their second associates degrees on Saturday, May 17, 2025, showing that mutual support leads to mutual success. Photo by: Esteban Del Angel – 51����

It was more than just a milestone – it was a moment of mutual pride and perseverance as Aide Duque and Osvaldo Padilla, a married couple and valued staff members at 51����, celebrated earning their second associate degrees side by side.

Balancing full-time roles on campus, Duque as an administrative assistant to the Dean of Health Professions, and Padilla as a warehouse specialist for the Maintenance and Facilities Department, the pair have demonstrated that lifelong learning isn’t just something they support in their professional roles; it’s something they actively live out together.

Prior to landing at TSC, the two were already in a relationship, and while their sights were set on the college, it was actually Padilla who first secured a job at TSC. “I first learned about TSC from my spouse,” Padilla began. “She identified me as a possible prospect after applying with a temp agency. I was contacted by the agency for an interview and was lucky enough to be hired. I came in as a temp��with the purchasing department, but my involvement later grew when I completed my temporary duties.”

While Duque eventually landed at TSC in her current role, Padilla continued to identify and take on bigger roles. “Because of my background here, I was able to get interview with the Inventory Department as an��inventory clerk and ended up getting the position.”

Working for a college provided them with an additional opportunity in the form of continuing their educational pursuits. The choice was easy enough to make, as both had plenty of reasons to take the leap to earn not just one but two associates degrees apiece during their time with TSC.

“We chose to earn two associate degrees in order to widen our professional choices and provide a good example for our three girls,” said Duque��“It was possible to continue working full-time while learning thanks to the online model.�� We carefully chose complementing programs that would improve our abilities in several fields, increasing our employability.�� We regarded it as an investment in our family’s future that would open avenues that neither of us could access with just one degree, even if juggling everything was undoubtedly difficult.”

Throughout their academic journey, they’ve served as each other’s greatest motivators, pushing through long nights, busy schedules, and balancing responsibilities at work and home.

“Mutual support and teamwork were essential to our success,” Duque explained. “One of us would step in to help clarify concepts when the other was having trouble with the course material. Our most active daughter, whose volume level frequently dictated our study schedule, was one of the girls who frequently kept us up past midnight working on papers or presentations after the kids had gone to bed.
Making presentations and taking tests requires meticulous preparation around the demands of our family.”

Ultimately, it was a solid recipe for success, and after putting in the time and effort, they were able to walk the stage at their second commencement to be recognized for their achievement, Duque earning an Associates of Arts in Criminal Justice and Padilla an Associates of Arts in Business.

“That felt like the peak of our journey together, after many late hours spent studying while the girls slept, balancing employment obligations, and helping one another through difficult classes,” said Duque. “Knowing exactly what it needed to achieve this milestone together made us feel incredibly proud of one other as well as of ourselves. It was really touching to witness our daughters in the crowd as both of their parents graduated. It reaffirmed that the sacrifices we made were worthwhile.”

When they look back on their monumental accomplishment, they are also just as quick to show appreciation for everyone who helped them along the way.

“Our three girls deserve special recognition for their everyday inspiration and for their extraordinary patience when academics required our time, and I am incredibly grateful to my mother and sisters for providing childcare during exam periods and for always having faith in our abilities,” said Duque. “We would want to express our gratitude to our College Enrollment Coach, John Cadena, for his amazing assistance with any outstanding paperwork, financial aid documents, and other needs. We also owe each other gratitude for the late-night study sessions, for helping one other understand difficult subjects, and for being each other’s strongest supporters.”

Their story is a reminder that support systems don’t just help students succeed, but they also inspire achievement in others. “For us, education is more than just credentials,” Duque said. “We genuinely think that learning never stops, and we wanted to show our kids that we are dedicated to their long-term development.”

Olga Nelly Rosas enrolled at 51���� as a non-traditional student in the Accounting Technology program, and the experience eventually led her to find a full-time position as a Payroll Specialist for TSC, illustrating that a college education and success go hand-in-hand. Photo by Esteban Del Angel / 51����.

Nearly every student who embarks upon a journey into higher education does so, hoping to graduate and find a fulfilling career afterward. The search for a career can be a separate journey, but the distance between college and career is often closer than some may think.

That is the case for Olga Nelly Rosas, a 51���� graduate who now applies the skills she learned in the classroom for the college as a Payroll Specialist at her alma mater. ��

Rosas’ story began here in our local area. “I was born here [Brownsville, Texas], but I lived in Tamaulipas and studied there until high school,” said Rosas. “At 16, my parents sent me to a boarding school in Texas, and after that, I studied to be a Computer Accounting Specialist, but I got married, and I only had sporadic work afterward.”

Though Rosas put her educational pursuits on pause to devote herself to her new family, life has a way of introducing unexpected turns, and one turn, in particular, put Rosas in a position to reevaluate both her educational and long-term career opportunities.

“After 22 years, I got divorced, and I wanted to work, but my son told me that if I wanted to find anything, I had to return to college,” said Rosas.

This decision led Rosas to 51����, partly thanks to her��son. “He brought me to 51���� because he was studying here at that time, and he helped me to enroll in my classes,” Rosas recalled. ��“He came with me on my first day of class because he wanted to make sure I would be okay, just like I did with him for his first day of kindergarten.”

Upon enrolling at TSC, Rosas determined that the Accounting Technology program would be a good fit and open doors for future career opportunities. That decision brought her under the tutelage of Magdalena Solis, Program Director and 51����s’ Accounting Technology Program instructor.

While she struggled at first, Solis’ encouragement ended up making a difference for Rosas in the long run.�� “When she started the program, Ms. Rosas was quiet and reserved, like most other students, and kept to herself,” Solis recalled. “However, as time progressed, and she took other classes, she became more engaged with classmates and gained self-confidence in her work.”

Rosas was candid about her early difficulties with the course. “I remember talking to Mrs. Solis and confessing that I was struggling,” she said.

However, she also remembers the sincere support that she received from her instructor. “Ms. Solis looked at me and said, ‘You can do it, just keep practicing.’�� She believed in me more than I believed in myself.”

The Accounting Technology program is designed so that students not only learn the skills they will need for work in accounting and related fields but also help them network and open doors for future opportunities through integrated internships as part of the program’s curriculum.

“The Accounting Technology program’s internship class allows students to engage with potential employers. In the internship class, students are placed with an employer as a volunteer to practice what they have learned in the classroom,” said Solis.

This crucial element for Rosas would inextricably build the bridge between her educational pathway and her future career. “In the case of Ms. Rosas, her internship was here at TSC,” said Solis. “She excelled as a student intern and eventually applied for a full-time position. She has made progress in her career.”

What makes this more remarkable is that, for Rosas, it was the fulfillment of a quiet goal she had set for herself during her earliest days as a student.

“During my first semester, I was on the second floor in Tandy Hall and passed by an empty office. At that time, the offices were empty, but I peeked inside and thought, ‘I’d like to work in a place like that someday,’” began Rosas. “I feel proud of myself; after over 20 years, I returned to college, graduated with honors, and ended up working in that exact same office; I never expected that.”

For Solis, it’s a success story that illustrates that a college education can open doors for future careers, but beyond that, it’s also a joy to see a former student go on to achieve great things for themselves.

“Ms. Rosas was an excellent student, and through her determination and self-confidence she has excelled.��My congratulations��to Ms. Rosas and the progress she has made in her career.”

TSC Alumni Erica Esquivel and Abigail Hernandez, the mother-daughter duo, understood that their time at TSC was a crucial first step on their educational journeys. This journey led them to Texas A&M University Kingsville (TAMUK), where they recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work.

Students typically enroll in college for various reasons, but undoubtedly, the most common reason is a desire to develop skills and experiences that can lead to job security. ��

51���� excels at creating an environment where students can pursue their education and make the necessary connections to bridge the gap between graduation and full-time jobs. ��

One such student who is a shining example of this dual-purpose model of efficiency is Deisy Bouleris. ��

“After I graduated from high school, going to college was not something I wanted to do, but my mom was persistent and eventually convinced me to enroll,” said Bouleris of her initial steps toward enrolling at TSC. “At the time, my dad was starting his own business, and I thought maybe I could help him out if I studied something in business, and accounting is what caught my attention.” ����

Her decision to study in the Accounting Technology Program fortuitously brought her into contact with instructor Maggie Solis, who proved instrumental in helping Bouleris learn the skills she would need to be successful in her future professional career. ������

“She was a quiet student and kept to herself, as new students tend to do,” recalled Solis. “After some time in the program, I watched her gradually overcome her shyness and reluctance.” ��

“I am very thankful to Mrs. Solis,” Bouleris said of her instructor. She has been a huge source of support ever since I entered the Accounting Technology program. She cares about her students and ensures they learn skills that will help them enter the workforce.” ��

Beyond moral support, another crucial factor that helped put Bouleris on the path to success was a core component of the program she studied. ��

“As part of pursuing an Associate in Accounting Technology, the program offers a course in which students will receive job placement with an employer to practice their accounting skills,” said Solis. “This is important because it adds value to their learning experience by having them practice their accounting and bookkeeping skills, and the employer benefits from the students’ assistance. It’s a win-win for both parties involved.” ��

Sure enough, Bouleris’ internship with Workforce Solutions Cameron (WFSC) proved to be the first step toward greater things. ��

“Three months later, after my internship ended, I was given the opportunity to start employment at WFSC as an accounting technician,” she said. Over time, her skills and strong work ethic have seen her gradually move up the ladder and take on more responsibilities in her professional career. ��

“Today, my official title is Financial Accountant, and some of my duties include month-end billing, accounts payables, preparing and adjusting journal entries, and reconciling balance sheet accounts.” ������

To her former instructor, Bouleris is a shining example of what students can achieve when they honestly apply themselves to their studies and use the skills learned to develop into well-rounded professionals. “I’m so proud that she has transformed from a shy student to a professional financial accountant excelling in her field. She is an example of success for all students.” ��

As she continues down her career path, Bouleris hopes that more students can gain inspiration from her achievements and seek out higher education opportunities. ��

“Pursue your goals,” she confidently states. “It doesn’t matter how long it takes or how difficult it may seem, it’s never too late to start.”��