Some students spend years discovering which educational pathway can lead them to the career they want. However, for Marco Perales, that decision was clear from the start, and it has resulted in him preparing to graduate from 51����, having earned his Associate of Applied Science in Accounting Technology.

Coming from a family of four, Perales completed his early education at Athlos Leadership Academy, known today as Jubilee Brownsville. In addition to the usual studies expected of a student, Perales was also able to gain valuable insight into a different realm through his efforts to help manage his family business. This was the catalyst which eventually led him to enroll with 51���� when the time was right.

“Originally, I wanted to study Business Management, but outside of school, I’ve helped my mom run our family business,” Perales began. “I recently started another business that I manage on my own, so I figured that since I already have hands-on experience with running a business, I could focus on studying another skill that is crucial to running a business.”

With that in mind, Perales jumped headfirst into TSC’s Accounting Technology program, determined to pick up yet another valuable skill which would positively contribute to his career.

“It was the best educational decision I could have made,” he confidently stated. Throughout the course, he and the rest of his classmates were taught invaluable skills which apply directly to running a business such as producing financial statements. He was even able to learn the tax laws necessary to prepare tax returns, allowing him to volunteer with the program’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) service earlier in the year.

While he had the right combination of enthusiasm and drive, working his way through the program came with its own unique set of challenges.

“One of the difficulties I encountered was the Excel class, specifically the introduction to utilizing formulas. But with a little practice and repetition, I quickly grew comfortable with using formulas more often. I got better over time and managed to complete the class with an A grade.”

Of course, Perales is just as quick to give credit where credit is due to additional assistance he received throughout the course of his studies, most importantly to Ms. Magdalena Solis, Program Director and Instructor for TSC’s Accounting Technology program.

“Ms. Solis is the best instructor I could have ever asked for to help me get through the program. She is so helpful in assisting her students with questions we might have and always willing to do the extra mile to help us understand the topic, explaining it as many times as we need until we understand.”

Now as he has successfully completed the program and stands on the verge of graduation, Perales is already thinking three very ambitious steps ahead with where his future will take him.

“I’m going to continue managing the family business in addition to my own business which I started, and before the end of the 2025, I would like to start up another business with my own food truck.”

Whenever he looks back at his experience with 51����, his appreciation will always be with those who helped him take the next step in his career.

“I’d really like to thank Ms. Solis for her involvement in guiding me throughout my classes and encouraging me to take the extra step needed to succeed to the best of my ability.”

In team sports, critical aspects go into making a well-rounded team, such as skill and conditioning. Camaraderie also plays a vital role in how a team functions. For the women’s team players Melanie Saldaña and Aleythia Gutierrez, this past season has been one marked by a multitude of improvements in their game, including their growing roles as mentors to their teammates as they head into the NJCAA playoffs.

In addition to their shared mentorship roles, the ladies’ forays into the soccer world share several parallels. Saldaña and Gutierrez, from McAllen and Edinburg, respectively, became involved with athletics early on, eventually finding their way onto the soccer pitch.

Saldaña, a graduate of McAllen High School, played with the McAllen Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) and club soccer. Gutierrez, who started at IDEA Quest before transferring to IDEA Toros, became involved with the Olympic Development Program (ODP). Through these shared experiences, both ladies got to know one another, hone their overall skills, and cultivate their love for the sport as a whole.

However, their time as active athletes was not without the occasional setback. At one point, Saldaña had taken eighteen months off from the sport. Gutierrez endured two meniscus injuries, both of which required surgery, followed by a nearly three-year absence from active competition.

For both ladies, the love of the game never truly diminished, and before long, both found themselves competing in local leagues again. Those experiences became responsible for creating the connections that helped them find their way onto the TSC Scorpions team.

Saldaña and Gutierrez were convinced by Scorpion teammates and friends Anahi Banda and Maritza Saenz to try out for the TSC Scorpions team simultaneously. Both were uncertain at first, but after some discussions and soul-searching, they convinced each other to go for it.

Once they found out they were accepted and would be joining both TSC and the Scorpions team, their sense of elation quickly turned to a newly resolved focus. As their focus grew, so did their desire to share the benefit of their years of experience with their new teammates, which they have managed to fulfill.

“T���ir presence here has helped transform the team, and their leadership both on and off the field has had a positive impact on our younger athletes,” said Dr. Armando Ponce, Executive Director of Athletics & Civility at TSC. “T���y’re building the foundation for the future.”

Their performances have improved over the season, strengthening the foundation of a team composed of players across the Rio Grande Valley.

“I love being part of this community and our team family,” Gutierrez shared. “Our teammates are amazing, and the coaches are incredible. I feel like we truly have something special here.”

Saldaña added, “What I enjoy most is our team chemistry. The coaches are always open to working with us and hearing our input, which creates a real sense of unity and pride in representing where we’re from. It feels like the perfect fit, and we’re all really enjoying it.”

The depth of their impact also extends to the greater sense of camaraderie they have helped foster within the team. “T��� bus rides to our away games have been times when we’ve gotten to build our team chemistry. We’ve all grown comfortable with opening up to each other and helping each other out, either with sports or school,” Saldaña. “Even if we lose a game, we lift and keep each other strong. It’s something we understand and don’t take for granted.”

With the playoffs in sight, both ladies are simultaneously looking back and forward to prepare themselves. “We’re through ups and downs as a team, but we’re facing it together and staying motivated, playing every game like it’s our last one,” said Saldaña. “We’re playing beautiful soccer as a cohesive team, and we’re excited to have made it to this point and have the opportunity to make history.”

Through their individual and shared journeys, both ladies have displayed the kind of determination and perseverance that defines great athletes, and both are steadfast in their resolve to pass on everything they’ve learned to aspiring athletes who wish to follow in their footsteps. “Don’t give up, and always try to be as optimistic as possible,” Saldaña remarked, with Gutierrez adding, “Remember to have fun. It’s not the end of the world if you lose or have a bad performance – at the end, it’s about learning and trying to become a better version of yourself.”

In a celebration of cultural richness and diversity, students of the Mexican American class at 51����, led by History Instructor Gina Silva, recently captivated audiences with their insightful and heartfelt presentation on the history of Dia de los Muertos. The event showcased their academic prowess and commitment to preserving and sharing the vibrant traditions of the Mexican culture.

The passionate and dedicated students delved into the rich history of Dia de los Muertos, unraveling its origins and evolution. With eloquence and enthusiasm, they painted a vivid picture of how this Mexican holiday, also known as the Day of the Dead, has transcended time and borders, becoming a beloved tradition celebrated in Mexico and worldwide.

One of the presentation’s highlights was exploring the significance of altars in Dia de los Muertos celebrations. The students beautifully articulated how these elaborate displays serve as poignant tributes to departed loved ones, combining elements of indigenous beliefs with Catholic traditions. Through their research and presentation, they shed light on the symbolism behind each component of the altar, from the vibrant marigolds to the favorite foods and cherished photographs.

The event wasn’t just a history lesson but a celebration of cultural identity and heritage. The students’ passion for their roots shone through as they spoke about preserving and passing down traditions from one generation to the next. Their dedication to promoting cultural understanding and appreciation was evident in every word spoken, creating a tapestry of unity and respect.
The 51���� Mexican American class continued beyond a classroom presentation. They actively engaged with the community, inviting residents to participate in the festivities and learn more about Dia de los Muertos. This outreach initiative fostered a sense of community and created an open space for cultural exchange, fostering understanding and mutual respect.

As we congratulate the students of the 51���� Mexican American class, we also commend them for their commitment to education, cultural preservation, and community engagement. Their presentation on Dia de los Muertos was not just an academic exercise but a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and beauty of Mexican traditions. In celebrating Dia de los Muertos, they have enriched their lives and contributed to the cultural mosaic that makes our community diverse and vibrant.
We look forward to more inspiring initiatives from these dedicated students and the continued celebration of our shared cultural heritage.

The students responsible for providing a concise history of Dia de los Muertos, elucidating the altar components, delivering poems, and performing a song are students in Ms. Gina Silva’s Mexican American History Class. The following passages were presented at 51����’s recent Dia De Los Muertos Celebration. It explains the history and the various components of the celebration.

Dia De De Los Muertos History��

Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday with deep roots in indigenous traditions, such as the Aztec and Maya civilizations. It is a time to honor and remember deceased loved ones. The holiday typically lasts from October 31 to November 2.��

��The origins of the Day of the Dead can be traced back to ancient Mesoamerican beliefs, where it was dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl. After the Spanish colonization, it blended with Catholic All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. Families build ofrendas (altars) adorned with marigolds, sugar skulls, and the departed’s favorite foods. They visit gravesites, clean, decorate them, and share stories about their loved ones. This unique celebration blends indigenous and European influences, creating a vibrant and meaningful commemoration of those who have passed away.��

We celebrate Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, to honor and remember our loved ones who have passed away. It is a time to create ofrendas, or altars, filled with their favorite items and to offer marigold flowers and sugar skulls as gifts. This tradition allows us to keep our ancestors’ memory alive and believe that their spirits return to be with us during this special time.��

Altar levels- The top level represents the sky and is usually adorned with religious symbols, candles, and images of saints. The middle level is meant to symbolize the earthly realm and typically includes items that the deceased person enjoyed in life, such as their favorite foods, drinks, and personal mementos. The bottom level signifies the underworld or the afterlife. It is often decorated with items like sugar skulls, marigold flowers, and other traditional Day of the Dead offerings.��

Salt- Salt is typically placed on the ofrenda to represent the purification of the souls of the departed. It is believed to help the souls of the deceased find their way to the ofrenda and to provide them with sustenance during their spiritual journey.��

Marigold- The Marigold is believed to help attract the souls with its smell and guide the souls back to the altar, leading them to be able to rest after a long day crossing to the land of the living.��

Papel Picado- The Papel Picado symbolizes the union between life and death; not only that, but it also shows the joy in life.��

The candle welcomes the spirits back to the altar, and the copal keeps the evil spirits and energy away while guiding the souls to the altar.��

The skull symbolizes the people who have passed and will be receiving the gifts, while the sugar represents the sweetness in life.��

The Pan de Muerto symbolizes the circle of Life and Death, the ball in the center represents the skull of the deceased, and the pieces that form a cross signify the bones and tears. The bread is placed on the altar so the souls that come to visit will have something to eat. The Water is to clench the thirsts of the souls coming to the land of the living.��

The ofrendas are the gifts and offerings we give to those who are deceased to honor and remember. It is a way to welcome their spirits back to the land of the Living and celebrate their lives.��

The photographs are placed on the altar last. It is believed that the photo will bring the souls back to the Land of the Living, and begin to draw them to the altar, if the photos aren’t put up, they won’t be able to cross to the Land of the Living.��

A big shout-out is extended to the students who collaborated with TSC Student Life to orchestrate a triumphant Dia De Los Muertos celebration at 51����.��

Citlaly Lopez, Jesus Cortinas, Michelle Tovar, Daniel Ramirez, Israel Balli, Angelica Cervantes, Cristina Gonzalez, Cristina Gonzalez, Vanette Murillo, Yuliana Ramirez, Sayra Matu, Maria Avendado, Nayeli Pena and Miguel Salcido.��

51���� Embraces Día de los Muertos with Marigolds, Calavera Faces, and an Enchanting Celebration

On Women’s Veterans’ Recognition Day, Ibarra looks back and those who paved the way��

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51���� student and U.S. Army Veteran Dora Ibarra already has a lot of life under her belt. ��

She has served in the military, is raising two young children, and now is tackling a new mission: higher education. She is pursuing her general studies associate degree to one day work in law enforcement. ��

On June 12, TSC joins in recognizing Women’s Veterans Day. Ibarra says her support system and motivation comes from the Homefront.  ��

“My family inspires me,” Ibarra said. “I want to give them a better future, I want to give them opportunities to attend college in the future. I am studying criminal justice; I feel like I connect more in that area of study.” ��

She hopes to earn and wear a badge as a Texas State Trooper or county sheriff.  ��

After earning her diploma from Hanna Early College High School in 2016, she decided to make the brave choice to enlist in the military which landed her on the tropical Island of Hawaii.  ��

“I am a veteran, I served for 3 and a half years,” Ibarra said. “We would go on mountains and put up antennas so the rest of the unit would have communications.” ��

Despite the service being primarily men, she had good things to say about the equal treatment of women in the Army.  ��

“In the unit that I served, they really made me feel like I was just another soldier,” she said. “T���y would not make me feel left out or excluded. They were very supportive but also, they didn’t cut any extra slack or give any special treatment. Because of this experience, I have a strong work ethic.” ��

That strong work ethic is being put to the test while she studies at 51���� with two young children that she raises.  ��

On this Women’s Veterans Day, she reflected on the courageous women servicepeople that argued for the right to serve on the front line in combat zones and dangerous conflicts.  ��

“I am very thankful to those women that served before me, especially those that were in combat situations,” Ibarra said. “When I joined, women weren’t really allowed to be in those positions, and because they fought for that now, they can and have that option.” ��

Ibarra spoke highly of the TSC Veterans’ Success Center which played a large role in getting her enrolled and helping her succeed as a student. ��

“T��� Veterans’ Success Center has been very helpful,” she said. “I remember not knowing what to do, not knowing where to start, and then a friend told me that TSC had this veterans center. Mr. Mark Aguero told me what I needed and did everything for me, he was extremely helpful. Whenever I need to focus on an assignment, I really like going to that room because it is a place where you can really focus and get things done.” ��

She has a message for those who may consider signing up for the armed forces.  ��

“For those that want to serve, I really recommend it. It can help you build a type of discipline that we all need.”  ��

TSC celebrates Military Appreciation Month����

51���� is proud to be of service to the men and women who have served, will serve or stand in reserve for the country.����

During Military Appreciation Month the TSC Veterans Success Center wanted to highlight two current students who have come to school after a tour of duty and while serving as reserve armed forces.��

Enrique Rodriguez����

Rodriguez served four years active duty in the U.S. Army as combat engineer. He went directly from Los Fresnos High School graduation in 2018 to the Army.����

After finishing his time on active duty, he realized that he wanted to enrich his life and fulfill even more ambitions.����

“I’ve always been a learner, so I felt that coming back to school for my education and I had a lot more things I wanted to accomplish in life and challenge myself,” Enrique said.��

Rodriguez is a general studies student who works at the Veterans Success Center alongside retired Marine Mark Aguero.����

“T��� veterans center experience has been very amazing,” Enrique said. “All the people that I work with make it so easy for someone who doesn’t know what benefits they can apply for and what they qualify for.”��

Jonathan Rodriguez��

Jonathan Rodriguez is a member of the Marine Corps Reserves. He enlisted in March 2020 and his time has included one activation from November 2021 to March 2022 named Operation: Allies Welcomed.��

Jonathan is currently in the TSC Police Academy, anticipating graduating later this Summer.��

“I’ve always wanted to serve the country and also serve my community,” Jonathan Rodriguez said. “T��� way the recruited explained to me is that the Marine Corps Reserves is the best way to do both. I can serve my country and my community as a peace officer.”��

Jonathan explained that the small class size in the police academy gives cadets the opportunity to learn with direct and personal instruction.����

“That gives us a more one-on-one experience with the instructor,” Jonathan said. “Our instructors have a lot of experience, and they can give us first-hand advice on what they learned as time as peace officers.����

A location to serve those who served��

“Mark (Aguero) has guided me through every step of this process,” Jonathan Rodriguez said. “I feel that confidence that whenever I have a question I can ask at any time.”��

Enrique spoke about how the Veterans Success Center is the epitome of veterans and military appreciation, a place where relaxation meets resources and those who served the country can connect with each other and their next steps in life.����

“You can use the computer lab if you don’t have one,” Enrique said. “It’s a place for veterans’ independence and a place for us to have a good time.”��

As military appreciation month comes to a close, Jonathan reflected on the value of the armed forces and their commitment to protecting the nation.����

“T���re’s a lot of respect for those who have served and for those who are going to serve in the future. That’s what keeps the country safe,” Jonathan Rodriguez said. “I thank each and every one of the service members that has served. It takes courage, honor and commitment.”��

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American Sign Language Club at 51���� promotes accessibility, skills

The American Sign Language (ASL) Club at 51���� has a heartwarming and inspiring origin. Adolfo Reyes Jr., who is Deaf, wanted more social interaction in college. He is not shy and was involved in high school sports and clubs. His only challenge was finding friends and peers willing to learn sign language to ease communication.

Along with four other eager students, Reyes needed to find TSC staff support in the form of a club sponsor.

The obvious choice was Mr. Frank Slovak, one of three who serves as a Sign Language Interpreter for 51����. The interpreters ensure deaf and hard-of-hearing students have an interpreter available in their classes to provide support.

Along with Slovak, Suzy Garza and Angelica Ramos provide interpretation services.

“T���re’s always been interest in sign language,” Slovak said. “T��� main thing that helped our club was Adolfo’s outgoing personality. He tells people about the club, and people want to join.”

Rebecca Garza is the club’s Vice President, and she spoke about the close-knit nature of the club’s members. Garza has Meniere’s disease and some family history of hearing problems.

“I joined because my family members are in the deaf community, including my dad’s aunt. Seeing how they would communicate made me want to learn,” Garza said. “When my friend told me about the club, I got excited, and I started learning, and now I communicate with family more, so it’s been fun.”

Sign language is close to Garza’s heart because of her family’s history of hearing issues and her condition. Garza shared that being part of the ASL Club at TSC has allowed her to improve relations with her family.

Slovak enjoys witnessing the moments when ASL club students have a breakthrough and progress in learning to sign.

“It is nice to see those ‘ah-ha’ moments,” Slovak said. “Reyes typically arrives 30 minutes early to meetings to prepare and talk about what we are going to go over.”

Students from different backgrounds and fields join the club for numerous reasons. TSC’s healthcare students often join to enhance their sign language skills to help deaf and hard of hearing patients communicate with their doctors. Other students, like Rebecca and Adolfo, join to expand their social circles.

The American Sign Language Club at TSC meets every Monday and Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Lightner, room C-107. Interested students can drop into a meeting or e-mail frank.slovak@tsc.edu for more information.