Laredo College Student Stories

Emily Martinez is preparing to take the next big step in her journey. After two years at Laredo College, Emily is getting ready to graduate with an Associate of Science in Biology before continuing her education in dental hygiene. In this episode of Student Stories, she talks about finding a sense of home at LC, her experience working with the Office of Student Life and preparing to leave Laredo a...

U.S. Navy veteran Jonathan Garza has taken a path from military service to film production and now logistics at Laredo College. In this episode of Laredo College Student Stories, Jonathan shares how his experiences helped shape his drive and leadership, why he returned to school to pursue logistics, and how he has found a new direction in one of Laredo’s most important industries. Now president of...

A childhood fascination with orcas sparked a dream that Sergio Ledesma is now working to make a reality. Through undergraduate research, national conferences and campus involvement, Sergio has embraced the opportunities he’s found at Laredo College. Hear how those experiences are preparing him for his next chapter and a future working with marine mammals.

Rosa McCabe-Garcia’s path to graduation was anything but traditional. After putting her education on hold for family, she returned to Laredo College and discovered new opportunities, including the chance to study abroad in Spain. In this episode of Student Stories, Rosa reflects on what brought her back to college, the experiences that pushed her beyond her comfort zone and why she believes it is...

Ximena “Mena” Vasquez reflects on how her time at Laredo College helped her grow from a shy student into a confident campus leader. She shares her experiences as a New Student Orientation Leader, her involvement in Student Government Association and Phi Theta Kappa, and the opportunities that shaped her LC journey. As she prepares to transfer and pursue a career in sports medicine, Mena encourages...

In this episode of Student Stories , Regina Renteria shares how her path changed from studying history to discovering a passion for dental care. After enrolling in Laredo College’s Dental Assistant program through Continuing Education, she found the right fit and went on to study dental hygiene. Regina credits Laredo College for helping shape her success.

Paola Castro, a student at Laredo College, began dancing at six years old in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. She was accepted into the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensive and has now been invited to join its year-round training program this Fall, where she will pursue her bachelor’s degree. Paola chose to complete her associate degree at Laredo College and credits the college’s Dance faculty...

Marine veteran Gabriel Guerra is graduating this semester with an Associate Degree in Electronic Technologies from Laredo College. After gaining leadership skills in the Marines, he’s continuing his education and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Inspired by God and his hardworking parents, Gabriel stays grounded in faith and family. Outside the classroom, he enjoys p...

Jack Keefer shares the journey that led him to Laredo and proves that it’s never too late to pursue an education. At 71, the U.S. Army veteran and first-generation student earned his Associate of Arts and delivered the Fall 2025 student address at Laredo College. Raised in Minnesota, Jack was stationed in Okinawa during his military service and later lived in Mexico, where he met his wife and taug...

Marco Carrillo is a Physical Therapist Assistant student at Laredo College. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Laredo since age 10, he grew up playing trumpet and always knew he wanted to help others. While earning his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology at TAMIU, he discovered his passion for rehabilitation, which led him to the PTA program and a future focused on helping people recover and regain th...

Lizette Peña, who already holds an associate degree, recently began the Vocational Nursing program at Laredo College. She hopes to become a registered nurse and work in pediatrics or the NICU. Even after just a few months, she has seen herself grow more confident and outgoing. Her advice to others is to never give up. #LaredoCollege #StudentStories #PalominoPride

Radiologic Technology student Ivan Vasquez credits the LEAPS program for helping him find his path after being unsure what to study. Through LEAPS, he has completed undergraduate research projects and traveled to conferences in Wisconsin and California. He did not get into the Radiologic Technology program on his first try, but he used the extra time to save money and prepare, something he now see...

After a rough first semester, Daniel Teniente turned things around with encouragement from his parents. Now on track to earn his associate degree, he’s working toward his goal of qualifying for the fire academy, a path that will require both academic focus and physical endurance. A dedicated athlete and combat sports enthusiast, Daniel believes discipline and fitness are key to success in every ar...

Pedro Rueda reflects on how the COVID years shaped his outlook on education and connection. After missing his 9th grade year on campus, he learned to adapt, grow, and regain confidence in himself. Now preparing to graduate from Laredo College, he plans to transfer to TAMIU and pursue a master’s in public administration. #LaredoCollege #StudentStories #PalominoPride

After earning her associate degree in 2007, Elizabeth Martinez had to put college on hold. She returned 15 years later through Adult Education courses, earning certificates in bookkeeping and payroll, and soon gained the confidence to join the BASORGL program. She says it has changed her life, and this December she will graduate, proving it’s never too late to continue your education. #LaredoColle...

Maria Figueroa, from Nuevo Laredo, began school in the U.S. at Cigarroa High where she learned English for the first time. Now in LC’s Honors Program, she’s preparing to graduate in December and transfer to TAMIU. Inspired by her teachers, she hopes to become an educator herself. In this interview, the questions are in English and Maria responds in Spanish. Entrevista en inglés y español. #LaredoC...

Axel Tamez Rodriguez is attending college in the U.S. for the first time at Laredo College after growing up in Nuevo Laredo. He’s been playing piano since childhood, though he admits he’s a little rusty these days. With a humble attitude and big goals, Axel hopes to transfer to TAMIU for a business degree. In this interview, the questions are in English and Axel responds in Spanish. Entrevista en...

Orientation leader Akemi Nakazono shares her journey from switching schools between Nuevo Laredo and Laredo to attending a university in Denton. She reflects on lessons learned, overcoming challenges, and how her experiences shaped her positive outlook. #LaredoCollege #StudentStories #HigherEducation

Norma Maisonet returned to college after several years and will soon graduate from LC’s BASORGL program. Originally from Hebbronville, she says the program feels like family—and she’s keeping a promise to her mom to earn a degree, no matter her age. #LaredoCollege #StudentStories #BASORGL #AdultLearner

After graduating during the COVID shutdown, Manny Escobedo took a break but returned to Laredo College after realizing the importance of getting an education. Now a full-time student and member of the national champion Esports team, he’s aiming for a career in radiology.#LaredoCollege #StudentStories #PalominoPride

After starting at TAMIU, Jonathan “Boogie” Nieto found his stride at Laredo College. Now close to finishing his Electrician Certification, he plans to pursue a business degree. As captain of LC’s national champion Valorant Esports team, he’s leveling up on and off the screen. #LaredoCollege #StudentStories

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Natalie Flores moved to Laredo in high school and found her path at LC. Now she’s preparing to transfer and pursue a business degree with plans to work in hospitality and tourism.

Ten years after high school, Priscilla Arispe started at LC, earning her associate degree and continuing in the BASORGL program. A mother, business owner, and advocate, she’s driven to help others — and dreams of running for office.

After losing her father during the COVID pandemic, Ariella Rodriguez found the strength to continue her education with the support of close friends. Now at Laredo College, she’s pursuing criminal justice and hopes to become an arms instructor for the Border Patrol. #LaredoCollege #StudentStories #AriellaRodriguez #PalominoPride

Roxanne Jimenez has already earned her associate degree from Laredo College and is now setting her sights on the BASORGL program. Once shy, she credits her campus involvement with helping her break out of her shell. Roxanne has a wide range of interests—including art—and even has a side hustle designing graphics. #LaredoCollege #StudentStories #RoxanneJimenez #BASORGL #CampusLife #StudentArtist #P...