July, 2003
Rachael Garza, a 1995 graduate of Texas State Technical College's Automated Office Technology program, received a $3,000 scholarship to the University of Texas at Brownsville and is pursuing baccalaureate studies at this time. Garza acquired several years of work experience before returning to college. In her application, Garza stated, “I evaluated my position and my job. I have the skills to move up the ladder, but I don’t have the education. Acquiring my bachelor’s degree can open many doors for me, but being in the position of being a single parent of three with a fixed income has me putting off my education again and again. Receiving a scholarship … will be a tremendous help in achieving my goal.” Garza has almost completed her baccalaureate studies and will soon return to the workforce.

2008 UPDATE: Rachel Garza graduated from Santa Rosa in 1984 but wasn’t really focused on any future. However she attended UTPA and TSTC and in 1994 earned a TSTC Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree as an Administrative Assistant. During these years she married and had three children. By 1994, Garza’s goals were solidifying; and in 2002, she applied for a Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos Tech Prep Scholarship then awarded to AAS graduates continuing into baccalaureate programs.

Garza qualified for the Cavazos Tech Prep Scholarship because she had taken tech prep classes in high school and again at TSTC. She used the scholarship she received to further her education at UTB and ultimately graduated with a degree in Business.

Garza anticipated a profession in the business field; however, her professional life took an interesting turn. Because of that AAS degree she received from TSTC, she had acquired organizational skills and word processing skills, as well as learning the importance of documentation , grammar usage, and excellence in communication. The skill set Garza received, together with her education and training, ultimately led to her being selected for a position at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, where she now works with Adult Protective Services. Garza’s college degrees are necessary for her position, but the skills she relies on everyday came through the classes that Tech Prep RGV and its partners in the school districts and colleges guide students into every day.

Not only did Tech Prep RGV have an influence in Rachel’s life, but also, her children took tech prep classes in high school and then moved on to be successful adults. Her youngest son will graduate from high school this year and then plans to make the military his career.