Roy Heath is a first-generation college graduate who found his place at Texas Southmost College.

The recent Accounting Technology graduate earned an associate degree earlier this month despite being skeptical of returning to college. Roy had a negative experience with another university straight out of high school.

“I first attempted college in 2011, right out of high school,” said the 28-year-old. “But I was young and didn’t do well. That experience played in my mind when making the decision to return this time around.”

It was not until the Brownsville native received a promotion without a raise at his job, simply because he didn’t have a degree, that he realized that education was the key to his future success.

“I was faced with constant no’s and rejections each time I asked for a raise,” he said. “So I knew what I had to do, even if the transition was a bit intimidating.”

Heath quit his job, invested all of his savings into a college education and enrolled at TSC to pursue his long-time passion of business and numbers – he never looked back.

The journey was not easy for Heath, who was a full-time student, turned full-time employee when he sought out a position that could help him fulfill his internship requirements.

“I was only looking for an internship, but because I was in school and working toward a degree, I was hired full-time,” he said. “I could not pass up an opportunity like that.”

He added that his instructors, especially his mentor TSC Accounting Technology Program Coordinator Maggie Solis, helped him overcome the challenges that come with being a full-time student and employee.

“Ms. Solis was always there to help,” said Heath. “She was determined we all learn and have the resources we need to gain a successful career in this field. She is also the one who encouraged me to remain active with the program after I graduated.”

Despite the challenges, Heath persevered, even earning multiple promotions leading up to an administrator position, at the import/export company he has worked with since the start of his program.

“TSC changed my life in every way,” he said. “From an internship that led to a career, to higher self-esteem and confidence in myself, TSC has improved my well being and provided me with opportunity.”

Heath’s ultimate goal is to become a chief financial officer at a large corporation, and he will achieve this goal by continuing his education.

This summer he will be taking advantage of TSC’s Take 6 on Us initiative to get 100% of his tuition and fees waived for up to six semester credit hours since he lives within the college’s taxing district.

These classes will help him finish his prerequisites to begin his bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University – Kingsville in Organizational Leadership.

Heath eventually hopes to earn a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in finance.

“Everything I am now working toward and have the opportunity to do is because of TSC,” he said. “This is why I’m proud to serve in the accounting program’s advisory committee. I want to be here for these students like TSC was for me.”

With the help of the advisory committee and Solis, Heath hopes to begin an internship program for TSC accounting students at his company. It’s a win-win situation for the students and his company.

Visit TSC’s Accounting Technology program for more information.