TSC CNA and PCT Graduates Share Words of Inspiration and Appreciation

Texas Southmost College, December 5 – Every year, Texas Southmost College proudly watches as several students finish up their educational tenures. Many of them are preparing to move on to the next stage of their lives, often in the form of a new career pathway.
But behind every student’s graduation is a story, and although every student comes from a different background, they all share one commonality—the many sources of motivation that pushed them to enroll, study, and succeed.
Students from TSC’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Patient Care Technician (PCT) programs, in conjunction with the Brownsville Independent School District Adult Continuing Education department, were recently honored with a traditional pinning ceremony. Each student was given the opportunity to share words of reflection on their experiences with Texas Southmost College and appreciation for the ones who inspired them along their journeys:

First, I am thankful for my husband and kids for giving me the motivation I needed to go back to school for my GED. It is something I have put off for so long and seeing them proud of me is the best feeling – I want to continue making you guys proud of me. I would also like to let my classmates know I appreciate them for being on this same journey with me and being that extra help when one of us didn’t get something. Lastly, I want to thank my teachers: Mrs. Gonzalez for being patient but also pushing me to learn and believe in myself to know I can get my GED and keep moving up; Mrs. Garcia, thank you for being an awesome CNA instructor, your experience and wisdom is greatly appreciated.

Kiara Prado

I’m thankful for my grandmother, Lala, for always pushing me to do better. She’s always encouraged me to never give up and to be who I am or where I want to be. Even my fiancé Ray has been there for me through my ups and downs, no matter what life throws at me. My best friend Angie, who knows the side of me that others don’t, has been so patient with me and helped me with my CNA homework when I struggled. To Mrs. Garcia, the best teacher I’ve encountered, dhe has made a huge impact in my life on how to be professionals and to pick my battles. She made me felt heard and included. She never let me felt alone and always ensured me that I’m safe. Lastly, I’m thankful for my mother for believing in me. I can proudly say I’ll be the first daughter in the family to graduate with my GED and take the CNA exam in 2025. This isn’t the end of my journey, just the beginning to my future. Thank you all!

Melissa Briones

Today, I feel proud of myself for the person that I’m becoming and for the decisions I’m making in my life. It hasn’t been easy, but I finally accomplished one of my goals. I want to thank all of my teachers for believing, motivating, and helping me to be a better version of myself. Thanks to my classmates for all of the good moments, our friendships, and for being a part of my life. Lastly, I want to thank my parents for everything they’ve done for me, for never giving up on me, and taking care of my baby while I attended school.

Kayla Olvera

I am incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement from my peers and teacher as I embarked on this program. Their dedication and guidance have helped me stay focused and motivated. Most importantly, my daughter Dayana serves as my greatest inspiration, driving me to achieve my best and set a positive example for her future. I know this is a great stepping stone to achieve more. Thank you all for being such an essential part of this journey.

Isela Gonzalez

Thank you, God, for giving me an awesome set of parents and my siblings for supporting me on this medical journey. I am also thankful for my classmates and my instructor, Mr.Simon, who helped me achieve my goals.

Adriana Canales

Mr. Simon nos enseno no solo a cuidar la vida de los pacientes, sino también a disfrutaría y valorarla…

Mr. Michael Simon R.N., thank you for being an excellent instructor who encourages your students to continue in this field of nursing and for believing in me that, in the future, I will be a pediatric nurse. You may not know it, but I hope one day to be a great nurse like you. All my respect and appreciation towards you.

Quiero agradecer a todos los que estuvieron ahí papa apoyarme:

En especial a mama y papa, gracias por todas sus palabras de motivación día tras día y gran sacrificio que continue estudiando en Estados Unidos.

Prima Brianda, gracias por tu ayuda que me brindaste al guiarme a inscribirme en este maravilloso programa

Abuela Arabella a ti te debo toda el agradecimiento, desde que tengo uso de razon tu me ensenaste a mi corta edad 5 anos a inyectar (recuerdo que me hacias practicar con una naranja para después inyectarte a ti cuando te enfermabas de la gripa) y ahora en la actualidad que no puedes mover tu brazo en ocasiones te ayudo a bañarte…gracias por ensenarme y dejarte ayudar, gracias a ti descrubri que enfermeria es mi vocación.

Melissa Velasquez

During my journey towards my success, I am most thankful for having my small village of support. They were the ones who were always by my side, putting up with my mood swings during these stressing moments. Thank you for taking time out of your busy day and helping me reach my goals. To my babies, my mom, my best friend, Mrs. Gonzalez and Mrs. Garcia. Thank you for always believing in me. To my grandpa in heaven I did this one for you. To my fellow classmates, we did it!

Chelssy Elias

Thank you BISD for this opportunity to help me work on my GED and CNA certification. I am very thankful for having beautiful people in my life that are full of joy, strength, and passion. Thank you to Ms. Rosie Gonzalez for believing in me, more than I even believed in myself! Thank you for helping me turn my life around. May God Bless you always.

Today, I also want to thank myself because I have pushed myself instead of staying depressed. I will continue to work hard, pay my bills, and prove to myself that I can and will make a change in my life. Thanks to my classmates, as I have found support in them. Once again, being alone is not a bad thing – it IS my motivation.

Elexa Acuna

I just want to say how grateful I am for my classmates and teachers. My classmates make every day more fun with their energy and support. Whether we’re studying as a group or in pairs, they have been very helpful. I also want to thank my teachers who have helped me with anything I’ve needed and have sacrificed their time to help me. My mother has also been a big support. She is the one who pushed me this far, and without her, I definitely would not be where I am, and for that, she is the one I’m most thankful for.

Stephanie Martinez Peralta

Buenas tardes mi nombre es Stephanie y hoy estoy muy agradecida con mis padres y mis tíos por ayudarme hacer este nuevo logro en mi vida and thank you Mr.Simon and Ms. Dulce for all your support in this course.

Valeria Estrada

Quiero empezar dando gracias a mi familia, la cual siempre me ha apoyado en mis anhelos y sueños. Especialmente cuando tuve muchas dudas al respecto, nunca dejaron de echarme porras. No tengo más que decir que gracias por estar aqui conmigo; los agradezco mucho.

Christopher Escobar

Gracias a mis papas por su esfuerzo todos los días al ayudarme en lo que necesitaba para el día a día. Gracias a mi hermana por ser una fuente de inspiración y motivación para seguir adelante. Thank you to my girlfriend for pushing me to keep on onwards and for the moral support when things weren’t the brightest. Thank you to everyone for making each day a bit better every day. I’ll carry on the memories of our days together as time goes on.