From Family Business to Formal Training: Accounting Technology Grad Ready for What’s Next

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 Texas Southmost College, 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 Texas Southmost College 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 Texas Southmost College, 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.”