Texas Southmost College helped Brownsville native Diego Morales chart his future.
 
After graduating from Pace Early College High School, Morales initially considered enrolling in welding courses. Instead, he followed his family’s advice and joined TSC’s Computer-Aided Drafting program.
 
“Something sparked an interest, and I started liking it,” Morales said. “My interest in doing floor plans kicked off when I joined the drafting program here at TSC.”
 
Morales said he appreciated the program’s small class sizes and supportive instructors.
 
“It’s basically like your own playground, and the class sizes are so small,” he said. “If the professor sees you struggling, he’ll go and help you out.”
 
Initially, Morales planned to earn a Certificate of Proficiency and enter the workforce. He later decided to complete the additional coursework required to earn an associate degree.
 
“It feels unreal because my original thought was, ‘I’ll get my certificate and start my own company,’” he said. “Something in me told me not to do that, to get my associate degree, and I did.”
 
A first-generation college student, Morales said his father, Edgar Morales, inspired him to pursue higher education.
 
“Shout out to my pops,” he said. “He’s a really hard worker, and I want to work hard just like him so I can retire early.”
 
The Brownsville native plans to continue his education at TSC, where he will begin coursework in the Construction Management program this fall. His decision to pursue a second associate degree was inspired by his family’s background in the construction industry.
 
“My family is blue-collar,” Morales said. “I want to learn how to create floor plans both on a computer and by hand.”
 
Morales said affordability and convenience are among the reasons he chose to remain at TSC.
 
“It’s really affordable,” he said. “I’m grateful it’s here in Brownsville. It’s so close — about a five-minute drive from my house. I also like that they have two locations, the ITEC Center and the main campus.”
 
After completing the Construction Management program, Morales hopes to pursue a career in project management, land surveying or home inspection.