Mega Doctor News
By Selene Rodriguez
For 10 years, South Texas College student Lynette Salgado has crossed the border daily from Díaz Ordaz, Mexico, making an hour-long commute each way to pursue her education in the United States.
But in March 2024, when a car accident nearly derailed her dream of earning a degree in Pharmacy Technology, Salgado was forced to leave school to undergo surgery. After months of recovery, she refused to give up, choosing resilience over defeat.
“During my second semester I was in a really bad car crash that left me with severe trauma to my right hand,” the 22-year-old shared. “I broke multiple tendons and had to undergo surgery. But more than the physical pain, I was losing time. I had to leave school, and at one point, I thought about giving up. At STC, I found the encouragement I needed to return and keep pursuing my goal of working in health care.”
A first-generation college student, Salgado has spent her life between two worlds, overcoming challenges on both sides of the border. Born in McAllen and raised in Mexico, she grew up speaking Spanish and learned English as a second language.
She began her education in the United States in seventh grade and continued through Rio Grande City High School, where she graduated in 2021.
“I’ve always known I wanted to be in the health care field, even though medical terminology can be a bit of a challenge because English is not my first language,” she shared. “I started researching my options and saw that STC offered not just a certificate, but a full degree in Pharmacy Technology, that’s why I chose STC. It caught my attention, and I knew it was the right fit for me.”
Salgado began the program in the fall of 2023. Her journey took an unexpected turn when, while driving home one afternoon, she was involved in a crash that left her with severe injuries to her right hand.
Recovery was long and painful. Although Salgado was cleared by her surgeon in July 2024, the semester had already ended. When she returned, she joined a new cohort, determined to catch up and continue her training.
“Currently, I’m in my third year of a program that’s only supposed to take two years. It was disappointing to lose so much time. It was hard to come back and restart some of my classes, especially the hands-on courses I had missed,” she said. “But somebody close to me said, ‘Well, another year is going to pass, do you want to lose more time without a degree, or do you want to go and get it?’ So, I came back.”
The accident left her with lasting damage to her right hand, forcing her to relearn some of the fine motor skills essential in pharmacy work. Tasks like sterile compounding and handling vials required patience and practice, but through determination and support from her instructors, she adapted.
Salgado credits her faculty for their patience and understanding. Their support, she said, reminded her why she chose STC – it’s a place where students are seen, encouraged and cared for.
“At first, it was difficult because my hand wasn’t as strong as before. I had to find new ways to hold things and work more carefully, but I’ve learned to adapt. Now I can do everything I need to,” she said. “My instructors understood and supported me every step of the way, they really motivated me to keep going. From the moment I had the accident to when I decided to come back, they’ve been there for me.”
Set to graduate next spring, Salgado is already looking ahead, aspiring to work in a hospital setting and earn her certification as a pharmacy technician, along with specialized training in sterile compounding.
“Now more than ever, I love what I do,” Salgado said. “Pharmacy has always caught my attention because I’ve always been interested in how medicine works, how it affects the body and what it’s used for. There are so many ways to grow as a pharmacy technician, with different certifications you can work toward, such as sterile compounding, hazardous drug handling and immunization. I’m really excited to finally start my career.”
Interested in exploring other fields such as Dental Hygiene, while working as a certified pharmacy technician, Salgado said she’s keeping her options open for the future.
“Every health care profession requires pharmacology and I already have the best foundation if I decide to explore other careers,” she said. “STC’s program was the best way to start. I’m grateful for the knowledge and hands-on skills I’ve gained here, but most of all, for the support I received. They never let me fall behind.”
For more information on STC’s Pharmacy Technology program, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/pharmacy/ or call 956-872-3027.
