Mega Doctor News
From College Station to the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College alumnus Raul Solis III followed opportunity wherever it led him, and ultimately it brought him back home.
After completing his studies away from home, the Edinburg native chose STC’s Radiologic Technology program to gain hands-on clinical experience and begin his health care career. Now, newly graduated, Solis is part of a new generation strengthening the region’s growing medical workforce.
“My parents always told me education is something no one can ever take from you. That is what has always driven me, it opens doors and builds your future,” the 24-year-old said. “Leaving the Valley helped me grow, but coming home gave me purpose. Being able to build my career close to family is something I am truly grateful for.”
Solis began his higher education journey early, earning an associate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from STC through dual credit before receiving his high school diploma from Edinburg High School in 2019.
Ranked in the top six of his class, he earned a full-ride scholarship to Texas A&M University, where he completed a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Public Health in 2022, already certain he wanted a career in health care.
“When I got back, I wanted to continue building my path within the health care field, so I asked myself, ‘What’s next?’ he said. “I wanted real experience and a way to get my foot in the door. STC was the right answer.”
Inspired by his older sister, a graduate of STC’s Associate Degree Nursing program, Solis turned to the college’s health programs for his next challenge and found the path that would launch his career.
“I had never even had an X-ray in my life, but the program seemed interesting, so I applied,” he said. “From day one I made great connections, my peers have grown to be my closest friends and my faculty was incredible. The way they teach makes you want to show up, want to learn and keep pushing yourself. They care, they are passionate and you can feel it. That made all the difference for me.”
He began STC’s Radiologic Technology program in 2023 and through clinical rotations gained hands-on experience that solidified his goals in the medical field.
“Seeing patients, taking X-rays and being part of the health care team showed me I could really do this as a career,” he said. “STC’s method is amazing because you learn something in class and then go apply it in the hospital. Everything just clicks.”
A leader within his cohort, Solis completed the program this past summer and accepted a position in August at DHR Health, where he now works night shifts alongside one of his closest classmates.
“Radiology plays such an important role,” he said. “You could say we are the eyes of medicine because we see inside the body and help guide treatment.”
While Solis plans to continue his education with long-term goals that may include the physician assistant program or a leadership role in health care, for now he is focused on growing in the field and serving his community.
“There is so much growth in this field,” he said. “Once you graduate and get your license, there are paths such as CT, MRI or radiation therapy. I love what I do and I love working with patients, but I also know I want to keep growing. I am young and I have the opportunity now, so maybe one day I will go into management or another advanced role. For now, I am focused on helping people and building my career.”
Grateful for the journey, Solis said the experience has been both rewarding and unforgettable. He found lifelong friends, mentors and a career he loves all while staying close to the family who inspires him most.
“Everyone takes a different path and finding my way back to STC was mine,” he said. “Being surrounded by my family gave me support and confidence, and that is something I missed when I was studying away.”
Looking ahead, Solis plans to continue growing in health care, knowing the foundation he built at STC has opened doors and prepared him for every step to come.
“I am grateful for the opportunities STC brings to the Valley and for the professors who truly care. They were not just teachers; they became like friends. We still miss being in class together because it felt like a family,” he said. “I will always recommend STC, not only for the quality of the education, but because of the support and the people who want to see you succeed.”
For more information on Radiologic Technology or other programs within STC’s Health Science Professions Division, visit nah.southtexascollege.edu/ or call 956-872-3100.
