Mega Doctor News
By Selene Rodriguez
At just 17 years old, South Texas College alumna Alexandria Garza has already become a pillar in her community, giving back every chance she gets. But her true calling is deeply personal: to become a surgical breast oncologist and bring more options in cancer care closer to families in the Rio Grande Valley.
“I was in third grade when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She would be gone for weeks at a time to travel all the way to Houston for treatment. I hardly saw her and it was a really hard time for my family,” Garza shared. “That’s why I’m determined to study abroad, learn everything I can and come back to open my own clinic, so no one in the Valley has to feel that kind of distance for the care they need.”
Born and raised in Mercedes, Garza graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA last spring, earning an Associate of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from STC through the STC Dual Credit Programs partnership with Mercedes Early College Academy.
After receiving over 20 college acceptances and more than $2 million in scholarships, she’s now heading to the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) to study Biology on a pre-med track, determined to return and serve her community.
“My mom would always talk about her oncologists and how much they helped her, which inspired me to go into the field. But I’m more of a hands-on person, so I believe the surgical side is a better fit for me,” she said. “Graduating through the dual credit program is a huge plus for me because I got to experience what is like being in college before moving away. Now, I feel ready to take on the new challenge.”
Eager to begin an academic journey that she hopes will include a master’s and doctoral degree on her way to medical school, Garza is widely recognized as a standout student and community leader.
She has served on Student Council since the second grade and has been class president every year since eighth grade.
Outside the classroom, Garza’s passion for giving back is just as strong. She previously held the title of Miss Mercedes and has led several community initiatives, including organizing toy drives for local animal shelters and launching a reading program at the Mercedes Public Library to inspire young children.
“Alexandria’s story reminds us of the remarkable growth our students can achieve when they’re empowered to follow their own path,” said Alicia Noyola, Ed.D., interim superintendent at Mercedes ISD. “She exemplifies the values of service and perseverance, as both a top student and an active member of her community. We are incredibly proud of all Alexandria has accomplished and we value STC’s continued partnership in expanding opportunities for our students.”
Echoing the sentiment, STC’s Associate Vice President for Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships Rebecca De Leon, Ed.D., praised Garza as a model of what the program strives to achieve.
“Alexandria is a shining example of the transformative power of dedication and dual credit programs,” she said. “Her compassion, leadership and academic excellence embody the very mission of our work, creating educational pathways for students to thrive and give back. We are truly honored to have been part of her journey.”
Garza’s mother, Sylvia Alejandro-Garza, believes that her daughter’s deep commitment to her hometown and strong academic drive played a major role in earning her a full-ride scholarship to UTD, where she will soon begin her studies.
“I’m incredibly proud of her. She’s a go-getter who always finds a way to make things happen. She is deeply committed to giving back. That’s why this community-based scholarship from UTD is such a perfect fit,” Alejandro-Garza said.
Now, a proud graduate of both STC and Mercedes ISD, Garza reflects with gratitude on the support that has shaped her path and looks ahead with determination to the road still to come.
“My school has always supported everything I’ve set out to do. They’ve been there to listen, to guide me and I truly believe that so much of what I’ve accomplished wouldn’t have been possible without them,” she said. “Earning my associate degree early also gave me a head start, and every STC professor I had was incredibly supportive and understanding. The encouragement I’ve received from this community has made all the difference, and I carry that with me as I take the next step.”
Information source: STC
