Mega Doctor News
By Selene Rodriguez
Driven by a determination to help children gain independence through occupational therapy, South Texas College student Bianca Reyna has returned to the classroom for a second degree, while financing her education on her own, a commitment that recently earned her a $1,000 Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholarship.
Now, in her second semester of STC’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program, Reyna was among more than 16,000 team members nationwide selected for scholarship support this year as she works toward her dream of entering the field.
“I feel very fortunate,” she said. “My parents paid for my undergraduate education, so when I decided to come to STC for my second degree, I saved and worked to make it happen. Having this extra support feels incredible.”
Reyna, a 24-year-old Edinburg native, first discovered her passion for occupational therapy while earning her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), where she began exploring careers in health care and realized she wanted a more direct role in helping others.
“I’ve always known health care was for me,” Reyna said. “While earning my undergraduate degree, I had the chance to shadow an occupational therapist, which introduced me to STC’s program. I chose this path because it will give me hands-on experience and financial relief before going into occupational therapy school.”
After graduating from UTRGV in 2023, Reyna chose to take time to save money before returning to school. During that period, she worked as a paraprofessional in a special-needs classroom at a local elementary school, where she supported young children with a range of diagnoses, including autism, ADHD and cerebral palsy.
That time in the classroom made her even more certain of her future.
“Watching them grow and progress throughout the year was incredible,” Reyna said. “Seeing that change is one of the most rewarding parts of this field, and it made me realize how much I want to help people reach their goals.”
Reyna enrolled at STC last year, preparing herself for the demands of a rigorous health care program. Just weeks before classes began, she started working at Chick-fil-A Weslaco, where she said the support from her employer has helped her balance both work and academics.
“They’ve been incredibly understanding,” Reyna said. “When I explained that I was starting a demanding program, but still wanted to work, they were willing to adjust my schedule, so I only work Fridays and Saturdays. That support has made balancing school and work so much easier for me.”
The Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholarship is awarded to team members who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership and a strong commitment to their future goals, recognizing students who balance work responsibilities while pursuing higher education.
For Reyna, the scholarship represents more than financial help. It is recognition of the sacrifices she has made to pursue her career.
“I have deep empathy for our students who must balance employment with their studies. I know the sacrifice, the exhaustion and the determination it takes,” said Celina Casas, OTR, OTD, chair of STC’s OTA program. “Bianca’s award is a testament to what is possible when a caring campus stands behind its students. We celebrate her leadership, her perseverance and the bright future she is building.”
As she works toward earning her associate degree in 2027, Reyna looks forward to applying her pediatric experience in the field while continuing to explore other areas of occupational therapy and expanding her skills.
“Starting as an OTA is the best path for me,” Reyna said. “It gives me the hands-on experience I want right now, and STC has been such a great fit because it’s affordable, supportive and has given me confidence that I’m building my career in the right place.”
Set to graduate in 2027, Reyna is grateful for the opportunities that have helped shape her journey and eager for the next chapter in her career.
“There’s still so much in this field I want to experience,” Reyna said. “I’m looking forward to growing through all of it.”
For more information on STC’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/occupational-therapy/ or call 956-872-3216.
Information source: STC
