Mega Doctor News
By Selene Rodriguez
In a powerful display of unity, compassion and service, South Texas College’s Vocational Nursing program sprang into action to support families devastated by catastrophic flooding in Central Texas, an event that claimed more than 100 lives across the Hill Country region Fourth of July weekend.
What began as one faculty member’s desire to do more, quickly grew into a campuswide initiative, as faculty, staff and students at STC’s Starr County Campus united this week in a heartfelt show of solidarity, gathering an outpouring of donations, including clothing, nonperishable food, baby essentials and hygiene supplies.
In collaboration with the city of Escobares and the Starr County Memorial Hospital, the much-needed aid is now on its way to some of the hardest-hit communities, offering hope and relief during a time of immense loss.
“Like everyone, I was heartbroken by the news and thought, there has to be some way we can help. Right now, there are still so many areas in need,” said STC Vocational Nursing faculty member Cynthia Garza. “The response across the state has been incredible, but the need is far from over. As a community, we have to keep coming together.”
When Garza, who spearheaded the effort on campus along faculty member Sylvia Contreras, learned that the city of Escobares was organizing a donation drive, she saw an opportunity to unite efforts.
“Since I also work at the hospital, I was able to help coordinate the collaboration and everything came together nicely,” Garza said. “The response from the community was amazing, we filled a truck with water, diapers, shoes, canned foods, clothes and anything else we could gather. But I give all the credit to our students. They passed out flyers, spoke with the community and loaded the truck. They did it all.”
STC student Leopoldo Alonso said the experience not only brought a sense of unity to the campus, but also gave students an opportunity to be part of something meaningful beyond the classroom.
“I felt really happy that we were all able to come together. Even on short notice, everyone made the time to go out, find things to donate and help load up the truck. That alone was such a meaningful experience,” he said. “We went around the whole campus, passing out flyers in offices and classrooms, anywhere they’d let us in. Thankfully, we got a lot of support. It felt good to be part of something bigger than ourselves.”
Set to graduate in the coming weeks, Alonso said that as a soon-to-be vocational nurse, the instinct to care for others is deeply rooted in him and his classmates.
“That’s what moves me when it comes to nursing – helping those who can’t help themselves,” he said. “People need care in ways we don’t always realize. I recently started working at a nursing home, and before that, I didn’t fully understand how involved nurses are in every aspect of a person’s care. Now I see how important it is that we’re there 24/7, helping people with their everyday needs.”
Echoing the sentiment, student and graduate Julissa Perez praised her faculty for fostering a culture of compassion and community service within the program.
“It was really rewarding,” she said. “Even as a general student, opportunities to give back like this don’t come around often. Being in this program and having faculty who is so motivated and compassionate made all the difference. Without their guidance, we wouldn’t have known where to start. They inspired us to take action and reminded us how powerful it is when a community comes together to help one another.”
STC’s Vocational Nursing program in Starr County is widely recognized for its ongoing commitment to community engagement. From regular participation in health fairs to active involvement in local events, the program continues to play a vital role in promoting health, service and compassion across the region.
“Undoubtedly, our faculty members have created a culture rooted in student success and community service,” said Starr County Campus Administrator Arturo Montiel, Ed.D. “As proof, it was the students who recommended a collection area on campus and worked tirelessly to spread the word. The entire effort was a fast-paced, student-led initiative that truly reflects the caring culture and community spirit of the Vocational Nursing program at the Starr County campus.”
For more information on STC’s Vocational Nursing program, visit nah.southtexascollege.edu/ or call 956-872-3052.
Information source: STC
