Laredo College Student Stories

Emily Martinez is preparing to take the next big step in her journey.

After two years at Laredo College, Emily is getting ready to graduate with an Associate of Science in Biology before continuing her education in dental hygiene. In this episode of Student Stories, she talks about finding a sense of home at LC, her experience working with the Office of Student Life and preparing to leave Laredo as she pursues her career goals.

U.S. Navy veteran Jonathan Garza has taken a path from military service to film production and now logistics at Laredo College.

In this episode of Laredo College Student Stories, Jonathan shares how his experiences helped shape his drive and leadership, why he returned to school to pursue logistics, and how he has found a new direction in one of Laredo’s most important industries. Now president of the Logistics and Distribution Organization, he’s working toward his associate degree with plans to pursue a career as a customs broker.

A childhood fascination with orcas sparked a dream that Sergio Ledesma is now working to make a reality.

Through undergraduate research, national conferences and campus involvement, Sergio has embraced the opportunities he’s found at Laredo College. Hear how those experiences are preparing him for his next chapter and a future working with marine mammals.

Rosa McCabe-Garcia’s path to graduation was anything but traditional. After putting her education on hold for family, she returned to Laredo College and discovered new opportunities, including the chance to study abroad in Spain.

In this episode of Student Stories, Rosa reflects on what brought her back to college, the experiences that pushed her beyond her comfort zone and why she believes it is never too late to pursue your goals.

Ximena “Mena” Vasquez reflects on how her time at Laredo College helped her grow from a shy student into a confident campus leader. She shares her experiences as a New Student Orientation Leader, her involvement in Student Government Association and Phi Theta Kappa, and the opportunities that shaped her LC journey. As she prepares to transfer and pursue a career in sports medicine, Mena encourages other students to get involved, ask questions and embrace new opportunities.

In this episode of Student Stories, Regina Renteria shares how her path changed from studying history to discovering a passion for dental care. After enrolling in Laredo College’s Dental Assistant program through Continuing Education, she found the right fit and went on to study dental hygiene. Regina credits Laredo College for helping shape her success.

Paola Castro, a student at Laredo College, began dancing at six years old in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. She was accepted into the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensive and has now been invited to join its year-round training program this Fall, where she will pursue her bachelor’s degree.

Paola chose to complete her associate degree at Laredo College and credits the college’s Dance faculty and Performing Arts & Communication Department for helping prepare her for this next chapter.

Interested in a career in dance? Contact the Performing Arts & Communication Department at (956) 794-4403 or email Patricia J. Godines, Associate Professor of Dance, at [email protected].

Marine veteran Gabriel Guerra is graduating this semester with an Associate Degree in Electronic Technologies from Laredo College. After gaining leadership skills in the Marines, he’s continuing his education and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Inspired by God and his hardworking parents, Gabriel stays grounded in faith and family. Outside the classroom, he enjoys playing the drums and guitar.

Jack Keefer shares the journey that led him to Laredo and proves that it’s never too late to pursue an education. At 71, the U.S. Army veteran and first-generation student earned his Associate of Arts and delivered the Fall 2025 student address at Laredo College. Raised in Minnesota, Jack was stationed in Okinawa during his military service and later lived in Mexico, where he met his wife and taught English. He is now continuing his education, pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership.

Marco Carrillo is a Physical Therapist Assistant student at Laredo College. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Laredo since age 10, he grew up playing trumpet and always knew he wanted to help others. While earning his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology at TAMIU, he discovered his passion for rehabilitation, which led him to the PTA program and a future focused on helping people recover and regain their strength.

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