NVC Alumni and Friends Update – Spring 2013

Alumni Profile: Santos Jimenez
NVC Class of 2011

Santos Jimenez graduated from Northwest Vista College in 2011 with dual degrees in Science and General Studies. During his time at NVC, he was employed as a work study, as well as received both the NVC Brackenridge Scholarship and 21st Century Scholarship for Young Men. Upon graduating from NVC, Santos followed his goal to attend the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA). Santos is the first in his family to attend college. He is currently in his final year of study and says, “I am proud to be an NVC Alumni!”

Share with us what you are doing now?
After graduating from NVC, I immediately continued my academic studies at UTHSCSA as a Respiratory Care Practitioner. I am looking forward to specializing in neonatal and pediatric care.

What stood out for you most at NVC?
During my time at NVC, I truly saw it like a second home from the first day I stepped foot on campus. All of the faculty and staff were friendly and extremely helpful, which really kept me going strong with a contagiously positive attitude.

Who/What do you remember most about NVC?
Tim Molina, due to all of his undivided and hard work that he put in from day one to successfully help me start and finish my college education. As an excellent mentor, he played a huge role in the guidance and completion of my associate degrees at NVC that led me to where I am now in life.

Jo Garcia (CaTS Center) helped me out a lot and always implanted a positive attitude and strong motivation towards my education. Yvonne Guerra and Beatrice Butler provided an amazing opportunity as a work-study. Manny Martinez also became a big influence in my education to always become persistent and remain strong.

Debi Gaitan (Vice President of Student Success) has truly been a great mentor as well as a role model for me. She is an intelligent and bright individual who really cares about her students. She changed my way of thinking when sometimes things didn’t go as planned.

Mr. David Casanova (Chemistry) is certainly a true role model and an excellent example of an individual that has always maintained a positive attitude. He sets a remarkable example to his students to always prepare for the worst and hope for the best and not be a quitter in life!

Dr. Richard Chamblin (Biology), helped me get to where I am now. He was the one of the memorable instructors at NVC that provided me with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully pursue my education in the medical field.

How has your degree helped you?
There is absolutely no doubt that my associate degrees became a very strong academic foundation, which opened lots of doors and opportunities for me in life. I managed to successfully gain the necessary knowledge that prepared me and allowed me to reach further higher education.

How has your time at NVC influenced your personal life and career?
NVC definitely helped me grow and mature as a student and therefore influenced me in my personal and career life to discover what I really wanted to do with my life.

Do you have any advice for current NVC students?
Stay focused, keep your grades high, be persistent in life and never give up. Apply to as many scholarships as you can. If you as a student don’t have to work and can instead stay focused 100 percent on school, it can help with your time management, and most importantly, your grades.