At Lone Star College-University Park, quality education and resources and supportive faculty and staff are key to helping students find success. This proved true for Guadalupe Rodriguez.
Rodriguez earned her associate degree from LSC in 2016 and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at MD Anderson Cancer Center in August. Her educational journey, though, has not been one without obstacles. Rodriguez dropped out of high school and then became a wife and mother to four sons, but had always yearned to earn a college degree.
“One of the reasons I decided to go back to school was that I wanted my children to see nothing can stand in your way,” said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez quickly earned her diploma through a GED program, but she still had another barrier: she was an undocumented immigrant at the time. Fortunately, Rodriguez found the right environment and enrolled at nearby LSC-University Park, which currently serves a 41 percent Hispanic student body.
“My immigration status kept me from pursuing a degree for a long time, but LSC-University Park gave me hope,” said Rodriguez. “First generation students and adult learners, no matter their circumstances,
will benefit from the college’s support.”
“As the community’s college, our talented and dedicated team of faculty and staff work tirelessly to better serve our diverse community and student population,” said Dr. Shah Ardalan, LSC-University Park president. “We focus on the individual student’s needs and goals and work with each to identify pathways. Our many services, from counseling and career services to scholarships, ensure that our students are well-prepared for the workforce or transfer to four-year universities upon graduation.” Rodriguez also credits Shannon Hausinger, director of the Student Learning Resource Center and a professor at LSC-University Park, with helping her achieve academic success.
“Professor Hausinger made the biggest impact on me and helped me find resources, college fairs, tutoring, and even scholarships,” said Rodriguez. “I really don’t know if I would be here with my degrees had she not been there for me. She goes above and beyond her job duties, as does everyone at the college.”
“At LSC-University Park, we advocate for students that have barriers between them and their dreams for themselves and their families,” said Hausinger. “I admire [Rodriguez’s] persistence and commitment to her education. I was proud to see her walk across the stage at graduation.”
Rodriguez is planning to pursue a master’s degree in the health and medical field, and is also helping her own children find their paths. Her oldest son, a high school junior, is already earning college credit while still in high school through LSC-University Park’s and Klein Independent School District’s dual credit partnership.
“My sons have seen my hard work and know the importance of earning degrees themselves,” said Rodriguez. “They have every opportunity and they will have all my support.”
