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This weekend, Texas Southmost College graduated nearly 800 students during its commencement ceremonies held at the Jacob Brown Auditorium with a record-breaking number of dual enrollment students earning an associate degree in General Studies before a high school diploma.
More than 300 students from Brownsville Independent School District (BISD), Los Fresnos Independent School District (LFISD) and Jubilee Brownsville joined the Scorpion alumni network, making this the largest group of dual enrollment students ever to graduate from TSC.
Jose Arambul, TSC executive director of High School Programs and Services, said from four dual enrollment graduates in 2019 to more than 300 in 2022, the growth has been exponential.
“A large group like this means that we are doing something right and we are fostering and strengthening our partnerships with our local school districts,” he said. “It also means that students and families are seeing the importance and benefits of completing a dual enrollment pathway.”
TSC offers various dual enrollment pathways toward earning an associate degree such as general studies, science, pre-health, business, social work, teaching and criminal justice.
“Dual enrollment is empowerment for these students and their families, many of which are first-generation college graduates,” said Arambul. “They’re saving thousands of dollars, completing the first two years of college at no cost to them and earning their bachelor’s degrees quicker. It’s a recipe for success.”
One of those students grateful to BISD and TSC for this opportunity is Rivera Early College High School senior Camili Raya.
The 18-year-old, who graduated with honors, began dual enrollment as a freshman in high school, said for a while she only saw dual enrollment has a lot of extra work, but now as a senior, she sees the benefits and is happy she took advantage of the opportunity and followed through.
“It’s so surreal to be graduating from college before high school, but as a first-generation college graduate, I can see now that I am breaking barriers for my family,” said Raya. “I’m proud of myself for how I handled the work and stress to get to graduation. It’s a good feeling, and I have BISD and TSC to thank for that.”
The future Texas A&M University Aggie also said this experience has prepared her for the rigor of college and she feels confident entering a four-year university in the fall for a bachelor’s degree in forensics and investigative sciences with the goal of becoming a medical examiner.
“I’m one step closer to my goals thanks to BISD and TSC…I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity, the lessons I’ve learned and the support I have received along the way,” she said.
Nicholas Gutteridge, a senior at Los Fresnos High School, shares Raya’s sentiments and said he’s happy to finally see his hard work come to fruition after a rough start.
“In my freshman year of high school, I battled mental issues, and my grades slipped, which still affect me today,” said the 17-year-old. “I contemplated giving up school for a long time, but this degree, this achievement, makes me really glad I didn’t.”
Gutteridge added that he always could depend on support from his teachers, instructor and peers.
“My experience with dual enrollment was phenomenal,” said Gutteridge. “I was surrounded by students and teachers filled with passion and motivation, who were available for us, anytime. I recommend dual enrollment to any student who wants to get ahead or have an enriching learning experience.”
Gutteridge also plans on attending Texas A&M University in the fall to study computer science and aerospace engineering.
Arambul said he was excited to see every dual enrollment student walk the stage to receive their associate degrees and begin a new chapter in their lives.
“Through our partnership with our local school districts, we are ensuring that every student has access to college education,” said Arambul. “We look forward to growing and adding to our list of partnerships so that more students have this opportunity.”
TSC’s commencement ceremonies were held Saturday at the college’s Jacob Brown Auditorium with nearly 800 students earning a certificate or associate degree.
