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Growing up in San Antonio, Magdalena Yznaga was surrounded by family stories of Mexican American history. “It wasn’t really the schools I attended but mainly my family,” she recalls. “Whether it was Texas history, U.S. history, or our own family history, those stories were always around me.” Her passion for the stories of her culture crystallized as a freshman at UTSA when she enrolled in a Latino Culture Expressions class. The course opened her eyes to the arts, history, and culture of the Mexican American experience. By the time the class ended, Yznaga knew she wanted to teach Mexican American Studies, even if she wasn’t yet sure how to get there. Her journey included earning a Fulbright scholarship to teach English in Peru, graduate studies at UTSA, and hands-on experience mentoring teachers and developing after-school programs. In 2015, she joined Palo Alto College as an instructor, teaching Introduction to Mexican American Studies. “It felt like everything in my life had been preparing me for that moment,” she says. Now celebrating her 10th year at PAC, Yznaga serves as Coordinator for the Center of Mexican American Studies, overseeing programs that include Latinx Heritage Month, the MAS (Mexican American Studies) academic program, and student organizations such as Somos MAS and BESOS (Bilingual Education Student Organization). Under her leadership, the Center has grown into a vibrant hub for student life, cultural celebration, and academic exploration. One of her proudest accomplishments has been launching the annual Latinx Heritage Month book discussion series in collaboration with the PAC Library. Faculty, staff, students, and community members come together to explore literature that amplifies Latinx voices. “Seeing students, faculty, and staff all reading and discussing the same book has been one of the most rewarding things we’ve done,” she says. For Yznaga, Mexican American Studies are vital not only for Latino students but for everyone. “If you live in Texas or the Southwest, this history is part of your story, too,” she explains. You cannot teach Mexican American history without acknowledging our indigenous ancestors, our culture, and our shared histories.” Her students often leave her classes with a mixture of joy at discovering new knowledge and frustration that they had never been taught these histories before. She always encourages them to continue learning: “Now that you know this information, what will you do?” Looking ahead, Yznaga dreams of expanding MAS at Palo Alto College and continuing to build strong partnerships across campus. She is also deeply invested in the growth of student organizations like Somos MAS, BESOS, and Palomino Pride. “I let the students guide me,” she says. “They bring creative ideas, events, and advocacy that inspire the entire campus.” Her message is simple yet powerful: “Mexican American Studies is here to educate. It transformed my life, and I want to do the same for others, no matter their background.” Through her teaching, mentorship, and leadership, Magdalena Yznaga ensures that PAC’s MAS program honors the past and builds a more inclusive and informed future.      

Alma Navarro, originally from Venezuela, knew she needed better career opportunities to provide a brighter future for herself and her 10-year-old son. However, she was concerned about balancing her busy life with her academic pursuits.  Palo Alto College (PAC) offered a convenient location that allowed Alma to remain an active parent while studying in the Dental Hygiene Program. “At the beginning, it was a little overwhelming because I didn't know how I was going to manage my time and schedule with my son, but I found that it was a perfect fit for me.” The Dental Hygiene Program’s faculty and staff fostered a supportive network, making Alma's sometimes challenging coursework more manageable.  “I could feel that they care about our learning and success. They were always there to support us, whether it was with a kind word,sitting with us to study or review challenging material,” said Alma.  During Alma's time in the program, Mel Treviño, a Palo Alto Dental Hygiene Instructor, witnessed the program's positive impact on Alma.  “Alma grew immensely during the two years we were together. I saw her confidence increase, particularly in patient care. It has been wonderful to see her accomplish her dreams and how much she has grown since she first started the program,” said Trevino.  In addition to the support Alma received in the classroom, she was also connected with resources that helped her overcome challenges, allowing her to focus on her family and academics.  “The Alamo Colleges District has been incredibly helpful. They provide students with various resources, from the S.H.A.R.E. Center to financial aid. They are always willing to assist, whether I was asking for help or not,” said Alma.  Having experienced the powerful impact of Alamo Colleges' quality education, affordability, and personalized support, Alma feels grateful for her journey. “Alamo Colleges is the best place for a student because they help you improve your career, enhance your life, and simultaneously support your family.”Alma is now a dental hygienist at a local dental office, but her journey at ACD is not over yet. She plans to enroll in a Bachelor's degree program later this year.    Watch Alma's Story

Navigating the start of a college journey can be challenging for any student — but especially for former service members transitioning to civilian life, like Gilberto Miramontes, a former combat medic in the United States Air Force. “When I separated from the military, I felt like I wasn't in control of my career. I didn’t have many resources to help me choose a specific career path or determine where to go next.”Gilberto knew he wanted to continue working in the medical field, so he began researching highly rated nursing programs recommended by other veterans. He also needed a program that would accommodate his work schedule and his responsibilities as a father of his 9-year-old son, Santiago.  His research led him to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at San Antonio College (SAC).  “I was looking for the perfect college that would consider my prior experience. It became clear to me that the Alamo Colleges was where I needed to put my energy and pursue my education,” Gilberto said.  As he began the enrollment process with the Alamo Colleges District (ACD), Gilberto felt anxious but discovered a robust network of support systems ready to help him.  “I’m not a traditional student. Starting college after nearly 20 years was very scary, but everyone was so welcoming. The Student Advocacy Center and the Victory Center (San Antonio College Veterans Affairs Office) provided me with all the necessary tools and support,” Gilberto said.  While in the program, Gilberto discovered that SAC's BSN program offers students a comprehensive, hands-on education, essential leadership skills, and valuable medical experience in various settings.  “We visited various sites across San Antonio, which helped me identify the specialty I wanted to pursue in my career. They offered great advice on how to build professional relationships with hospitals,” Gilberto said.  As the program progressed, the demands of Gilberto's life started to weigh heavily on him. During his second semester, he struggled to balance academics, fatherhood, and a full-time job. However, he credits his professors for their proactive support; they made a point to check in on him and offered encouragement and understanding. “The faculty were always available and ready to help. If I had a question, I could reach out to them in multiple ways, and they would meet with me one-on-one to answer my questions or provide resources.”Gilberto maintained his focus and motivation, ultimately graduating from the program in Spring 2025. He passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and is now a registered nurse with University Health.  “The Alamo Colleges really helped me believe in myself and my ability to complete my degree,” said Gilberto. “The support I received was crucial in helping me grow and develop into the nurse I am today.”    Watch Gilberto's Story:

If someone would have told Rebecca Garcia that she would graduate from college 35 years after completing high school, she would not have believed it. She could never have imagined that in 2021, amid a worldwide pandemic, that she and her youngest daughter, Monica Garcia, would both graduate from Northwest Vista College. Cheering for them on their special day was Rebecca’s husband, Richard Garcia, and their eldest daughter, Desiree Garcia, who is also a NVC graduate. As Northwest Vista College celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, we’re reconnecting with alumni and discovering how receiving a degree or certificate from NVC has impacted their lives and careers. Despite the distinct challenges that all three members of the close-knit Garcia family faced, all of them said NVC provided the motivation they needed to achieve their goals. Desiree was the first in the Garcia family to go to college and chose NVC. She graduated from NVC in 2013 with an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice. In 2016, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). For Desiree, getting a degree at NVC was the first step toward fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a police officer. “If it wasn’t for Vista, I wouldn’t have gone to get my bachelor’s degree. I would not have gone into the police academy,” she said. “It all started with Vista giving me a chance.” Today, Desiree proudly serves as a police officer with the Northside Independent School District (NISD) where she's been for nearly six years. Prior to that, she served as an officer with the Live Oak Police Department. Despite her accomplishments, Desiree recalls a time when she had lost her motivation to complete her bachelor’s degree. When her great-grandfather died in 2015, she felt like giving up, but her desire to make him proud, as well as the encouragement from her father, mother and sister, helped her carry on. As it turns out, the Garcias served as a support system for each other, and about a year later, Monica decided to follow her older sister’s advice and enrolled at NVC. Not long after, their mom, Rebecca, who had started at San Antonio College after graduating from high school in 1986, also enrolled at NVC. Rebecca said going back to college after 30 years was both a humbling and eye-opening experience. “I quickly realized that math wasn’t as easy as it used to be. I had to visit the math lab more often than I liked,” Rebecca said. “But the individuals would sit with me in a huddle to make sure I understood everything. It didn’t matter if they were busy or not; they always made me feel welcome and smart, even when I doubted myself.” Rebecca and her youngest daughter, Monica, helped each other with homework and, at the suggestion of their advisor, even took a couple of classes together. Monica said going to school with her mom was a little weird at first, but because of the support they gave each other, it soon felt natural. “What I learned going to Vista is that you’re never too old or too young to go back to school,” Monica said. “There are going to be obstacles along the way, and you can always overcome those obstacles with the right people by your side.” As was the case for Desiree, Monica and Rebecca did not let obstacles stop them from completing their education — not even the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2021, both were among the pandemic-era, masked-wearing graduates who participated in NVC’s memorable drive-thru commencement ceremony at NISD’s Dub Farris Athletic Stadium Complex. Desiree said she cried like a baby and Richard was also filled with emotion as they watched Rebecca and Monica receive the degrees they had worked so hard to attain. Monica earned an Associate of Arts in Digital Media, and she’s currently working as an accounting clerk for IPAC Nissan in San Antonio. Rebecca received an Associate of Arts in Medical Management. She said graduating from college at 52 was something she never thought would happen, but it gave her confidence and put her on a career path that she’d dreamed of but didn’t think was possible. She’s now the office manager for the Trauma and Emergency Surgery Division for UT Health San Antonio. “It’s a position I take great pride in, and I feel I couldn’t have done it without the help of everyone at Northwest Vista College.” VISIT NVC'S 30 YEAR CELEBRATION WEBPAGE

A group of students from the Alamo Colleges District recently completed a 14-day study abroad program in the cloud forests of Costa Rica. Organized by the Alamo Colleges International Programs Office, the trip allowed students to complete courses while journeying through spectacular vistas, coffee farms, and rural villages. Participants were enrolled in Drawing I or Drawing II with Art Professor Rachael Bower and Zoology or an independent study with Biology Professor Jessica Heppard. The students spent a week and a half exploring the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Central American nation, combining academic work with a firsthand appreciation for the country's natural beauty. The 11 cross-disciplinary students traveled to four field stations and the capital city of San José as they explored the incredible ecosystems of Costa Rica, which contains 5% of the biodiversity on planet Earth. The rainforests, Caribbean beaches, and cloud forests served as inspiration for students as they recorded their observations through sketches and field notes. Students didn’t just observe wildlife, although the parade of wildlife included adorable baby sloths, raucous toucans, and the spectacular yet elusive, resplendent quetzal. These burgeoning scientists and artists had the rare opportunity to use mist nets to capture and record bats (including the fuzzy Honduran white bats). Students also completed nesting surveys for leatherback sea turtles, and set camera traps to record mammals such as tapirs and jaguars. Our group even had the privilege of collaborating with Turtle Rescue Cahuita to release nine baby leatherback sea turtles. Watching these tiny, brave turtles cross the sand and enter the vast ocean was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Along with an exploration of Costa Rica’s nature, students also explored the past and current artistic works of the country. The beautiful sculptures and paintings of the Teatro Nacional and contemporary works in the Museo de Arte Costarricense inspired students to fill their own sketchbooks with drawings and watercolor paintings. Beyond the academic program, students reflected on the program and later discussed how much they missed the people, the food, and the camaraderie of sharing 24 hours a day with friends. Environmental science student Alyssa Martinez said of the experience, “I miss being busy in nature!” This program was offered as a partnership between Northwest Vista College, the Alamo Colleges International Programs Office, and the Study Abroad Association. Heppard will lead a study abroad program this winter to India with a focus on sustainability and photography. Check the Alamo Colleges’ Study Abroad website at this link for details. Students’ artworks from this program will be on display starting Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the NVC Palmetto Center for the Performing Arts.