The first time Onesty Hamilton enrolled in San Antonio College’s First Responders Academy, she failed out of the program a month before graduation. She had been trying to complete the academy part-time, while still working as a correctional officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. It was her experience working with inmates at the prison that inspired her to seek out a new career in the first place. “You get a feel of how it is once they’re already in,” she said, “but I wanted to see what it was like before they get in.” Hamilton wondered what kind of interactions they had with law enforcement before they were incarcerated. “Can you make a difference and turn them on a different path?” she thought to herself. She sought out a program that could train her for a new role in law enforcement, and found the First Responders Academy. She signed up for the 9-month part-time program, and soon after found out about another opportunity: San Antonio’s Ready to Work financial assistance. She received a full scholarship. But when Hamilton failed her coursework, the situation became more complicated. She contacted her Ready to Work case manager, explaining that she wanted to try the program again, full-time, but needed continued financial support. There was money left over from her original scholarship, so Hamilton was able to receive the funds on the condition that she complete the course this time. Still, there were challenges. Hamilton realized she couldn’t balance full-time work—or, she discovered, even part-time work—alongside the full-time academy, and had to give up working so she could focus and make sure she passed.  This, of course, presented another financial obstacle. Even with the scholarship, and a supportive husband, who worked hard to make sure she was able to focus on her career journey, Hamilton said her bills were still piling up. Again, Hamilton turned to her Ready to Work case manager, who connected her to the resources she needed. Between Ready to Work and the Student Advocacy Center on campus, she received gas cards, as well as money for food and other bills. Hamilton credits these two programs with allowing her to stay focused in class, and receive the support she needed without having to rely on outside agencies. Fully immersed in the academy, Hamilton learned a wide range of things that she felt would enable her to keep her community safe. The highlight of the course for her was a crisis intervention training, where she learned to effectively communicate with someone during a high-stress situation.  All the while, Hamilton was applying to police departments where she might work after graduation, with the hope that one would sponsor and pay her during the academy. She applied to a few departments, but didn’t get any leads. “That’s not where I was destined to be,” she said. When the Alamo Colleges District Police Department recruited her, she decided to give it a shot and apply. She was impressed that, throughout the whole application process, they kept in touch with her frequently. She felt she wasn’t just another number to them. Hamilton graduated from the academy in December, and started her new role as an officer at the ACPD in January. She’s working toward her original goal of keeping people out of the prison system, but she recognizes it will be a long journey but realizes she "won’t be able to save everybody.”  In the meantime, she’s become involved in recruiting the next generation. “I just want to share my experience, share my story,” she said.  She’s also a strong advocate for taking advantage of the financial assistance available across the Alamo Colleges. “Use the resources. Don’t be too proud,” she said. Whether it was help with food, bills or even mental counseling, Hamilton said she would not have made it through the academy without the support from those resources and her family.

As a high school student, Yarexy Hernandez discovered her passion for math, science, and criminology. Encouraged by her mother’s advice to “dream big,” Yarexy set her sights high and hoped to one day make a meaningful impact as a forensic pathologist for the FBI. Although her future was clear, she knew she’d need the right support to get there. That support came in the form of AlamoPROMISE, a program that covers 100% of tuition and fees for eligible students across the Alamo Colleges District. When Yarexy learned she qualified, it opened a door to a future she once thought was out of reach. Drawn to the welcoming environment and supportive faculty at Northwest Vista College (NVC), she enrolled in the Associate of Science in Biology program. Today, Yarexy maintains an impressive 3.5 GPA and considers NVC a second home. “AlamoPROMISE gave me the chance to take a bold step toward my future. Coming…to Northwest Vista College…was a big transition, but the support, environment, and opportunities made it possible. As a first-generation college student, this program helped me find a job on campus, build a community and gain the confidence to pursue my dreams of becoming a forensic pathologist for the FBI,” said Yarexy. Beyond academics, Yarexy enjoys giving back to her community by volunteering at the San Antonio Humane Society and is deeply passionate about health and wellness. She also works on campus with the Career Services team, a position made possible through AlamoPROMISE. She considers her experience with Career Services as one of the most impactful parts of her journey. “Their support, encouragement, and guidance have been life changing. They’ve helped me explore possibilities I’ve never imagined and have made me feel heard, seen, and supported every step of the way,” said Yarexy. Her outstanding academic achievements and commitment to excellence have not gone unnoticed. During the April 2025 Alamo Colleges District Board of Trustees meeting, Yarexy was named the AlamoPROMISE student of the month. When receiving her award, she credited NVC and the AlamoPROMISE program for helping her to achieve her dream. “Thank you for building pathways where none existed before and thank you for being the reason so many of us now have the confidence to chase our teams. This is just the beginning and thanks to your support, I step into the future with confidence and purpose,” said Yarexy. After graduation, Yarexy plans to transfer to Sam Houston State University to continue working towards her goal of becoming a forensic pathologist. With the support she’s received from NVC and AlamoPROMISE, she feels prepared to reach her goals.

Jose Arredondo’s journey to becoming a respected multimedia journalist at Spectrum News is a testament to the transformative power of education and resilience. A San Antonio native, Arredondo grew up in the city’s West Side, one of the most economically disadvantaged areas in Texas. His upbringing, shaped by community and struggle, has profoundly influenced the way he approaches storytelling, especially in giving a voice to marginalized communities.  Arredondo’s connection to San Antonio College began through the Urban Journalism Workshop (UJW), a program that sparked his interest in the field of journalism. “It challenged me in ways I never expected,” he shared. Although initially focused on sports journalism, the workshop pushed him to explore stories outside of his comfort zone. One story, about human trafficking, not only broadened his perspective but also motivated him to pursue higher education at SAC. Despite facing challenges early in his college years, Arredondo persisted. "I didn’t take everything seriously at first,” he admitted. “But SAC taught me a valuable lesson: it doesn’t matter where you are in your academic journey, you need to take it seriously.” After struggling with early classes, including remedial courses and a rough first year, Arredondo honed his study habits and learned how to effectively manage his time. By his second year, he was deeply involved in The Ranger newspaper (now the Sundial), covering both sports and student government, and developing the writing skills that would serve him throughout his career.  “The professors at SAC really pushed me to think critically and work hard,” Arredondo said, pointing to mentors like Tricia Buchhorn, Irene Abrego, and Dr. Edmund Lo, who helped shape his journalistic journey. His time at SAC allowed him to develop the skills necessary for the next step in his career: a role at the San Antonio Express-News. “I learned so much about journalism at SAC—it was like being in the trenches,” he recalled. His hard work led to multiple first-place awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.  At the San Antonio Express-News, he covered everything from high school sports to hyper-local community stories. His dedication to his craft paid off when he landed a full-time role at Spectrum News in 2019. As a multimedia journalist, his focus on public policy and equity brings attention to issues that matter to the communities he cares about most.  Arredondo’s work has earned him multiple awards, including an Emmy in 2022 and an Edward R. Murrow Award in 2023, but it’s the impact of his stories that truly resonates with him. He is committed to telling the stories that often go untold, particularly those from underrepresented communities. “When I cover stories, I want people to see their own experiences reflected in the news,” Arredondo explained. “I want to make sure that people know that their stories matter.”  Despite his success, Arredondo remains grounded and committed to giving back to his community. When he’s not reporting, you can find him volunteering at his childhood community center or teaching photography to low-income youth. “I want to show the next generation that it’s possible to succeed, no matter where you come from,” he said. His efforts to inspire and mentor youth are part of his ongoing commitment to improving his community.  Arredondo’s story is one of perseverance, growth, and a deep sense of responsibility to his roots. His message to current SAC students is simple but powerful: “Run your own race. It doesn’t matter how long it takes as long as you finish. SAC gave me the tools I needed to succeed, and it made this dream job possible and affordable. Don’t be afraid to start here—it’s the foundation for everything that comes next.”  For Arredondo, his journey from the West Side of San Antonio to becoming an award-winning journalist is proof that with determination and the right support, anything is possible. San Antonio College didn’t just provide him with an education—it gave him the platform to chase his dreams and, in turn, to inspire others to do the same.  - SAC - 

April marks an exciting month for music events at Northwest Vista College, showcasing various programs including the talent of student singers who recently participated in the spring auditions of the prestigious South Texas Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Ten NVC singers, guided by NVC’s Associate Professor Dr. Minkyung Lee, traveled to Texas State University in San Marcos to compete in the auditions on April 5. Dr. Lee said the NVC singers stood out among more than 300 competitors. “NVC student singers demonstrated remarkable skills and an inspiring commitment to excellence,” she added Their preparation included impressive scores by Delayna Gonzales, Tony Estrada, Elena Duran, and Olga Reyes, reflecting the depth of their dedication. Two NVC students, Mia Corvera Ocampo and Michaela Alvarado, achieved finalist status in the Lower College Musical Theatre Division. NVC students placed as finalists and semi-finalists as follows: Michaela Alvarado: 2nd place in Lower College Musical Theater Women Mia Corvera Ocampo: 3rd place in Lower College Musical Theater Women Reveka Ranzas: Semi-Finalist in Lower College Musical Theater Women Christian Williams: Semi-Finalist in Upper College Musical Theatre Men Andrea Islas: Semi-Finalist in the Adult Musical Theatre Jess Martinez: Semi-Finalist in the Adult Musical Theatre Throughout the preparation process for these performances, Dr. Eunjoo Fierro devoted significant time to rehearsals, score analysis, and sharing valuable insights with NVC student singers to help them shine on stage. “We are deeply grateful to our supporters, including our fantastic Fine and Performing Arts & Kinesiology Chair Rachael Bower and our music faculty Daniel Smith and Dr. Jihee Han, who provided invaluable support to the singers,” said Dr. Lee. “These accomplishments reflect the exceptional talent nurtured at NVC.”

San Antonio College (SAC) is proud to announce that two outstanding members of the Society of Physics Students (SPS), Lisa Tusko, Vice President, and Jessica Joyner, Secretary, have been awarded summer internships through the prestigious CREATE program. Directed by astrophysicist Dr. Rodolfo Montez, a SAC alumnus, the program offers these talented students an incredible opportunity to work at the Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Boston. Lisa and Jessica, both dedicated students and passionate about astrophysics, will spend the summer immersed in research, with the goal of presenting theirfindings at the 247th American Astronomical Society (AAS) Meeting in January 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. Seizing a Life-Changing Opportunity For Lisa, this internship is more than just a research opportunity—it’s a significant milestone in her academic journey. “I want to do something with black holes. Everything is changing in astrophysics, and it’s incredibly exciting to be a part of this dynamic field,” she shared. A first-generation college student who has overcome significant challenges, Lisa is eager to immerse herself in research at one of the world’s most prestigious astrophysical institutions. Jessica, who plans to study mechanical engineering at UT Austin, shares her excitement. “Being part of this research is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It feels like the perfect chance to jump in and learn everything I can about the field of astrophysics,” she expressed. This experience provides Jessica with a foundation for her future academic and professional aspirations. Support from SAC and SPS Lisa and Jessica’s journey to the CREATE program began at SAC, where they have both been active members of the Society of Physics Students (SPS). Their involvement in SPS helped them develop the skills and connections needed to apply for the internship. Both students credit Professor Alfred Alaniz, their faculty mentor and SPS sponsor, with encouraging them to apply for the internship. “Professor Alaniz always tells us that we make him look good, but he’s the one giving us all these opportunities.”  Through their participation in SPS, both Lisa and Jessica learned about the CREATE internship. “I joined SPS because Lisa mentioned it to me. She shared all about the incredible experiences and research opportunities, and the next week, I attended a meeting. I’ve been involved ever since,” Jessica explained. Research and Mentorship The CREATE program is designed to provide students with hands-on research experience, mentorship, and the opportunity to develop their own research projects. “This internship is open to students with no prior research experience. It’s meant to help us build skills and connect with mentors who are experts in the field,” Jessica said. Both students emphasize that the CREATE program is about much more than research—it's about learning, growing, and connecting with mentors who will guide their academic journeys. Lisa is particularly excited about the opportunity to present her research at the AAS meeting in 2026. "It’s a major event in the field, and being able to share our findings there is going to be incredible,” she said. Looking to the Future As they prepare for their summer internships, Lisa and Jessica are already thinking about the impact this experience will have on their future careers. Lisa, whose passion for black holes and astrophysical phenomena has shaped her academic path, sees this internship as a crucial step toward her goals. “I love learning about space, and this internship is giving me the chance to explore it in ways I never imagined,” she said. Jessica, who aspires to continue her studies in mechanical engineering and astrophysics, is using this opportunity as a stepping stone to future research. “If I continue with research, grad school is the next step. I want to build my education and make connections that will help me grow in the field of mechanical engineering and astrophysics,” she said. A Transformative Experience The CREATE program, which includes a stipend and the opportunity to stay at the Harvard campus and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, is proving to be a transformative experience for both students. As they prepare for their research presentations in 2026, Lisa and Jessica reflect on how much they’ve learned and grown throughout this journey. “This internship is an incredible chance, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it,” Jessica said. “It’s setting me up for the future, and I’m excited to see where this path leads.” Lisa and Jessica’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the opportunities that arise when students are given the right mentorship, encouragement, and support. SAC is proud to support these bright students as they continue their academic journeys and contribute to the exciting world of astrophysical research. Their success is a testament to the power of education, determination, and the pursuit of passion, showing that with hard work and dedication, the sky is the limit.

At a special meeting held on April 22, 2025, the Alamo Colleges District Board of Trustees selected San Antonio College (SAC) student Josiah Rodriguez as the new student trustee.  Rodriguez will serve a one-year term from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. In 2014, the Alamo Colleges District was the first community college system in Texas to appoint a student trustee.  “We extend our gratitude to Logan Martinez, our outgoing student trustee, and outgoing student trustee alternate, Eliron Rosin, for their exceptional service in representing the Alamo Colleges at the state and national level,” said Dr. Mike Flores, Alamo Colleges District Chancellor. “We look forward to the insight and contributions that our new student representatives will make to our board.”  Rodriguez is a San Antonio native participating in the political science program at SAC with a 4.0 GPA. He plans to transfer to the University of Texas at San Antonio to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree.  After graduating from high school, Rodriguez made the difficult decision to delay his education and instead enter the workforce to help support his mother and siblings. During this time, he began attending city council meetings, where he discovered a love for civic engagement and a motivation to help build a more equitable city. Rodriguez knew he needed to pursue higher education in order to help drive meaningful change in his community.  At SAC, Rodriguez is actively involved in campus organizations such as Phi Theta Kappa, the Honors Academy, the Student Government Association, and serves as President of First Gen. These roles allow him to advocate for students facing challenges related to housing, transportation, and food insecurity, barriers he also has experienced.  Rodriguez has seen firsthand how access to affordable education can transform lives. Inspired by his journey, Rodriguez's mother earned her GED through the Ready to Work program and plans to attend SAC this fall.  Outside the classroom, Rodriguez gives back to the city he loves by working as a substitute teacher, speaking at public hearings at City Hall and volunteering with community organizations like Strong Towns and River Aid San Antonio. “In May, he will begin an internship with Texas State Representative Diego Bernal, where he hopes to deepen his understanding of public service and policymaking. Looking ahead, Rodriguez is committed to championing greater opportunities and eliminating systemic barriers for San Antonio residents. As a student trustee for the Alamo Colleges District, he is dedicated to helping fellow students overcome obstacles to higher education, fostering collaboration across campuses, and supporting the leadership development of the next generation of changemakers.   

San Antonio College is proud to celebrate a milestone achievement for its Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter, which was recently recognized with several prestigious awards at the PTK regional and international level. Among them: the Distinguished Chapter International Hallmark Award—the highest honor a chapter can receive from the international organization. This elite designation places San Antonio College’s chapter among the top-performing chapters across the globe and reflects outstanding achievement in all areas of Phi Theta Kappa’s mission: scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship. In addition to this international distinction, SAC’s chapter also earned recognition as a Top College Chapter and received a College Project Regional Award for an initiative that strengthened campus engagement and student success. “What these awards mean is we worked hard and did an outstanding job,” said PTK President Inkar Bakhytzhanova. “It was a complete team effort, and I am so proud of the amazing ideas people brought to the table and how hard we all worked together through every step.” Bakhytzhanova said that while working on the college chapter project that earned them top chapter, students worked closely with leaders at SAC – including Interim President Dr. Francisco Solis – to discuss their vision and bring it to life. “It gave us an opportunity early in [our educational journey] to work with people at the highest level, which was an amazing experience.” “These students have set a new standard of excellence,” said PTK Advisor Dr. Jim Lucchelli. “To receive the Distinguished Chapter award is an incredible accomplishment that represents hard work, vision, and heart. It shows the world what is possible when students lead with purpose and a deep commitment to their community.” Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges, and its awards program recognizes the top chapters from more than 1,200 worldwide. Earning the Distinguished Chapter title means a chapter has excelled in both its College Project and Honors in Action project, which together demonstrate student leadership, research, service, and collaboration. “These awards speak volumes about the strength and passion of our PTK students,” added Lucchelli. “They are ambassadors of academic excellence and service. We are immensely proud of what they’ve accomplished and how they represent SAC.” The PTK chapter at SAC has long been a home for driven, high-achieving students. This year’s accomplishments reinforce the chapter’s standing as a model of what two-year college students can achieve on a global stage. - SAC - 

The San Antonio College Speech Team has once again proven that powerfulvoices rise from the Alamo City. After six days of high-stakes competition at the 2025 Phi Rho Pi National Speech Tournament in Norfolk, Virginia, SAC walked away with Gold in Individual Events Sweepstakes and Silver in Overall Sweepstakes, competing against 52 colleges from across the country. Led by coaches Justin Blacklock and Dillon McCoy, the team brought three students to the national stage: Sallie Urdialez, Alexa Palma, and Claire Lewis — each of whom earned national recognition in their respective events. “Working with these three this year was an incredible experience,” said Blacklock, who has coached competitive speech for more than 15 years — 10 of those at SAC. “This is a year I will always remember. Each of these ladies brought something truly unique to the team.”  Student Highlights and Awards: Sallie Urdialez  Gold – After Dinner Speaking (Speech to Entertain) GamerGate 2.0 – The Rise of Alt Right Misogyny in Gaming Silver – Prose Interpretation “The Containment Store” by Trevor Mackesy – A story about family trauma and mental health. Alexa Palma Bronze – Informative Speaking Deathbots: The Digital Afterlife Industry Claire Lewis Bronze – Communication Analysis (Rhetorical Criticism) Synthetic AI in Media: A Threat to American Democracy Team Awards: Gold – Individual Events School Sweepstakes Silver – Overall School Sweepstakes Blacklock emphasized the distinctive strengths each student brought to the team. “Claire was our newest member — she only joined in December — but you wouldn’t know it by watching her perform,” he said. “She was the quickest to learn and one of the hardest workers I’ve ever coached. By her second tournament, you would’ve thought she’d been doing this for years.” “Alexa was, without a doubt, our most improved competitor,” Blacklock added. “She was scouted from one of Professor McCoy’s Intro to Speech classes and had never competed before. But in just a few months, she was placing in the top three at major tournaments. Her intellect and discipline are remarkable.” “And then there’s Sallie, who came to us with the most experience, having competed for Judson High School, and brought with her an undeniable talent for both public speaking and performance. This year, she grew tremendously in both skill and leadership. She naturally stepped into the role of team captain — even team mom — always checking on her teammates and keeping spirits high during long tournament weekends.” Throughout the competition, the team not only showcased technical talent and storytelling prowess but also built lasting connections with peers and coaches from around the country — an important tradition of the Phi Rho Pi community. “To say that I’m proud of these three is an understatement,” said Blacklock. “And the best part? All three are returning next year. We’re already looking forward to building on this incredible momentum.” Congratulations to our Speech Team for another historic showing — and for continuing to make San Antonio College proud! - SAC -  Photo caption: Left to right — Alexa Palma, Sallie Urdialez, Claire Lewis