Esmerelda Mendez
For Victoria College graduate Esmerelda Mendez, walking across the stage alongside approximately 280 classmates during VC’s May 16 commencement ceremonies represents more than earning an associate degree — it symbolizes perseverance, family and the courage to begin again.
Mendez, 23, graduated from Victoria East High School in 2021 and left home to attend Texas A&M University–Kingsville. While excited to pursue her dreams, she soon faced challenges adjusting to life away from home.
She took a year off after deciding to move back home to Victoria, but she wasn’t ready to give up college. Mendez enrolled at Victoria College, where she found the support system she needed to continue her education and regain confidence in herself.
“This diploma means a lot to me,” said Mendez. “It shows me that I was able to make it through a really challenging time in my life. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Victoria College.”
Mendez will return to Texas A&M-Kingsville this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a minor in biochemistry. Her long-term goal is to become a veterinarian and eventually earn both a master’s degree and a doctorate.
As a first-generation college student, Mendez said the journey has carried both pressure and pride.
“To have family members look at me and realize that it’s possible to go to college is a lot of pressure, but at the same time it’s an amazing feeling to venture out and go down a road no one’s ever gone down before,” she said.
During her time at Victoria College, Mendez said faculty and staff played a major role in helping her stay on track academically and personally.
“I will forever be grateful for having been in Dr. Sharon Hyak’s biology class,” shared Mendez. “I was able to talk to her about everything I had going on, and like everyone at VC, she was so supportive.”
She also credited academic advisor Sonia Herrera with helping guide her future plans.
“She took the time to get to know me and look into what I wanted to do beyond my time at VC,” said Mendez. “I’ll never forget that. She made me feel like I wasn’t alone.”
Now preparing for her next chapter, Mendez hopes her story encourages others facing setbacks or self-doubt to keep moving forward.
“Don’t give up,” she said. “No matter what anyone else tells you, or even what you tell yourself — keep going and believe in yourself.”