Protective instincts drive Starr County mom back to school

Rebecca Galvan is a mother through and through. All her instincts push her to protect her children when needed and now those same instincts are pushing her to do the same for society at large. And that’s why she is pursuing a degree in criminal justice at South Texas College.

“I like the field because I like the idea of helping others when they are danger, particularly in dealing with domestic disputes,” she explained. “I want to ensure that children are safe and get to the best place they can in life.”

But this isn’t Galvan’s first time in college.

“In 1997, I went to school and earned a Certificate in Computer Office Specialist,” Galvan remembered. “But because I have three children, ages three, five and 11, I stayed at home to care for them. I did use my certificate briefly working for Prestige Home Health as an office worker, but I wanted to go back to school to expand my future opportunities.”

And not only is Galvan a full time student and mother, she grasped the unique opportunity to work for the Rio Grande City Police Department to fully understand what the field of criminal justice has in store for her.

“I am a dispatcher for Rio P.D., taking 911 calls and helping the officers in their work, like running license plates,” Galvan said. “You have to stay calm because there is a lot going on all at once. Because I have children, I can handle the stress.

“And I really value the opportunity to work in the field because I am getting good knowledge about the department and what to expect, as well as getting a look behind the scenes at the day-to-day operations of the group.”

She also has a great support system in her co-workers.

“There are three of us in the dispatch group taking classes at STC because we want to further our careers,” said Galvan, who is attending class at STC’s Starr County Campus in Rio Grande City. “We encourage each other and it’s been a good support network. Also, the officers and employees at the department are very supportive.”

But as a single mother, her biggest support comes from her family.

“It’s hard to balance it all, but my mother is really a help, looking after the children,” said Galvan. “She makes this possible. Without her and the understanding of my oldest child, I couldn’t do it. And it’s very hard to only see them once in a while. There are days when I don’t see them at all, but I know it will be worth it when I am making more and have better career opportunities.

“And I hope I am starting a family tradition,” she continued. “My 11 year old already wants to be a doctor and that’s what sort of pushed me to go back to school – I thought, ‘how can I get him an education when I don’t even have one.’ I am setting the example for all three of my children and I am confident that they will each pursue higher education.”

Galvan knows that if she can manage it as a single parent, others can make their dreams come true as well.

"I see many classmates at STC in my position and we are showing that it’s never too late to go back to school and pursue your dreams,” she said. “There is no age limit. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep up, but it’s all coming back. I was worried about not fitting in, but that’s not an issue here because there are students in all kinds of life stages at the college. And with the small class sizes, good teachers and convenient locations, there are no excuses.”

And with a taste of college and what life can be with an education, Galvan is dreaming bigger than earning an associate’s degree.

“I hope to earn my bachelor’s from The University of Texas-Pan American, which I think is even more a reality now that the university will have its new upper level center situated right next to STC’s Starr County Campus and then, one day, be an adult probation officer,” she concluded. “I am very thankful that STC is here. And now that I have the chance to attend college, I am taking it to give a better life to my family.”

To learn more about STC’s Criminal Justice Program call 956-872-6724 or 956-872-2622. You can also visit the program Web site at http://lass.southtexascollege.edu/crj/index.html