# Courage to Pursue: South Texas College Student Valerie Lazo Follows Her Artistic Passion
Despite societal expectations and personal fears, Valerie Lazo, a 32-year-old visual arts student at South Texas College (STC), found the courage to follow her passion for art. Her journey has become a testament to perseverance and the transformative power of pursuing one’s dreams. This story highlights an individual’s resilience and signifies a broader cultural shift that encourages creative pursuits in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).
A Leap of Faith
Valerie Lazo’s path to embracing her passion wasn’t straightforward. Influenced by her parents’ advice to pursue a financially stable career, Valerie initially put aside her artistic talents. “My parents always told me I needed to go to school for something that was going to make me money,” Valerie explained. “I’ve always been creative, but I never went for it because I wasn’t sure how I was going to make a living.”
After years of exploring interdisciplinary studies, Valerie realized her true calling lay in the arts. Determined to overcome her fears, she took a significant leap by switching her academic focus back to the visual arts. “Something in me was not happy and told me I had to go for what I love. So, I came back and have been happy ever since,” she said.
Faculty Encouragement and a Tailored Educational Environment
Valerie attributes much of her newfound confidence to the encouragement she received from the faculty at STC, particularly from Art Lecturer Lourdes Garcia. “My professor truly opened up a new world for me,” Valerie shared. “The way she presented art, and the way she thought about it and spoke about it, inspired me to keep pushing forward.”
The supportive faculty and the structure at STC created an environment where Valerie could thrive without feeling overwhelmed. She appreciated the college’s affordability, accessibility, and flexibility, factors that played a crucial role in her success. As a returning student balancing personal responsibilities and academic aspirations, STC provided Valerie the room to explore her options and forge a path to her future.
A Personal and Community Transformation
Valerie’s story of courage and transformation has a significant local impact, extending beyond her individual journey. Her pursuit of a career in the arts challenges societal norms in the RGV, encouraging others in the community to follow their passion despite fears of instability or societal expectations.
Her narrative also intersects with ongoing cultural changes in the region, where creative careers are gaining acceptance and appreciation. By pursuing what she loves, Valerie is breaking cycles of fear and displaying a broader cultural acceptance of the arts in South Texas.
Valerie’s journey serves as an inspiration to many in the Valley, demonstrating that dreams are worth pursuing, even if the path is riddled with uncertainty. “I hope my story can inspire others to trust themselves, follow their passions, and not let fear hold them back,” Valerie added.
Potential Future Implications for the Valley Community
As more individuals in the RGV begin to pursue careers in creative fields, there could be a broader cultural and economic shift within the community. Valerie’s aspiration to work in art preservation, museums, and teaching at the university level foreshadows a future where the arts are more deeply integrated into the local economy.
Such transformations could lead to increased opportunities and resources for artists in the region, potentially attracting new talent and fostering an environment where the arts are not just appreciated but economically viable.
Encouragement and Resources for Prospective Students
For those contemplating a similar educational path, resources are available through STC’s Visual Arts program. Interested individuals can learn more by visiting STC’s website or contacting their academic advisors for guidance and support.
Conclusion: A Message to Valley Residents
Valerie Lazo’s courageous journey is not only an individual success story but also a beacon of hope and change for the Rio Grande Valley community. It calls on Valley residents to appreciate the arts’ significance and the necessity of supporting diverse educational and career pathways. Her journey emphasizes the importance of pursuing happiness and fulfillment over conforming to societal expectations, leaving behind a legacy of courage and empowerment.
For more information on STC’s Visual Arts program, visit [STC Visual Arts Program](https://www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/visual-arts/).
By sharing her story and forging her path, Valerie Lazo has shown that pursuing one’s passion—despite societal pressures—is indeed possible and rewarding. Her narrative affirms for Valley residents that it’s never too late to pursue what truly inspires and fulfills one’s heart.
