Joey Gomez
RIO GRANDE CITY, TEXAS – For Denise Saenz Rocha, the road to becoming an elementary school teacher began with a paintbrush and a mentor while still in high school. Years later, Rocha will now be among the graduating students receiving their degree at South Texas College’s commencement ceremonies this May.
Born and raised in Rio Grande City, but now living in La Grulla, Rocha said she has spent years commuting to STC while navigating personal challenges and growing her love for art and teaching.
Inspired by her art teachers as a teenager, Rocha, now 20, said they all created a lasting impression that motivated her to give back to the students she one day hopes to mentor,
“I have always had art teachers inspire me. Every single one in their own way have always told me to follow my dream. If I wanted to be a teacher for young kids then I had to go for it,” Rocha said.
Art has always played a role in Rocha’s life. From her days watching her stepfather, a local artist, create his own detailed pen portraits, becoming immersed in creativity allowed her to embrace her own artistic passion.
She is now set to graduate with an associate degree in Art with a plan to transfer to the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Education and become a bilingual generalist in elementary education.
“I was 14 or 15 when I knew I had to push myself to do something really great in life and I feel I’m just getting started,” she said. “There have been struggles and obstacles so far of course, but it just goes to show that if you are really looking to accomplish something you must make sure you follow through. For me, working through my dual credit classes in high school created a path to receive this degree. It’s all been worth it.”
Currently a student learning assistant at STC’s Center for Learning Excellence in Starr County, Rocha has been tutoring her peers in English, Reading, Physical Science and Texas Success Initiative (TSI) exam preparation.
Rocha said art will always play a part in her life and career, and hopes to channel that creativity into her future classroom.
“I think I like the idea of having a very colorful room, being a colorful teacher,” Rocha said. “I want to be able to guide my young students and teach them right from wrong. As a teacher at that level, you have such an important part to play when they’re younger. I want to help others discover their own way. No stigma – just creativity.”
