This fall, Maggie Espinal entered the doors of the Energy & Manufacturing Institute each Saturday morning and marveled at the doors that life had opened for her. When she retired from the U.S. Army in 2016 with more than 20 years of service, she didn’t know that her path would lead in a new direction for her career and life.
An LSC-University Park student, Espinal is wrapping up her first semester as a member of the inaugural cohort of students in the Lone Star College Bachelor of Applied Science in Energy, Manufacturing and Trade Management program. Espinal earned her Automotive Service Technician Associate of Applied Science degree in May. However, when she came to LSC in 2018, it was not without trepidation.
“I was scared to go back to school in my forties with classmates that are the same age as my kids,” said Espinal. “But, I decided to give it a try, and once I started, I couldn't get enough and I had to keep going to get a bachelor's degree, too."
With the encouragement of her husband and their blended family of eight children, Espinal put her hard-earned retirement to the side and found her courage to enroll full-time. Espinal earned her Automotive Service Technician Associate of Applied Science degree in May, and she did so with honors.
“I was very proud of myself for graduating with distinction even during Covid-19,” said Espinal. “I had such a good experience with LSC, from the great classes to the supportive, always-there-for-you professors, that I knew I had to continue with the first-ever bachelor’s program. I applied for the BAS-EMTM program as soon as I could!”
“Espinal has not allowed any obstacle stand in the way of the pursuit of her dreams. She is an inspiration to all of us at LSC-University Park, reminding us that education is never out of reach and reaffirming our dedication to assisting students along their individual paths,” said LSC-University Park President Dr. Shah Ardalan. “LSC-University Park is proud to support students like her and to continue to expand our options as with the BAS-EMTM program. LSC-University Park is committed to student success by providing access to high quality, affordable education and preparing our students for the ever-changing needs of the workforce."
The BAS-EMTM is designed for students who hold an Associate of Applied Science degree and are seeking to further develop their professional qualifications. Graduates of the program will have a greater understanding of the managerial roles in energy, manufacturing and trades industries and will bring that knowledge to their advancing roles in their workplace.
Espinal worked in logistics and command units, as well as the military police, during her service with the Department of Defense and U.S. Army. These experiences have fit well with her coursework in the BAS-EMTM program. Her first semester included classes in leadership, human resources management and labor law.
When she first considered college classes and came to LSC, Espinal didn’t quite know where to start or what to do to. However, she quickly found a support system at the college that not only helped her get going, but also helped her thrive.
“I think that veterans often struggle when first entering into college,” said Espinal. “Going through the Veterans Affairs (VA) process of getting benefits can be cumbersome, but LSC was there for me. It was a relief to find that LSC is veteran friendly and had an adviser dedicated to veterans ready to help me navigate this new system.”
Espinal also found that the college was supportive with full access to disability services. Since her entrance into military service in 1990, Espinal experienced multiple traumatic events that led to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“LSC’s Disability Services has helped me get through school,” Espinal said. “Disability Services and my professors work with me to make sure I can still complete my classes and not miss a beat. I didn’t know that some of these services existed and it’s amazing to me that people want to help you no matter your situation.”
“LSC has had a huge impact on my life, and in the last two years, my self-esteem has grown because of the exposure to multiple cultures, ages, personalities and more from my professors and fellow students,” Espinal said. “When I first heard of LSC, I couldn’t believe that a local college offers all of the amenities of a university at such an affordable rate and it’s literally down the street. I would recommend that any student choose LSC. From everything I have seen, LSC isn’t just a community partner, but they are part of the community and invested in community education.”
Espinal is on track to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in May 2022 and plans to continue her education with a master’s degree.
“My husband said from the beginning of this educational journey that once I got that associate degree, I would want to keep going,” Espinal said. “Even though we all have flaws and pasts, as long as you stay focused and positive, that degree is within reach, and so is possibility. Just jump in.”
For more information about the LSC bachelor’s degree programs, visit LoneStar.edu/Bachelors.