HOUSTON – Before the global pandemic, Enrique Paz was on the cusp of transferring to a four-year university. As COVID-19 undermined the best laid of plans, Paz soon realized his future looked bright and he was exactly where he needed to be: Lone Star College-University Park. 

Now Paz is a winner of the Lone Star College Foundation's Annual Chancellor's Breakfast Essay Contest and the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship. In his essay, "Receiving a Life-Changing Education," Paz details the uncertainty he faced at the onset of the pandemic, but that his decision to continue his education at LSC-University Park was the right one. 

“Staying enrolled at LSC-University Park has been one of the best decisions I ever made due to the phenomenal instruction, the heartwarming faculty, and the endless quantity of resources available,” said Paz.

'We are very proud of Enrique’s excellent essay, in which he gives high praise to his professors, their teaching methods, and their dedication to his success," said LSC-University Park President Dr. Shah Ardalan. "A student's experience on his or her journey to success is something we take to heart. Our passionate family of faculty and staff provide the best resources and support, all of which have made a lasting impact on our students."

The son of two educators, Paz first came to LSC-University Park in his junior year at Klein Cain High School as a dual credit student. He started earning college credits in history and English courses with professors from LSC-University Park, whose caring demeanor he highlights in his essay. His early visits to LSC-University Park influenced his trust in the college.

"One such visit was for my Texas Success Initiative Assessment. When I walked into the building at LSC-University Park, I was immediately greeted by caring and helpful faculty, thus relieving my nerves about the test,” said Paz. "The next thing I knew, I was walking out of the assessment center with compliments and congratulations from the testing center staff. It was at that moment that I was sure LSC-University Park was for me."

With the pandemic closing schools, Paz and his family were relieved to discover LSC-University Park had online and flexible options, and was affordable.

"It seems this campus has everything," said Paz. "It's so modern and I enjoy the flexibility of going to school online. When I study, I can control when I do my assignments and plan my life. With online learning, I've never had to stress myself out. I always have a chance to catch up or even get ahead."

The Student Ambassadors welcomed Paz into their group, and he anticipates joining the Christian Club and the Student Business Organization before the year is out.

Paz states, "My second semester opened up with Roar Week. I went to the campus and volunteered as a member of the ambassadors to hand out spirit bags and give out the Raising Cane’s meals."

Paz has already earmarked the essay scholarship to pay for his second year at LSC-University Park. After graduation, Paz plans to transfer to Stephen F. Austin University and pursue a degree in marketing, specifically digital marketing and data analysis. 

To learn more about LSC-University Park and enroll in summer courses, visit LoneStar.edu/startUP.