Starting something new can be a little bit overwhelming. For Lone Star College-Montgomery student Maria Alatorre that first day on campus made her question if she was prepared, but that doubt left quickly.

“What stood out to me,” said Alatorre, thinking back to that day, was “how intimate the classrooms felt and how passionate and caring the professors were toward both their subjects and their students.”

Alatorre chose to attend LSC-Montgomery as a steppingstone toward her transfer institution and to gain more clarity and certainty regarding her future career path. It became an opportunity to rebuild her confidence as a student while also staying connected to her family and community.

Big in size, LSC-Montgomery is also known for providing personal attention, helping students navigate their college experiences, ultimately leading to their success.

“I will always cherish how supported I felt by Lone Star College-Montgomery’s faculty and staff during periods when I was struggling mentally,” said Alatorre. “Both professors and counselors consistently emphasized that mental health comes before academics. That support allowed me to grow into myself without feeling pressured to be someone I was not, and within that environment, I was able to flourish academically and personally,” said Alatorre.

LSC also understands that quality education takes place both in and outside of the classroom. 

Alatorre participated in several clubs and organizations including the Psychology Club, Pizza and Politics, Justice Society, Psi Beta, Phi Theta Kappa, and Rice University’s Take Flight Scholars Program. “Additionally, I volunteered at the Maverick Care Center through Honors Academic Service Learning and created educational content on TikTok related to psychology, neuroscience, health, and wellness as a National Academy of Sports Medicine nutrition and wellness coach,” she said.

Choosing where to attend college can be overwhelming. “If I could tell someone interested in attending Lone Star College-Montgomery one thing, it would be that your experience truly becomes what you make of it,” said Alatorre. “Join the Honors program, volunteer, stay 

curious, explore clubs that interest you, and do not be afraid to advocate for yourself. There are many opportunities available if you are willing to pursue them.”