Magdalena Mendoza-Starck: A picture of success

LSC-North Harris Vice President of Student Success Magdalena Mendoza-Starck spends her workdays striving to help students feel better about their educational journey from the moment they apply until graduation or transfer, but it wasn't so long ago when she embarked on her own journey as a first-generation student at LSC-Tomball.

"As a first-generation college student, LSC was a great place for me to start my educational journey because of class size, teacher to student ratio, and affordability. I was blessed to cross paths with some great mentors who included both staff and faculty, who supported me along the way," said Mendoza-Starck.

Mendoza-Starck's mother, a custodial staff member at LSC-Tomball, connected her to individuals to help her get started. After receiving her AS degree, she went on to her bachelor's from University of Houston-Downtown, Master's from Texas A&M University and is working towards a Doctor of Education from Sam Houston State University.

Mendoza-Starck has held several positions at Lone Star College including working in the Wellness Center, advising, and Diversity and Inclusion before beginning her role as Vice President in September. She said, "The mentorship that I received at LSC changed my professional path, and now I have the opportunity to support first-generation college students who face similar obstacles as I did."

In her new position, Mendoza-Starck impacts students' lives just as LSC did for her. "When I see them, I see myself. And I remember how it felt on my first day, when I walked into a classroom for the first time, and when I engaged on campus. I make it a conscious effort to provide the best experience for them because I know, firsthand, how big of a difference those experiences can make. I truly feel blessed to have the opportunity to give back to LSC and our students," she said.