Chelsea Caballero, a Lone Star College-North Harris graduate who recently earned her Associate of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Caballero was born and raised in Houston, and takes pride in being a second-generation Latina, with deep roots in both Mexican and American cultures. Her mother is a Houston native, and her father is from Monterrey, Mexico, and he has always been her greatest influence.
“As a young father, my dad made countless sacrifices to ensure we were well taken care of, working night shifts at the airport while attending morning classes at Lone Star College,” Caballero shared. “He completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees through online courses at Lamar University and is now pursuing his doctorate. I am proud to follow in his footsteps as a second-generation college graduate and the first woman in my family to earn a university degree.”
Caballero attended LSC-North Harris, where she was a member of Honors College, which provided her with a strong academic foundation, leadership opportunities, and a supportive community that she credits for enriching her college experience.
“Being part of a rigorous and supportive honors program helped me grow intellectually while preparing me for the challenges of the real world,” Caballero said. “I gained valuable experience through research, leadership opportunities, and community engagement, which helped shape my confidence and sense of purpose as I transitioned into higher education and began preparing for my future career.”
From an early age, Caballero has always had a passion for building and creating, enjoying drawing and problem solving. Over time, that curiosity would lead to her interest in engineering, where she could combine her creative skills to design, innovate, and improve everyday systems and technologies.
Caballero recently participated in the Honors College capstone trip to Barcelona, Spain, which she described as a “transformative experience” that broadened her global perspective and allowed her to apply what she has learned in an international context.
One of the most important lessons Caballero has learned has been the value of perseverance. As someone who lives with dyslexia, Caballero faced many challenges that often made her doubt her own potential, but she refused to let that stop her.
“Having dyslexia has taught me to work harder, think creatively, and develop strong problem-solving skills,” Caballero shared. “It has also given me a more profound sense of empathy and resilience, which I bring into every environment I’m part of, whether in the classroom, at work, or in leadership roles. I’ve learned that growth often comes from discomfort. I’ve also learned the importance of collaboration. Working with diverse teams has shown me that the best ideas often come from listening and learning from others. Lastly, I’ve understood that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a step toward growth.”
What Caballero says she loves most about LSC-North Harris is the sense of community and opportunity it offers.
“As a student in the Honors College, I’ve been supported by professors and mentors who genuinely care about my growth and success,” Cabellero said. “I've had the chance to engage in undergraduate research, travel internationally, and represent the college at Model United Nations in New York. These experiences have helped me step out of my comfort zone and prepared me for the next chapter of my academic and professional journey.”
If you are looking for the perfect place to explore your options with affordable classes and flexible schedules that work for you, look no further than LSC-North Harris. Most courses are transferable if you decide to transfer to a four-year university.