As a child, Nydia Tijerina had aspired to be a secretary. Today, she is an assistant human resources officer, who credits caring instructors and a quality education for helping her realize a childhood dream.
Born in Dallas and raised in Sabinas Hidalgo, Mexico, Tijerina says that her career goal to work in an office setting developed early in her life.
“Ever since I was in elementary school, I wanted to be in an office setting. I don’t know why, but when the teachers would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would say ‘a secretary,’” Tijerina said.
Tijerina added that her interests to work in an office setting grew stronger in high school, where she was a member of the Business Professionals of America.
“I attended Luther Burbank High School in San Antonio. I always admired my office skills instructor for being very professional,” Tijerina said.
After high school graduation in 1992, Tijerina began her higher education at Laredo Community College with scholarships and financial aid she received from LCC and LULAC Council #2. Her goal was to receive a degree from the college’s Office Technology program.
“I wanted to pursue this program because I knew that I wanted to work in an office setting and I also knew that I would never be out of a job,” Tijerina explained.
Tijerina said that she took college classes in shorthand, office machines, business letter writing, business communication, microcomputers and other computer software, as well as a practicum that provided a hands-on learning experience.
“The faculty members (at LCC) are excellent. The best part of the learning experience at LCC was the great atmosphere that the instructors created in the classroom,” Tijerina noted.
In 1995, Tijerina received an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Office Technology from LCC.
With the knowledge and experience she acquired as a college student at LCC, Tijerina has been able to work for different types of industries.
Tijerina worked in a professional office setting at LCC for five years before advancing her career to work for the vice-president of CGG Americas, Inc., a geophysical corporation in Houston.
Presently, she is the assistant human resources officer for Laredo Independent School District, a position she has held for the past 2.5 years.
“Thanks to the training that I received at LCC, I have been able to tackle all types of office duties,” Tijerina said.
Additionally, Tijerina was inducted to the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and selected to the Dean’s List every semester due to her grade point average.
Today, Tijerina is on a new quest in her life. The mother of two boys, including a 14-year-old and a 5-year-old, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in bilingual education at LCC.
“Many of the classes I took at LCC have transferred to TAMIU to obtain the bachelor’s degree. The skills I learned at LCC are not exclusively for an office. At LCC, I also learned valuable organizational skills and professionalism, which is helping me succeed in my university studies,” Tijerina said.
High school students and others with job interests similar to Tijerina’s are encouraged to explore their educational options by attending an Open House for the Office Systems Technology Program at LCC. Meet the faculty and learn more about this technical skills program on Thursday, April 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Martin Building, room 102. Admission is free and open to the public.
The LCC Office Systems Technology program offers one-semester and one-year certificates for the office assistant, and a two-year associate’s degree in administrative and secretarial services. For more information, call 721-5870.
Nydia Tijerina
LCC Office Technology graduate
Office of Marketing and Public Information
West End Washington St.
Laredo, TX 78040-4395
956- 721-5140
Fax 956-721-5443