Both humble and aware of his strengths, Aldair Ortega worked as a student employee with the LC Student Life Office before graduating this spring and receiving the Student Employee of the Year Award. His easy-to-talk-to attitude and willingness to help were often seen throughout many of the events held at both college campuses.
While he maintained the idea that there were colleagues who deserved it far more than he did, his actions over the years tell a different story. Over his time as an LC student employee, he not only developed a strong work ethic but also gained a second family.
During the summer after his graduation, he continues to work alongside his friends, welcoming incoming students to LC during their new student orientations before he departs to Texas A&M International University for the fall.
Ortega enjoys the opportunity of interacting with new students as an orientation leader. His responsibilities are not just to show off the college, its services and opportunities, but to be a friend to those taking a step into higher education. He looks forward to continuing his studies and being a student-employee at TAMIU while pursuing a law enforcement degree.
He was inspired by his uncle to pursue his goal of becoming a state trooper. Ortega said that a passion for law enforcement lives strongly in his mind. He was grateful to graduate with the full support of LC and his Palomino family earlier this year. His career path is a culmination of his strong desire to help others, and his alma mater has supported him since day one.
At the beginning of his first semester after graduating high school, Ortega quickly established himself as a dedicated employee at LC. He and the rest of the Student Life staff committed themselves to helping fellow students and staff during the semesters and at events. It was his characteristic friendliness and ceaseless efforts that earned him the Student Employee of the Year accolade.
“We care about our students, and I hope they can have a great time meeting new friends and participating in all of the events,” the recent Laredo College graduate shared. “I tell them to get involved, join a club or use the facilities and services on campus. They can also become a work-study to have a convenient job, flexible work schedules and meet new people.”
Ortega started working at the South Campus Dean’s Office before making the transition to the Student Life Office at the Ft. McIntosh Campus. He said it was a major switch that was a good start to something bigger. During his time as an LC employee, Ortega and his friends developed a bond often seen around campus.
Along with the rest of the Student Life employees, he built a bond that he said was focused on welcoming incoming students to LC and a meaningful college experience. He added that he and the rest of the Palomino staff do everything they can to ensure everyone has a good experience.
“I know it seems corny, but I would describe LC as a second home,” he said amusingly. “I go to LC every day and I feel comfortable and excited knowing I get to see my friends at work. It was always nice to meet new students knowing I was in their shoes once after moving here from Wisconsin and feeling a bit out of place.”
As his impending departure nears, he looks back fondly at his time at Laredo College. Ortega said he was grateful to everyone who helped build him up and for the overall good times he had alongside his second family. While Laredo College may have been one step on his journey, he strongly recommends that new students take advantage of their college and make the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
