For recent Laredo College graduate Rosa McCabe-Garcia, a love for serving others was developed from an early age. She fondly remembers volunteering to sing at nursing homes during the holidays and being actively involved in her church as part of the choir, a lector and a Bible teacher.
McCabe-Garcia, an insurance broker and recruiter, graduated cum laude in December 2024 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership (BASORGL) from Laredo College. She had previously earned an associate’s degree from LC in 2023.
Servant leadership has always been key to her life and she continues to grow and expand through her personal, professional and academic pursuits. As an aspiring entrepreneur, she hopes to open her own agency in the future.
As a mother of three boys, her story is deeply rooted in her desire to set an example for her children. When her oldest son questioned the importance of higher education, she took it upon herself to lead by example.
Motivated to pursue a degree that would not only elevate her career but also inspire her sons, McCabe-Garcia discovered Laredo College’s BASORGL Program, which allowed her the flexibility to take classes online and still balance her other responsibilities.
“Determined to show my children the value of education, I enrolled in the program and completed it in just 10 months,” she said. “It has been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life.”
One of the standout experiences in the program was her experiential learning project at Sacred Heart Children’s Home. There, along with a group of other students, she taught English as a Second Language (ESL) to children, helping them build essential language skills and increase their chances of success in school and life.
Through this project, she learned the importance of adaptability, patience and clear communication. It taught her how to foster a supportive environment where everyone felt valued and motivated and reaffirmed her belief in the power of education and service to drive positive change.
“This experience played a significant role in shaping my leadership abilities,” she said. “It challenged me to think critically, collaborate effectively and inspire others toward a shared vision. By leading this project, I gained confidence in my ability to take initiative, manage a team and create a meaningful impact in the lives of others.”
She noted how the support of her family and community was instrumental in helping her achieve her goals and she looks forward to continuing on her path. Her academic and professional journey has been further supported by the steadfast encouragement of her husband, Tolbert Lee Garcia, a United States Marine Corps veteran.
“We are very proud of her,” Garcia said. “We have an open line of communication and we work on everything together. If a problem presents itself, we don’t get stuck. We find a solution to it together as a family.”
As a military spouse, McCabe-Garcia said she is incredibly grateful for LC’s Veterans Services, which offers a wide range of services to veteran students and their dependents. She said Veterans Services Director Albert Hernandez and his staff were an invaluable resource, offering guidance and encouragement every step of the way.
“Beyond academic advising, the Veterans Services team kept me informed about various events and opportunities specifically tailored for military families,” she said. “These initiatives created a sense of community and belonging which was so important in balancing my academic and personal responsibilities. Mr. Hernandez, in particular, not only served as my advisor but also meticulously outlined a plan to help me earn my degree in a timely manner.”
Throughout her time at Laredo College, she also became an active leader, serving as president of the IMPACT student organization where she spearheaded fundraising initiatives and community service projects.
McCabe-Garcia’s dedication to leadership, service and education serves as a testament to her commitment to bettering herself and her community. With her degree in hand, she is poised to continue making an impact both professionally and personally.
