Student Spotlights

Mario Garza
Spring 2025 COM Graduate

COM alumnus Mario Garza arrived at College of the Mainland as a driven student eager to move forward, but without a clear sense of direction. During his time at COM, that determination evolved into purpose as he discovered his interest in business, leadership and community impact. Mario became actively involved on campus through the Student Government Association, Rotaract Club and Phi Theta Kappa, while also finding mentorship and support through TRiO Upward Bound. With the encouragement of faculty, campus leaders and the support of multiple scholarships, Mario was able to focus on his growth both academically and personally. After graduating in Spring 2025 with an Associate of Arts in Business, Mario transferred to the University of Houston’s C.T. Bauer College of Business, where he continues to develop as a leader. Recently accepted into the Ted Bauer Leadership Certificate Program, Mario is committed to leaving a powerful and positive impact in his community through business.

Amanda Respondek
Current COM Student

Amanda Respondek is finding her purpose and her confidence in COM’s Radiologic Technology (Rad Tech) program. Now in her second semester, she says the growth she’s experienced is remarkable. Through hands on clinicals at UTMB Galveston and HCA Kingwood, Amanda has learned to think quickly, adapt and apply classroom knowledge in real patient care settings. Her dedication recently earned her acceptance into the competitive Student Leadership Development Program through the Texas Society of Radiologic Technologists, a three-year leadership initiative that provides mentorship, networking and professional development. Amanda credits COM faculty for encouraging her to apply and for constantly reminding students they belong in the program. With plans to pursue radiation therapy after graduation, Amanda is a powerful example of how COM helps students grow into confident healthcare leaders.

Dat Nugyen
2023 COM Graduate

When Dat Nguyen came to the United States in 2015 from Ha Nam, a small city in Vietnam, educational opportunities were limited and the future felt uncertain. Shortly after arriving, he began his college journey while adjusting to a new country, language and culture. From the beginning, Dat believed education was the key to building a better life, not only for himself but for his family. Dat’s parents worked tirelessly to support their family but never had access to higher education.

Dat’s parents worked tirelessly to support their family but never had access to higher education. His sister also had limited opportunities to continue her schooling. As the only one in his family able to pursue a college degree, Dat felt a deep sense of responsibility to succeed.

In 2019, Dat transferred to College of the Mainland to pursue nursing. Balancing school with long hours working as a restaurant waiter was challenging, especially while navigating language barriers and the demands of clinical training. Financial stress was a constant concern until scholarships made a critical difference.

Through scholarships awarded at COM, Dat was able to cover tuition and books, easing a significant financial burden. Scholarship support allowed him to focus on learning and clinical training rather than worrying about finances. Just as importantly, it gave him confidence and reassurance that others believed in his potential.

Dat graduated from College of the Mainland with an Associate of Science in Nursing in 2021 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2023. Today, he is an ICU nurse at UTMB Clear Lake, caring for critically ill patients and supporting families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

“Scholarships truly change lives,” Dat shares. “They give students hope, opportunity and the confidence to believe in themselves. Supporting scholarships is not just helping a student. It is investing in a stronger, more compassionate future.”

Wesley Felix
Current COM Student, Veteran

After 14 years of service in the United States Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston, Wesley Felix began a new chapter at College of the Mainland in fall 2025. While on active duty, he took classes intermittently in drafting, welding, fabrication and machining. His interest in continuing his education was renewed after his wife graduated from COM’s nursing program. With “great support from COM’s Veterans Center,” Wesley enrolled and began pursuing his academic and professional goals.

Wesley plans to launch a business focused on designing and producing purpose-built tools to help companies improve efficiency and production. By combining his technical background with coursework in graphic and web design, he is developing the skills needed to market his future business. On November 11, 2025, Wesley was awarded COM’s Veterans Day Scholarship, an honor that helped him purchase a laptop essential for his studies and recognized his service to the nation. “I was shocked to be one of the two recipients of the scholarship,” said Felix. “You give a lot in the military, so it’s really nice to get something back.”