Approximately 800 students earned degrees, certificates, and occupational skills awards this fall

Approximately 800 students earned degrees, certificates, and occupational skills awards this fall

December 12, 2024

The Blinn College District’s fall Class of 2024 walked the stage during the College’s 150 ^th commencement ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Brazos County Expo Center.

The exercise recognized students who earned associate degrees, certificates, and occupational skills awards. Including students who reverse transfer, approximately 800 Blinn students graduated this fall.

The ceremony featured two student speakers, liberal arts major Jessica Espino and business major Michael Martinez.

After taking a gap year following high school, Espino turned to Blinn College to discover her career path, find new passions, and strengthen her leadership skills. Although initially uncertain about her future direction, Espino chose Blinn for its supportive community, affordability, and proximity to her hometown. What she found was a welcoming environment that allowed her to thrive and make meaningful connections.

“I thought to myself, maybe this is the right choice,” Espino said. “I’d heard great things from friends, and it ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Blinn gave me the space to figure out what I wanted, and I truly mean that from the bottom of my heart.”

Espino embraced college life by living on the Brenham Campus and becoming an active member of the community. Her involvement extended beyond the classroom, as she took on leadership roles within the Student Government Association (SGA). Serving as vice president and treasurer, and later as SGA’s Region 4 secretary, Espino was able to build connections, learn public speaking, and develop her leadership skills.

Espino plans to transfer to Texas A&M University, where she will major in psychology and minor in biology.

“I tell everyone, especially my family members, to consider Blinn before jumping into a four-year university,” Espino said. “Not only is it affordable and close to home, but it also offers so many opportunities to get involved and grow. The professors here have been wonderful, and I’m so grateful for the experience.”

For Martinez, a U.S. Navy veteran and College Station resident, earning his Associate of Science in Business from Blinn has marked more than an educational milestone – it demonstrates the value of education to his 10-year-old daughter, Cynthia.

When he left the military in 2012, Martinez set his sights on higher education, initially enrolling at Texas A&M University in the Maritime Academy. However, without a solid academic foundation, he struggled to adjust to the rigors of college life, ultimately deciding to step back and focus on building a career in operations management. Despite his setbacks, as Martinez and his wife welcomed two children, he continued to feel a strong desire to complete his education.

“I wanted to be able to tell my 10-year-old daughter that education is important and mean it,” Martinez said. “How could I tell her to stay in school and do her best if I didn’t do the same? I knew I needed to finish what I’d started.”

The journey has not been easy, as Martinez has balanced his studies with responsibilities at his family’s business, Manny’s Appliance Repair and Cleaning Service, where he works as an operations manager. He credits Blinn’s Business Program for giving him skills that directly apply to his work.

“Education opens doors,” he said. “It’s not just about getting a job; it’s about developing the skills and knowledge that help you stand out in life. I want my story to show others that it’s never too late to start over and pursue your dreams.”

Registration is now open for Blinn’s winter minimester and spring semester.

The winter minimester runs Dec. 16-20 and Dec. 30-Jan. 9. These accelerated courses cover the same material as a full-length course, allowing students to make rapid progress toward their degree. For more information about the winter minimester, including the courses offered and their transfer equivalents, visit www.blinn.edu/winter.

Spring classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 13. For more information, including the courses offered and their transfer equivalents, visit www.blinn.edu/spring.

New students can apply to Blinn via the GoApplyTexas.org application. Once admitted, they can register for classes at https://my.blinn.edu. Blinn recommends that all students speak to an academic advisor prior to registering for classes. Students can chat online with a Blinn admissions specialist between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at www.blinn.edu/admissions and can call Enrollment Services at 979-830-4800.