When Belinda Renteria immigrated to the United States from Mexico with her family, she soldiered through the hardships they faced.
“It was crazy,” she said. “My father had passed away, so my mom immigrated here. I hated the culture shock. I started eighth grade and knew no English whatsoever. I had to learn the hard way.”
Fortunately, Renteria had a stellar English teacher once she started school in Brownsville, Texas. In her career as enrollment specialist at the Lamar University Student Service Center in McAllen, she helps students pursue their higher education dreams.
“I am one of six children,” she said. “My brothers and sisters struggled so much with the language and the challenges. After I got over it, I went for it. I said, ‘I may not be the smartest one, but I am going to push forward.’”
After working for more than 16 years in admissions for the Education Corporation of America, Renteria started at the Lamar University Student Service Center in March 2019.
“When we have the opportunity to help the local people, they love it and feel more at ease when somebody like them is going to take them through the process,” she said “We also know the culture itself.
“I am making friends with potential students because we have so many things in common. It’s not just a transaction — it’s a relationship that we’re building here.”
Renteria, 48, has missed that in-person interaction while working remotely during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Since I have been working from home, they’re asking me when I am going back to the office and saying, ‘I can’t wait to meet you in person,’” she said. “You get a lot of that where I work. It makes a big difference.”
Valley Girl
After graduating from Brownsville High School in 1991, Renteria initially wanted to become a nurse. She started school but left after one semester because she was no longer eligible for financial aid.
“I had to survive by working,” she said. “I didn’t become a legal U.S. resident until 2004, so it took many years. I had to work hard. I went into sales, was successful at it and stayed there for many years.”
While employed with the Education Corporation of America, Renteria enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in business administration and management at Kaplan University.
“Once I decided that I didn’t want to be a nurse, I wanted to become a counselor and help people,” she said. “I never got tired of learning about the students’ interests and their goals and helping them go to school.”
Walking a mile in the students’ shoes comes naturally for Renteria. Her journey of overcoming obstacles to assimilate, gain work experience and start a degree program is relatable.
“Through my own experience, I encourage them. They still contact me to this day. I love to make an impact on them.”
Renteria has also influenced both of her children, Leslie Vega (24) and Jaime Vega (22), to pursue higher education. Her daughter recently graduated, and her son is close to wrapping up a bachelor’s degree program, as well.
“I’m trying to find the right program to finish my bachelor’s degree. I’ve done administration in business, management and sales. I am thinking of going into human resources someday. I would like to fight for the rights of employees.”
Renteria loves to help others realize their dreams through higher education.
“Many of them have messaged me and said, ‘Thank you for calling back. It’s so neat that you take the time to follow up with us. You never give up and you motivate us,’” she said. “I get a lot of positive feedback from them. They love it. That makes it all worthwhile.”
Learn more about Lamar University’s online degree programs.
three
