Mid-Valley Student Taking Steps To Protect The Environment

South Texas College biology student Pedro Villarreal was invited to attend the 10th Annual National Hispanic Sustainable Energy & Environmental Conference in November at Seattle, Washington. The conference was sponsored by the National Hispanic Environment Council (NHEC), a national, non-profit, membership-based organization that educates and encourages Hispanics to preserve and protect the environment.

“The conference was a great opportunity to gain insight into the world’s environmental issues such as global warming and deforestation, and also to inform about the different jobs, internships and business opportunities with the state and federal agencies,” stated the STC Mid-Valley student. “It was a great opportunity to network with professionals and students from all over the nation with the same interest and learn about the many national projects that are currently in progress to protect our world’s environment.”
Villarreal attended the conference through a travel scholarship awarded by the NHEC that is given to students who have an interest in wildlife, the environment, and biology. Students must academically meet a required grade point average, as well as show a very strong desire in the conservation of our environment.

“This opportunity truly became a reality through the support that I received from my biology instructor, Dr. Gerald Freeman, and Jesus Franco from Texas Parks & Wildlife,” he said. “They believed in me and in my interest and that is something that I will never forget. I am now, more than ever, committed to reach all of my goals and be one of the best in environmental biology.”

After completing the associate’s degree at STC in Biology, Villarreal plans to attend the University of Texas-A&M Kingsville to complete a bachelor’s degree. After this, he plans to join the Peace Corps and later return to complete master’s and a doctorate degrees from the University of Michigan or Purdue University.

“I know that my world will change with education and that through my education I can literally change the world-at least environmentally,” Villarreal said. “I like helping others, and my focus is helping others live a better life in a sustainable world. I have chosen a great career, not for the economic gain, but for the conservation of our natural resources instead.”

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Last Updated June 20, 2007