Luz Meza never imagined she would end up where she is todayòòò½ÊÓƵ” a newly married United States citizen with a fulfilling career as a physical therapist assistant.

It all started with Victoria College.

Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, Meza was 24 years old when she made the bold decision to leave home and start over in the United States. It was her mother, Imelda Marroquin, who first introduced her to VC.

òòò½ÊÓƵœShe and one of her friends had been going out to schools and came across a handout with information on Victoria Collegeòòò½ÊÓƵ™s Physical Therapist Assistant Program,òòò½ÊÓƵ said Meza. òòò½ÊÓƵœShe told me I had to try it.òòò½ÊÓƵ

Arriving in Victoria with limited English, Meza leaned on her determination and a cross-translation dictionary to navigate the transition. She spent her first two years at VC completing prerequisite courses while improving her language skills.

òòò½ÊÓƵœThe language was the biggest barrier at first,òòò½ÊÓƵ said Meza. òòò½ÊÓƵœI needed a lot of work on my writing. Everyone was so helpful and welcoming at Victoria College.òòò½ÊÓƵ

Her journey wasnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t without obstacles. Immigration delays disrupted her progress, and her interview to change her immigration status coincided with her PTA clinical rotations. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic added another challenge.

In 2021, Meza completed the program and walked the stage at VCòòò½ÊÓƵ™s virtual commencement ceremony with her mother by her side. She soon began her career at Victoria Pain & Rehabilitation Center.

Four years later, Meza continues to build a meaningful careeròòò½ÊÓƵ”and lifeòòò½ÊÓƵ”in Victoria.

òòò½ÊÓƵœIòòò½ÊÓƵ™m proudly a citizen now after a long journey with all the paperwork and testing. Iòòò½ÊÓƵ™m happily married to my husband who is going to be studying in VCòòò½ÊÓƵ™s Associate Degree Nursing Bridge Program this fall semester,òòò½ÊÓƵ she shared. òòò½ÊÓƵœAs a PTA, I continue to provide patient care, aiming to make a positive impact on their lives and health.òòò½ÊÓƵ

After gaining experience in outpatient rehab, Meza transitioned to home healthcare, joining Elite Home Health (formerly Crossroads Home Health), and also works in an acute care setting at PAM Health Specialty Hospital of Victoria North.

òòò½ÊÓƵœI wanted to further challenge myself and learn more,òòò½ÊÓƵ she said. òòò½ÊÓƵœI strive to continue to improve on my skills and to be able to help patients whose voices are not heard due to language barriers. My Spanish-speaking patients are always so grateful, and they feel heard. Thatòòò½ÊÓƵ™s my biggest inspiration.òòò½ÊÓƵ

Meza is proud to be working toward her physical therapist degree. She continues to credit Victoria College with setting her on the path to success.

òòò½ÊÓƵœI feel eternally grateful to Victoria College for giving me an opportunity to further my education,òòò½ÊÓƵ said Meza. òòò½ÊÓƵœVC has the best teachers and staff that guided me each step of the way when I was an international student. Our PTA Program is one of the strongest in Texas and it showsòòò½ÊÓƵ”clinical instructors and future employers know that students from Victoria College are highly committed and competent.òòò½ÊÓƵ

Now firmly rooted in her career and community, Meza hopes to give back by encouraging the next generation.

VC wants to hear from former and current Pirates. Visit to submit a success story in honor of VCòòò½ÊÓƵ™s 100th anniversary.