Poqui Escalante
Graduate, Bachelor of Organizational and Corporate Communication
Poqui Escalante is from Nogales, Arizona but has lived in El Paso for the past fifteen years. He works for the Department of Homeland Security and has an associate degree. Poqui decided to get a bachelor's degree to improve his quality of life and to show his daughter (whom he raised for the first four years of her life) that nothing is impossible.
He chose Organizational and Corporate Communication because it would help him at his job and there were classes in the curriculum that would be very valuable to him. Going back to school while working was difficult but well worth it to Poqui, especially because his decision has made an impression on his daughter: she never expressed a desire to go to college until she saw what her father was able to accomplish. Now, college is part of her future plans as well.
Poqui enjoys spending time with his family and also at the Masonic Lodge. He graduated in May 2023 and was one of the Banner Bearers at Commencement. Banner Bearers are chosen by a committee of faculty and staff and being a Banner Bearer is one of the highest honors at Commencement, reserved for outstanding students. Truly a great accomplishment -- congratulations, Poqui!
Why he enrolled in the program:
I enrolled in the program because (the format) made it possible for me to work full-time and attend classes. I was able to work at my own pace and be flexible with my time. This was my first experience with online learning and I loved it.
His experience with online learning:
Until I started this program, I had no experience with online learning. I hope to become more competitive with this degree. I would like to advance at work as far as I can.
On how this degree has played a part in his employment:
This degree has shown my employers that I have the capability to step out of my comfort zone and push myself. It has shown that I have drive and dedication to complete tasks and help the organization improve.
On whether he has the support he needs:
I do have support. The counselors in the program were amazing.
What he would say to prospective online students:
You get out of this program what you put into it. You can do the bare minimum or really jump into the subjects. The flexibility of this learning platform allows you to get an education and still be able to support yourself. I feel that this program really prepares you for life after school.
On whether he would enroll in this program again if he had to do things over:
I would definitely do this program over again. It has had a direct impact on my life.