From Promise to Purpose: Megan’s Journey to Confidence and Community at NVC

No one knows the importance of education better than the child of an educator. This is especially true for Megan Raymond, the daughter of a retired teacher who made countless sacrifices as a single mother to support Megan's educational journey. Still, the daunting cost of a college education felt intimidating for Megan, as it does for many. 

It wasn't until her junior year at Taft High School that Megan realized her dream of pursuing higher education debt-free would become a reality. She learned that she was eligible to have 100% of her tuition and fees covered by AlamoPROMISE. 

“I decided to attend the Alamo Colleges for multiple reasons. The sheer amount of money I would save was definitely a factor, but the fact that NVC is close to my home made it even better,” said Megan. 

Currently, Megan is pursuing an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts at Northwest Vista College (NVC), where she maintains a 3.89 GPA.  

Megan is actively involved in numerous campus activities. She is the Vice President of Student Government, a Secondary Delegate on the Student District Council, and the President of the NVC Kitty Cat Club. Additionally, she is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and works in the NVC President's Office. 

“My goal during my time at the Alamo Colleges is to learn as much as I can while giving back to my campus and district community,” said Megan. 

When introducing Megan for her AlamoPROMISE Student of the Month recognition at the October 2025 Alamo Colleges District (ACD) Board of Trustees Meeting, Dr. Amy Bosley, NVC President, described Megan as “a student who absolutely exemplifies all of the characteristics of a Northwest Vista College and Alamo Colleges Student.” 

Despite her accomplishments and active engagement, Megan's time at NVC hasn't been without challenges.  

“Balancing academics, work, caregiving responsibilities for my grandparents, and extracurriculars has tested my time management skills,” said Megan. She added that she experiences mental health challenges “...that affect my confidence, and at times it has held me back from pursuing opportunities.” 

Her determination and strength have enabled her to work through these challenges. 

“I’ve learned to take things day by day, stay present, and be mindful of my commitments and how I present myself. These lessons have helped me grow,” Megan said. 

AlamoPROMISE helped eliminate financial challenges for Megan, allowing her to commit her time to her studies and extracurricular activities. 

"I’ve been able to work as a student employee, gaining valuable professional experience while covering my living expenses. Not having to juggle multiple jobs to pay for tuition has allowed me to participate in extracurricular activities that have helped me grow as a leader and team member. It’s puts my dreams within reach, allowing me to have experiences I would have never been able to afford," said Megan. 

One of Megan's proudest accomplishments has been her work with the NVC Kitty Cat Club, where she advocates for the cats that call NVC’s campus home. The organization has helped improve the lives of the felines on campus and has fostered strong bonds among fellow members. 

Megan's passion for animal welfare caught the attention of ACD Board Member and cat lover, Dr. Yvonne Katz. After learning about the NVC Kitty Cat Club during Megan's speech at the October ACD Board meeting, Dr. Katz made a $200 donation to the club. 

"Many‬‭ people‬‭ think‬‭ that‬‭ community‬‭ colleges‬‭ are‬‭ places‬‭ where‬‭ you‬‭ are‬‭ just‬‭ in‬‭ and‬‭ out‬. There’s‬‭ definitely‬‭ a‬‭ lot‬‭ you‬‭ can‬‭ do‬‭ besides‬‭ going‬‭ to‬‭ class.‬‭ Take‬‭ advantage‬‭ of‬‭ student‬‭ resources,‬‭ tutoring‬‭ labs,‬‭ and the advocacy‬‭ center. Getting‬‭ involved‬‭ on‬‭ campus‬‭ will‬‭ make‬‭ your‬‭ college‬‭ experience‬‭ so‬‭ much‬‭ better," said Megan. 

After completing her associate degree in May 2026, Megan plans to transfer to the University of Texas at San Antonio through the Promise-to-Promise program, where she will be able to earn her Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs free from student loan debt. She hopes to eventually pursue a Master’s in Library Science at the University of North Texas and one day work in the Library of Congress's Congressional Research Department. 

“All of the experiences I’ve had at Northwest Vista have prepared me for my future academic and professional life. I’ll always remember my time studying here," said Megan.