Bank Executive Rosantina Aranda Looks Back on Inspiring Years at NVC

One of the most meaningful chapters of my career was serving as an adjunct professor at Northwest Vista College (NVC). Teaching at NVC was truly a dream come true. I deeply enjoyed working with students and being part of their academic journeys. My hope is to return to teaching at the college level when I retire.

I was also honored to be one of the founding members of the Northwest Vista College Business Council. I was asked to serve as chair for approximately two years. Over the years, I continued volunteering as a mentor and guest speaker. One of the most impactful elements of the business council was the classroom mentoring program. It allowed business professionals to engage directly with students and provide real-world insight into topics such as interviewing, networking, and professional development, bringing coursework to life and helping students better prepare for their careers.

My community college experience had a profound impact on my life. I would not be where I am today without the full scholarship I received prior to graduating high school. I was the first person in my family to attend college, and initially I didn’t know what to expect. What I quickly learned was that education creates unlimited possibilities. Being in an environment that encouraged growth and exploration empowered me to become anything I wanted to be.

For students considering enrollment at Northwest Vista College, my advice is simple: take the first step with an open mind. You don’t need to have all the answers or know exactly what you want to do. The first two years are the perfect time to explore, discover your strengths, and learn about the opportunities available to you. Education is a powerful springboard to the future and learning should never stop.

My Path to a Career in Banking

When I first attended St. Philip’s College in 1987, my goal was to become a teacher. I later transferred to Palo Alto College, where I received an associate degree in fine arts in 1998. However, while taking classes during the day, I began working nights at Frost Bank. As my career in banking developed, I decided to change my major to accounting, believing it would open doors for advancement, and that decision proved to be pivotal in my professional growth. In addition to an associate degree, I earned a bachelor’s in accounting from UT San Antonio in 2005 and later obtained my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in 2021.

My banking career has evolved over more than three decades. I spent 32 years at Frost Bank, beginning with two years working nights as a proof operator, followed by five years in human resources as a payroll clerk. After completing my accounting degree, I moved into commercial lending. Today, I serve as vice president and senior commercial lender at MidFirst Bank, working primarily with middle-market businesses.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story. Northwest Vista College will always hold a special place in my heart.