Vazquez named Student of the Month

Vazquez is a freshman majoring in business finance and minoring in management. He said he would like to break his family’s cycle of working in the oilfield and work behind the scenes of those performing the manual labor.

“Someone has to do the desk job and understanding finance is a big part of any operation. Up until now, everyone in my family has done the physical work and I want to make a change. I want others to know that it’s okay to break a cycle in their family,” Vazquez said.

Vazquez came to CSC as an offensive lineman after being offered a scholarship. He wanted to move away from home and experience new opportunities. Vazquez enjoys the atmosphere of the football program at CSC and has received recognition from his teammates for demonstrating dedication on and off the field.

“Not everyone gets a chance to play college football. I am very grateful for the opportunity to go out every day and work hard to better myself, both physically and mentally,” Vazquez said.

Offensive Line Coach Logan Zacharias described Vazquez as having a great personality.

“Gerardo is one of the hardest working kids that I have in my offensive line room and one of the most respectful as well. Gerardo is one of those kids that when he smiles, he brightens up the room and is always trying to make your day better,” Zacharias said.

Vazquez is involved in the Familia club on campus which welcomes native Spanish speakers as well as those at all levels of learning the language. Vazquez enjoys the club because it gives him an opportunity to meet new people, speak Spanish, and learn about different cultures.

Project Strive/TRiO Retention Specialist Amanda Lewin said Vazquez is a valuable addition to the program.

”Gerardo is a shining example of a first-generation college student, consistently demonstrating perseverance and resilience in everything he does. Stepping out of his comfort zone to attend college so far from home, he has received incredible support from his family throughout his academic journey. He greets everyone with a big smile and kind words, and we always look forward to seeing him in our offices. Gerardo is always looking for ways to help out and volunteer. Last semester, he was featured in the Project Strive video, where he did a wonderful job explaining how the program benefits students and helps them succeed,” Lewin said.

Vazquez said he enjoys personal finance classes because they teach students the importance of the small aspects of finance and how to manage personal funds. He also enjoys learning about how America came to be and digging into the events of history.

Being at CSC has allowed Vazquez opportunities to meet new people, experience different weather, and explore unique landscapes. In his free time, Vazquez enjoys hanging out and cooking with the offensive line, going fishing, and exploring different plants. In Texas, Vazquez grows tropical fruits such as bananas, avocados, pomegranates, loquats, watermelon, and cantaloupe.

Vazquez plans to graduate in Spring 2028. After graduation, he wants to pursue a master’s degree in business before moving back to his hometown to work in finance for the oilfield.

Chadron State College’s Project Strive/TRiO program, located in the lower level of the King Library, is an academic enrichment program committed to helping students succeed. Project Strive also focuses on career exploration, cultural and social enrichment, and self-awareness. To be eligible for the program, a student must be one of the following: A first-generation student where neither parent has a four-year degree, meet low-income status based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criteria, or have a documented disability. For more information, visit https://www.csc.edu/projectstrive/.