Blinn College paralegal student earns full-tuition scholarship at Southwestern University

Carlos Rodea credits Blinn with putting him on path to academic, professional success

July 21, 2026

Carlos Rodea credits Blinn College with placing him on the path to academic and professional success.

After graduating from Giddings High School, Rodea had already been accepted to Texas Tech University. He chose to begin his college journey at Blinn instead.

“Although I had the opportunity to attend a four-year university immediately after high school, I chose Blinn College because it was affordable, close to home, and had an outstanding reputation for preparing students for success,” he said. “Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Through hard work and the support of Blinn, I earned enough scholarships that my education was fully funded, allowing me to focus on my goals without the burden of student debt.”

Rodea began at Blinn as an agricultural sciences major. He said his professors genuinely cared about their students and encouraged them to get involved both inside and outside the classroom.

During the winter break, however, he decided to change his major to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Legal Assistant (Paralegal).

“This was not because I had lost my passion for agriculture but because I wanted to pursue a lifelong dream,” he said. “From a very young age, I have always been fascinated by the law. I knew I wanted a career where I could advocate for others, solve problems, and make a positive impact in my community.”

Rodea said Blinn’s Paralegal and Legal Studies Program exceeded his expectations.

“Professors Robert Stanberry and Andrea James challenged me academically while providing practical, hands-on experience that prepared me for the legal profession,” he said. “Through legal research, collaborative projects, and real-world assignments, I learned not only the law but also the importance of professionalism, communication, teamwork, and critical thinking.”

Those relationships paid off. Through the Paralegal Program's internship opportunities and Stanberry's connections in the legal community, Rodea secured an internship with a law firm in Giddings. The internship soon turned into a paralegal position, allowing him to gain valuable legal experience while still completing his degree.

“Being able to work in a law office while completing my education confirmed that I had chosen the right career path,” Rodea said. “I am incredibly grateful to Professor Stanberry for believing in me and helping open the door to an opportunity that has had a lasting impact on my career.”

Rodea also credits academic advisor Ashley Davenport with helping him develop a plan for transferring to a four-year university.

“She constantly encouraged me to dream bigger and reminded me that my goals were achievable if I continued working hard,” he said.

One goal stood above all the others.

“One of my biggest goals throughout college was simple. I wanted to earn my bachelor's degree without paying for school,” Rodea said. “Because of the education, mentorship, and encouragement I received at Blinn, I was fortunate to earn numerous scholarships and admission offers from several outstanding universities, including the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, Sam Houston State University, the University of Houston, Southern Methodist University, the University of North Texas, and Southwestern University in Georgetown.”

After weighing his options, Rodea chose Southwestern University, where he had received a full-tuition scholarship.

“While the scholarship was certainly a major factor, it was not the only reason I chose Southwestern,” he said. “When I visited campus, I immediately felt something familiar. The faculty and staff reminded me of my experience at Blinn. They genuinely care about their students, take the time to know them personally, and are committed to helping them succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. It made my decision much easier because I knew I would be continuing my education in a community that shared the same values.”

This fall, Rodea will begin pursuing a bachelor's degree in political science before continuing to law school.

“My dream is to become an attorney who can advocate for others, serve my community, and make a meaningful difference through the legal profession,” he said.

Looking back, Rodea said Blinn gave him far more than a college education.

“Blinn College gave me mentors who believed in me, professors who challenged me, advisors who invested in my future, and opportunities that completely changed the direction of my life,” he said. “Because of Blinn, I was able to secure a legal internship that became a professional position, earn scholarships that allowed me to graduate debt-free, and transfer to the university of my choice with confidence.

“I will always be grateful for the education and support I received at Blinn College. The relationships I built, the lessons I learned, and the experiences I gained have prepared me for the next chapter of my life. As I continue my education at Southwestern University and work toward attending law school, I will always be proud to call myself a Blinn Buccaneer.”

About the Blinn College District

With innovative programs and award-winning co-enrollment partnerships, Blinn’s academic transfer rate ranks No. 1 among Texas community colleges. For more information, visit www.blinn.edu.