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PHARR, Texas - Directors with the Pharr Economic Development Corporation have recognized Vanguard Academy students for successfully completing a summer internship program with local businesses.

The program came about thanks to a grant received by Vanguard. Vanguard in turn asked Pharr EDC to help place the students. The program was administered by Victor Perez and Karina Lopez of Pharr EDC and Monica Longoria of Vanguard. Students received a stipend for their work.

"We are beyond blessed for having this opportunity," Longoria said, at a recent Pharr EDC board meeting. She said the EDC has a \\u201cgreat team."

Each of the students on the program spoke about their experience with the program. All said the experience was beneficial. One of the internships has led to a job offer.\\xa0

Pharr EDC President Ambrosio Hernandez, MD, said an internship program can help a student find out what he or she wants to do as a career. \\xa0

\\u201cA lot of this, you think you know what you want. But when you get your boots dirty and your hands dirty you can figure out what you really want to do,\\u201d Hernandez said.

Noting that the Vanguard students were placed with local small businesses for their internship, Pharr EDC board member Ramiro Caballero, MD, said small businesses are the backbone of any economy.\\xa0

\\u201cSmall businesses are the heart of business anywhere. Small businesses can become big businesses. I have friends of mine that started with a small business in high school and made it into a multi-million dollar industry. I know people who started making tortillas who are now extremely successful,\\u201d Caballero said.\\xa0

\\u201cIt all comes with hard work and customer service so hopefully those things you will learn. Business will not come to you. You have to go to business. You will learn a lot of the skills in college, people skills, networking, and being good to your customers. Always remember that and always try to help others because it always come back to you, also.\\u201d

Editor's Note: To read the full story, go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.

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