MISSION, TEXAS (April 25, 2024) Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) Alumnus, Jay Villegas says he thanks his breezy business successes to the opportunities offered during his time at Mission CISD.
As part of the Mission High School Class of 2012, Villegas says he’s always known he was going to be part of the family business one day.
“I went through the Mission CISD school system from kindergarten to high school,” Villegas said. “It was during my time at Mission High School that I fell in love with band, sports, and the opportunity to take advantage of dual enrollment to help my family business.”
Villegas, who is now the Vice President of Frontier Air Conditioning in Mission, Texas credits Mission CISD for providing a pathway to college for students like himself.
“High School was such a great time for me, at Mission CISD everyone is like a family and looks out for each other, my sister is a teacher there now,” Villegas said. “I remember being so busy, going to school, taking dual enrollment classes at South Texas College, and then would take calls to go fix air conditioners for the business.”
Villegas was able to graduate with not just his high school diploma but with a certificate in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) in addition to an associate degree in business management, all before the age of 21.
Now at 30, Villegas is calling the shots at Frontier AC through strategic marketing and business ventures.
“I used to be out taking calls and doing it all,” Villegas said. “I had a talk with my father however to let him know that I saw more for our business, more opportunities to grow through marketing opportunities and expanding Frontier to a brick-and-mortar establishment. We’ve surpassed our expectations for our family business.”
DUAL MEANS TWO
Like Villegas, Mission CISD encourages all students to take advantage of the dual enrollment opportunities available. With all three Mission CISD high schools providing dual enrollment, an estimated 700 students are enrolled in college-level courses each semester.
Last year an estimated 650 students earned about 10,000 credit hours in over 80 different college courses.
Mission CISD Director of Curriculum and Advanced Academic Services, John R. Hill says dual enrollment mean so much more to students and their families than numbers.
“We know that college can be expensive,” Hill said. “When a student graduates with not only a high school diploma but also an associate degree it gives them a head start on their future and their finances.”
Today Villegas is keeping his ventures in ventilation and plans on keeping the momentum going for Frontier AC.
“I’m proud to say we’ve reached new heights in our family business,” Villegas said. “The advice I would give to students is to talk less and ask more questions. People have a lot to share, and you need to be there to listen. You need to be present in the moment. Ask questions, people are willing to help you."
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