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TSTC resources help ensure student success

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College is known for providing hands-on learning to students who enroll in its many programs. Throughout every semester, one thing is certain: Students are its top priority.

Various resources exist at the college to ensure that those enrolled have everything they need in order to succeed. Grants, scholarships and even the TSTC Food Pantry are all available to assist when necessary.

The Food Pantry has been helping some students during the unforeseen circumstances presented because of the coronavirus.

“Many students are facing additional stressors during this pandemic,” said TSTC Advocacy and Resource Center coordinator Patty Flores. “Students are able to get items usually the same day, based on availability. They can even stop by when we are open or schedule an appointment.”

Additional resources at TSTC come in the form of gifts from organizations throughout the community.

TSTC and the Harlingen Medical Center recently created the Harlingen Medical Center Scholarship Fund, which will assist TSTC nursing students with tuition, course materials, testing fees and campus housing.

Richard Mesquias, a TSTC senior field development officer, said that partnerships between TSTC and organizations like the Harlingen Medical Center are abundantly beneficial to student success.

“Harlingen Medical Center has been an invaluable partner in investing in a scholarship fund,” he said. “They have helped in creating student clinical experiences and career opportunities for hundreds of TSTC students and alumni.”

Ultimately, community support will ensure that TSTC students know they are not on their educational journey alone.

“Support from regional businesses — including financial, talent and in-kind — creates winning programs and ensures student success at TSTC,” Mesquias said.

For more information about the TSTC Food Pantry, contact Patty Flores at patty.flores@tstc.edu.

To learn more about giving to TSTC, visit https://tstc.edu/tstcfoundation.

 

Adversity no match for TSTC Education and Training student

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College student Sheila Guajardo is no stranger to overcoming adversity.

She expects to complete her Associate of Applied Science degree in Education and Training this December.

Deciding which program to study was an easy choice for Guajardo, who was already familiar with the world of learning.

“I have substituted and worked in early child care centers in the past,” she said. “Teaching has always been involved in my life since I was a child. My mom was a teacher, so it wasn’t a surprise for me to naturally want to be in this field.”

The road to completing her education has not been easy. Guajardo faced personal struggles on her way to obtaining a degree that could have easily ended her time in school. In 2016, she suffered a stroke that made her pause her studies.

“When I had a stroke, it took me out of everything for about a year or two,” she said. “When I was back to myself, I said that I would finish school, no matter what. It was difficult with some changes and difficulties that stayed with me after my stroke.”

Guajardo said that with help from her husband and the resources available to her at TSTC, she made it through every challenge.

“My husband went from supporting me in the hospital to supporting me in school,” she said. “He never let me feel like I could not accomplish what I set out to do, no matter how difficult. TSTC’s Access and Learning Accommodations also made sure that I had everything I needed in order to be successful.”

One of Guajardo’s Education and Training instructors, Myriam Aguila, knows that Guajardo is more than ready to start a career as an educator.

“I would like to congratulate Sheila not only for this achievement, but also for the hard work and dedication that she put throughout each assignment, project, lesson and participation in all her Education and Training classes,” she said. “She has the commitment, enthusiasm and passion for what she does and what she believes in. It gives me peace of mind knowing that our young learners are in the best hands.”

Guajardo was not only learning more academically through her time at TSTC, she was also learning more about herself.

“The biggest thing I can take away from my experience in college is knowing that I can do what I set my mind to do,” she said. “I can’t even count how many times I’ve cried, saying that things were too much and that I could not handle it anymore. Now I know that I have been there before, I accomplished what I set out to and I can do it again.”

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Employees in Waco Recognized With Statewide Award

(WACO, Texas) – Seven employees at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus have been honored for their work and skills.

Sally Estrada, Tonya Isaacks, Misty Kaska, Matthew Peterson, Shelli Scherwitz, Tina Skidmore and Julie Threlkeld have received TSTC’s Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

“We are so excited and pleased for our Waco campus Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipients,” said Patti Tate, TSTC’s interim provost in Waco. “Although we have many, many on campus that do wonderful work with us, these are the ones that stood out. There is no greater way to say thank you to those that were recognized.”

The Chancellor’s Excellence Award began in 2001 and has been given to more than 300 TSTC employees statewide. Recipients are nominated by their peers for their work toward advancing the technical college’s mission.

“The teammates who win this award model excellence for us all and are recognized for both their sound character and for advancing TSTC’s mission,” said TSTC Chancellor & CEO Mike Reeser. “Due to their caring and dedicated efforts, TSTC continues to make a difference in the employment success of our students.”

Isaacks lives in China Spring and is a lab assistant for the Computer Programming Technology and Computer Networking and Systems Administration programs. She was a student worker in 2012 before starting her job full-time in 2016.

“There is no such thing as an average day in my position,” Isaacks said. “Every day is something new. I make plans for the day, but someone has technical difficulties and my whole day changes. The variety in my position is what keeps me motivated. I learn something new every day.”

Peterson lives in Mount Calm and is an instructor in the Diesel Equipment Technology program. He has worked at TSTC for a little more than two years.

“The students motivate me,” he said. “There is nothing better than seeing the light come on when you are teaching, and I can’t explain that feeling of pride and accomplishment to watch the students walk across the stage upon graduation.”

Scherwitz is executive vice president of OIT Administrative Services and has worked for 22 years at TSTC. Her job is to work with all of TSTC’s employees to help make their technology visions a reality. She said she was in shock when she learned she received the award.

Skidmore lives in Abbott and is senior executive director of the Student Reporting Department – Business Intelligence. She will celebrate 15 years of working at TSTC this year. She credits the employees in her department for uniting to build and design new ways to make work easier for TSTC employees.

“Receiving the award is such an honor for me,” Skidmore said. “The work we do typically is done behind the scenes. Having someone put forth the effort to nominate me is an honor in itself, and then to actually receive the award has me in disbelief.”

Threlkeld lives in Waco and is director of Constituent Management at The TSTC Foundation. She has worked at TSTC for seven years.

“I am honored and humbled to be included with such an incredible community of co-workers,” she said. “What we do is important. We touch the lives of TSTC students by removing the barriers that would otherwise keep them from being successful at TSTC and in life.”

Estrada is a custodial worker in the John B. Connally Technology Center, and Kaska is a coordinator in the Advocacy and Resource Center.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

 

Physics Courses at TSTC Invite Exploration and Curiosity

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking all had one thing in common: their love for physics. 

Two Texas State Technical College instructors enjoy exploring the complexities that physics has to offer while passing them along to TSTC students.

 Physics department chair Jose Alvarez began working at TSTC in 2011 and initially planned on teaching courses in algebra. Ultimately, physics got the best of him and now he thoroughly enjoys teaching the courses.

 “I’m having a ball,” he said.

 Alvarez has worked in several places around the world, including Brazil and Mexico City, which he credits for adding to his passions as an educator.

 “I think those experiences have definitely made me a better instructor,” he said.

 Jaime Romo joined TSTC as an adjunct physics instructor last year, and he is eager to bring his admiration for the subject to his students.

 “My interests were always in problem-solving,” he said when asked about his particular liking for physical sciences. “Physics is the foundation of this; it encapsulates all sciences into one field.”

 Romo mentioned that taking this course is beneficial for anyone who wonders how an everyday object works.

 “We showcase a lot of different examples and experiments that allow students to understand basic concepts,” he said. “At TSTC, we do a good job in terms of giving a glimpse of problem-solving and thinking outside the box that will propel your sense of curiosity.”

 Alvarez added that these are aspects he utilizes when he is in the classroom.

 “I teach the principles of physics that have been around for a long time,” he explained. “Curiosity is the keyword of this entire subject. Once students learn the explanation behind something, they have their aha! moment and everything starts to make sense.”

While there are several programs at TSTC that do require a physics course, Alvarez said that any student with an interest in the subject is welcome to take a physics class.

“Absolutely, take a course,” he explained. “I have had students with an interest in engineering, computer science, education and so many other areas take my classes. If you want to take the course as an elective, take it.”

 Both instructors assure students that if they have a sense of wonder about the world, then taking a physics course will keep things interesting.

 “If you are just a bit curious about physics, you’ll enjoy a course,” said Romo. “Physics uses math as a language to propel you toward understanding nature. I would definitely suggest taking the course just to see what it is all about.”

 “You need curiosity,” added Alvarez. “You need to want to understand why things work the way they do. If you’re interested in that, it’s a lot of fun.”

 To learn more about courses offered at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

 

 

TSTC Surgical Technology Program Prepares Students for Life-Changing Career

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The ever-growing medical field is more vital than it has ever been. Health care workers are an essential part of our well-being, and the Surgical Technology program at Texas State Technical College not only boasts a high completion rate, but it is also a very hands-on academic journey that prepares students for a career in this crucial field.

Senior instructor Anna San Pedro, a 22-year veteran of the program, discussed her experiences at the forefront of surgical technology at TSTC and the impact that students who complete the program have on their communities.

 “I graduated back in 1995,” she said. “I worked at Valley Baptist Medical Center for a few years right after that.”

 After learning of an opportunity to become a lab assistant, San Pedro joined the TSTC team in 1998 and has been working at the college ever since. 

 “Just recently Mr. (Robert) Sanchez retired after 39 years as program director,” she said. “I took over the program last year. It’s very exciting. I’ve got big shoes to fill!”

 The 2019 graduating class had a program completion rate of 83 percent, which is above the national average, an attribute that San Pedro credits to the leadership of the program.

 “The curriculum that Mr. Sanchez put together, and all the work he put into setting up the affiliations with the surrounding facilities, is part of why we have seen such high success rates,” San Pedro reiterated. “We have affiliations from Brownsville to Mission, which have also given us high success rates with regard to placing our students.”

 The program, which is six semesters long, offers an intricately hands-on approach to learning.

 “It is highly intensive clinically, and they’re learning on the job,” San Pedro added. “Our students are getting hands-on training at these facilities. What sets us apart are our strong affiliations and the fact that our students are receiving such a diversified clinical training before they complete the program.”

 TSTC’s Surgical Technology department is dedicated to student success so much so that students have the opportunity to tour an operating room before they make their final decision to begin their academic journey.

 “We give them a local tour so that they have the chance to see what the operating room is about,” San Pedro said. “It’s about two hours long, and we do the tours because we want to give them as best an inside view into their potential career as we can. We want them to make the best decisions for themselves about the program.”

 While getting into the program is competitive, San Pedro said that students not only grow academically through their coursework, but they also grow as medical professionals.

 “I enjoy seeing that evolution take place,” she said. “Seeing students come in with no understanding of the operating room and then seeing them begin to get to know the industry is really inspiring. It’s a huge step with regard to their professional growth.”

 Despite the challenges that come with any academic feat, and the rigorous coursework that comes with the medical territory, San Pedro stated that the rewarding aspect of being the helping hand for another person is part of what makes the profession worth it.

 “You get to help somebody,” she said. “That’s the most rewarding thing. You can actually change the life of an individual.”

 To learn more about TSTC’s Surgical Technology program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/SurgicalTechnology.

 

 

The Sky’s The Limit for TSTC Aviation Maintenance Graduate

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Ely Monalisa Cortina is ready to bring girl power to the male-dominated field of aviation. The Brownsville native knew that Texas State Technical College was the right college for her after a tour in high school introduced her to aviation maintenance, and it was in that moment that she fell in love with the complexities of an aircraft.

 Cortina graduated from TSTC in December 2019 with associate degrees in Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology.

The 21-year-old is not only well-equipped for her new career intellectually, but she also has the determination needed to help her take flight.

 “There is nothing that can stop that girl,” said aviation maintenance instructor Leo Guajardo. “There is nothing that will get in her way to achieve what she wants, and I was so glad to have her in my class.”

 Cortina discussed her time at TSTC, her new career, and even offered some words of advice for potential students who may walk in her footsteps.

Why did you decide to study aviation maintenance? 

I decided on the aviation maintenance program because I’ve always found myself to be attracted to mechanical work. I’ve always enjoyed taking an object apart, learning how it functions and then putting it back together. Plus, who doesn’t think an aircraft is cool?

What motivated you to choose TSTC? 

During my senior year of high school, I was able to take a tour of the campus and the programs offered. The aviation maintenance program caught my attention as soon as I walked into the hangar. I knew at that moment TSTC was the right school for me.

Who at TSTC has had the most influence on your success? 

The person who influenced me the most would be my instructor Leo Guajardo. As a female entering a male-dominant field, he reassured me that my success is possible and there are no limitations as to how far I will go in this career. He is a well-rounded instructor who doesn’t mind taking the extra time to help a student understand a subject they are having trouble with, both in the book and hands-on work.

Talk a little bit about your new role. 

My new role will be at the Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio.  It will include engine work and structural work on the Beechcraft T-6 aircraft they use to train military personnel.

How has TSTC prepared you for this career? 

TSTC has prepared me by challenging my critical-thinking skills. I enjoyed how the college provided us with different types of aircraft and engines to prepare us for the real world as much as possible.

Do you have a favorite memory at TSTC? 

I have many favorite memories. Although one that has always stood out was when I was taught how to start a Cessna 175 aircraft during one of our class lectures. Hearing any aircraft always rekindles my love of aviation.

Do you have any advice for future TSTC students? 

My advice would be to push through all the difficult days you will come by. Never lose sight of the finish line; you will be happy with the person you will become. All the knowledge and experience you will acquire will guarantee your success in whatever company you choose to work for.

To learn more about Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Police Officer Honored by Lacy Lakeview

(WACO, Texas) – A Texas State Technical College police officer was among four local law enforcement officers honored Tuesday by the Lacy Lakeview City Council.

TSTC police officer Landon Rowell, along with Lacy Lakeview Police Department officer Scott Dent, received the Blackinton Commendation Bar, Life Saving for their work in helping to keep a woman alive on Sunday, Sept. 8. Lacy Lakeview police officers Kadaro Klanika and James Plummer were also honored but unable to attend the ceremony. 

“The honor is very prestigious,” said TSTC’s Lt. Roman Proctor. “Even though officers face a lot of different challenges and have certain things they are recognized for, being recognized for saving someone’s life is paramount.”

According to the Lacy Lakeview Police Department, the officers answered the late evening call for help on North Rita Street. When the officers arrived, they found a 64-year-old woman having medical issues and who was unresponsive. When the woman’s breathing and pulse stopped, the officers began CPR) and used an automated external defibrillator to revive her.

“We all switched out doing CPR and moving her off the bed and moving around the furniture,” Rowell said.

Rowell said he did what he was trained to do in the situation.

“You never know what the day will bring,” he said.

An ambulance arrived at the scene and took the woman to an area hospital as an officer rode along to continue administering CPR. Unfortunately, the woman died a few days later, according to the Lacy Lakeview Police Department.

Rowell grew up in Waco and was home-schooled. He said he always wanted to be a police officer to help serve a community. He is a graduate of the McLennan Community College Law Enforcement Academy.

Before joining TSTC’s police force, he worked for two years for the Woodway Public Safety Department.

“He (Rowell) adds value to our department as far as his willingness and his service to us,” Proctor said. “He helps out by always being available to assist when needed.”

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC Nursing Student Prepares for Three-peat at SkillsUSA

(SWEETWATER) – Winning is so nice, she did it twice. Now Kacee Merrifield wants it again, and so does one of her classmates.

Merrifield is a nursing student enrolled in the associate degree program at Texas State Technical College in Sweetwater. She has competed at SkillsUSA two years in a row, winning state both times and placing nationally.

“It’s a very validating feeling when you get to test your skills against others in your industry, but it’s so much more than just winning a medal,” Merrifield said.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. In 2017 Merrifield placed first in state for Health Knowledge Bowl, continuing on to win fourth at nationals. In 2018 she won first in state for Nurse Assisting and sixth at nationals. She will compete in Practical Nursing this year.

“I love that SkillsUSA offers a platform to meet other professionals. You meet so many people and make friends and get to travel. I really enjoyed what Skills has done for me,” Merrifield said.

Hoping to win his second first-place title is fellow nursing student Corbin Calsoncin. Calsoncin and Merrifield both graduated from TSTC in Breckenridge with a certificate of completion in Vocational Nursing in 2018. Calsoncin is also currently enrolled in the nursing program at TSTC in Sweetwater.

“I was nervous my first couple times I competed, but I feel better now and am more prepared,” Calsoncin said.

Calsoncin placed second at state in Medical Math in 2017, but placed first in Math in 2018 and went on to place ninth at nationals. Calsoncin will compete in Medical Math again this year.

Not only do Merrifield and Calsoncin compete in SkillsUSA at the collegiate level, but they also judge the high school level.

“Judging is a chance for them to give back and share their experiences with others,” Marchelle Taylor, TSTC nursing instructor and West Texas SkillsUSA coordinator, said. “Skills allows them to interact with other students and industry around the state and nation.”

Merrifield and Calsoncin will compete at the SkillsUSA 2019 Leadership and Skills Conference on April 12-14 at TSTC in Waco.

Both students encourage anyone interested in nursing to visit TSTC and take advantage of the opportunities available with SkillsUSA.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, log on to tstc.edu.

TSTC in Sweetwater nursing students Corbin Calsoncin, left, and Kacee Merrifield, right, prepare to compete at SkillsUSA in April. 

TSTC Student Exemplifies Dual Enrollment Success

(Brownwood) – Education means opportunity, and no one values that more than Alan Acosta, a Welding Technology student at Texas State Technical College in Brownwood.  

Acosta plans to be the first member of his immediate family, who immigrated from Mexico when he was 6, to earn a college degree. He started working on that goal while still a Brownwood High School student, earning college credit through TSTC’s dual enrollment program in welding.

After graduating high school in May 2018, Acosta became a full-time TSTC student working toward a structural welding certificate.

“I first tried welding in middle school and was fascinated by it, but I was pretty horrible,” Acosta said. “But after the classes in high school, I felt a lot more confident, and I’m learning faster now in college.”

The partnership between TSTC and Brownwood High School allows high school students to experience college courses before committing as a full-time traditional student.

“Dual enrollment students become much more experienced in college coursework than other students entering college having never attended a college class, not knowing what to expect,” Rene Ralston, TSTC director of dual enrollment, said. “Brownwood High School is in TSTC’s backyard, so it makes sense to partner with the school.”

TSTC welding instructor Stephen Hope believes that dual enrollment allows students the chance to figure out what they want to do in life and learn what opportunities are available.

“Alan is a determined young man, and he works so hard because he knows that there are so many job opportunities waiting for him,” Hope said. “He will go far because of his determination, and I’m proud of him.”

Acosta encourages anyone interested in getting a well-paying job to pursue their education. “If you have the ambition, you can do it. It may be hard, but you will learn it,” Acosta said. “And the people at TSTC are so helpful and willing to be there for you.”

Acosta’s younger brother, Domingo, is following in his footsteps and is currently enrolled in the welding dual enrollment program at Brownwood High.

Alan Acosta plans to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology at TSTC in Abilene and hopes to graduate in April 2020.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, log on to tstc.edu.

TSTC in Brownwood student Alan Acosta is working on a structural welding certificate after completing the welding dual credit program with TSTC and Brownwood High School.

TSTC in North Texas Graduates 19

(RED OAK) – Nearly 400 students were eligible to walk the stage at Texas State Technical College’s Spring Commencement Ceremony Monday night in Waco. Of those graduates, 19 were North Texas students earning certificates and associate degrees in the college’s technical programs.

TSTC Provost Marcus Balch led the ceremony.

“I’ve probably been to 55 ceremonies over my 18 years, and I’ve never been center stage, so I’m excited for that opportunity,” Balch said. “We have 19 for North Texas, so we’ll get to see them cross the stage.”

Balch said he’s proud of those graduating and the milestone they’ve reached.

“I think we have some really great graduates, and if it’s any indication, most of them already have jobs,” he said. “We have some really good graduates who I think are ready to go to work.”

Guillermo Herrera earned a certificate in Diesel Equipment Technology but plans to continue his education at TSTC.

“I’m going back to TSTC in North Texas to study welding,” Herrera said. “Diesel involves a lot of welding – they kind of go hand in hand, so that’s why I chose welding. I’m very excited to be graduating.”

Saul Zepeda, also a Diesel Equipment Technology graduate, hopes to move to Odessa to find work.

“There’s a company there that works on transmissions,” Zepeda said. “My dad is a mechanic, so I got some experience from him. I grew up as a mechanic’s helper, so I wanted to do the same thing. It feels pretty good to reach this step.”

Jacob Smoot earned his associate degree in Computer Networking & Systems Administration.

“It feels good,” he said. “I’m still working on lining up a job, but I think I learned 95 percent of what I’ll need to know for the job. I’m sure there’s some things only experience will teach you.”

TSTC in North Texas graduates earned degrees in all 10 programs offered at the campus — Computer-Aided Drafting & Design, Computer Networking & Systems Administration, Cyber Security, Electrical Power & Controls, HVAC, Industrial Maintenance, Logistics, Precision Machining and Welding.

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.