(HARLINGEN) – Jesse Hernandez is known by faculty and staff at Texas State Technical College as the “go-to technician” around campus and July’s Employee Spotlight honoree.
“This recognition really brightens my day,” said Hernandez. “I didn’t know people paid attention to my work. This makes everything I do worth it.”
Hernandez is TSTC’s Video Network Technician for the Office of Information Technology and finds himself traveling almost monthly to TSTC’s sister campuses across the state.
The 32-year-old manages the audio and visual set ups and installations on and off campus for classrooms, offices, commencement ceremonies and other special events.
“TSTC is my second home and I try my best to keep everything working and everyone happy,” he said.
Altogether, the San Benito native, who is also a TSTC alumnus, has worked at TSTC for nearly eight years, counting his time as a work study and student worker.
“I always knew TSTC was the place for me,” said Hernandez. “Once I had my foot in the door I stayed and thankfully I’ve been able to grow with the college.”
During his time as a student pursuing a certificate and associate degree in Computer System Management Technology, Hernandez worked at the media center, in online learning as a test proctor and in the department’s computer lab and finally in his current position.
“Working on campus while a student was a great experience,” he said. “I got to practice what I learned in the classroom on real-world situations.”
Hernandez credits a lot of his success to two of his top mentors, former TSTC Media Center Coordinator and now lab assistant for Computer Systems Management Technology Joe Gonzalez and TSTC Computer Maintenance Instructor Elizabeth Martinez.
“Joe always made me figure things out before telling me. I never liked it, but honestly, it paid off in the long run and I’m better for it,” said Hernandez. “And Elizabeth always took her time explaining things to me when I needed help. I learned a lot from her.”
Just as Hernandez can’t say enough about TSTC, TSTC faculty and staff can’t say enough about him.
“Jesse always greets you with a smile whether he’s assisting you with a technical issue or just passing you in the hallway,” read one comment on his Employee Spotlight certificate.
Another comment read, “Jesse is always quick to respond whether by phone, email or in person. He is our go-to technician when we need any type of technical assistance.”
Lastly, “At the Challenger Center he is our go-to for all of our audio and video needs, including our space shuttle. Without him, our space missions would be, for lack of better word, grounded.”
In the future, Hernandez hopes to pursue another associate degree at TSTC in Computer Networking and Security Technology and also a bachelor’s degree from one of four universities offered at TSTC’s University Center.
“My goal is to continue growing professionally and with TSTC. It’s a great place to work and I love the friends I have made here,” said Hernandez.
He also added that he would like to send a big thank you and a hug to those who recognized his work.
“If anyone needs help, they know they can call me,” he said.
TSTC prides itself on being a great place to work. For more information on job opportunities go online at tstc.edu/about/employment.