TSTC Graduate Channels Love of Science Into Career

(WACO) – It is a place that one may not think of as visiting to get back to nature: the Chernobyl Power Complex in the Ukraine.

The nuclear facility became well known in spring 1986 as the site of reactor explosions due to inadequate design and worker error, according to the World Nuclear Association.

The plant was re-opened as a tourist attraction in 2011, according to the WNA. And this is a place Garrett Fulcher of Hamilton wants to visit because he is curious about how nature adapted to the accident.

That kind of interest propelled Fulcher to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiation Protection Technology at the Summer 2016 Commencement at Texas State Technical College in Waco.

As a student worker, he worked with Environmental Health, Safety and Radiation Protection Technology faculty members.

“He assisted in setting up the labs for experiments and was very helpful packing equipment to ship out for calibration,” said Jacob Navar, an instructor of Radiation Protection Technology. “He grasped the technical aspects and could do these without supervision.”

During the summer, Fulcher and other students took soil samples along the Brazos River and sent them to The University of Texas at Austin’s Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory. The goal was to detect radiation and elements such as cadmium, chromium and arsenic in soil.

“The hands-on work gives me the job experience I need to get where I am going,” he said.

Fulcher will begin temporary employment in September at Quantum Technical Services in Houston, where he will work with employees performing diagnostic scans for naturally occurring radioactive material deposits at chemical and petroleum plants.

Meanwhile, Fulcher is applying for positions at U.S. Department of Energy labs and wants to conduct nuclear research.

He wants to see more students join the Radiation Protection Technology program because as baby boomers retire, younger and knowledgeable workers will be needed to fill positions.

“Follow what you are passionate about,” Fulcher said. “I’ve always been fascinated by how things work. And, keep an open mind.”

During his downtime, he enjoys hunting, fishing and off-roading.

“I am a small-town farm boy who grew up in the country,” he said.

He graduated in 2004 from Evant High School where he ran track.

After high school, he worked in a machine shop, was a certified hostage negotiator for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and traveled throughout the country.

He came to a point when he knew he needed to find a career that interested him.

“I was fascinated with working with atomic particles and how they work with each other,” Fulcher said.

TSTC Students Beautify Private Cemetery

(HARLINGEN) – Dirty headstones, fallen American flags, trash and grass the height of a small child once littered San Jose Cemetery located in the rural eastern part of San Benito.

The sweltering 90 degree Texas heat didn’t stop the Veteran Student Alliance Club at TSTC from recently filling up trash bags and whacking away the weeds.

President of the Veterans Club, and Biology freshman Brian Rodriguez said that this cemetery cleanup is a way to give back to those who have served.

“There are a lot of veterans buried here,” said Rodriguez. “Nobody really keeps up with the cleanup, and we do have some members that live out here who have passed by and mentioned that it could look a lot better. When I became president of the club I knew that I wanted to tackle this project.”

Student Recruitment Representative Melissa Zamora, was also on deck to lend a helping hand.

“Cemeteries hold our loved ones. If we can provide a helping hand to keep these places safe and clean for families to visit, then we are absolutely making a difference.”

While TSTC students did most of the work, Rene Rodriguez, sergeant of arms for the Veterans Club, was proud of the effort not only made by the club, but also by a neighbor who was willing to lend a helping hand.

“We cut the grass and trimmed the trees around the headstones. One of the homeowners next door said that he was more than happy to help us get rid of any debris we picked up, and that was a big help,” he said. “During our next cleanup we hope to see familiar faces, and new faces, as well.”

Veterans Program Officer Jose Villegas was very proud of the work done by members of the organization.

“I was very happy with everybody’s effort. If it wasn’t for their hard work and commitment to giving back to the community, this cemetery may have remained neglected,” said Villegas. “Some of the students will be going back individually to see that the job is kept up. It’s an honor to make sure that the veterans who are resting here get the respect that they deserve.”

The next cemetery cleanup take place during the Fall 2016 semester. For more information or to volunteer, call the Veterans Center at 956-364-4386.

The Veteran Student Alliance Club prides itself on helping military veterans and family members with their transition into civilian life. For more information visit http://www.tstc.edu/veterans.

Student Success Profile – Benardo Garcia

(HARLINGEN) – Benardo Garcia is a student at Texas State Technical College pursuing an associate degree in Agriculture Technology. The Harlingen native is expected to graduate Spring 2017.

The Agricultural Club member said he first became interested in an outdoor career when he would go fishing and hunting with his father and brother as a child.

“I knew immediately outside is where I was supposed to be,” said Garcia. “I’m an outdoor guy and my career will reflect that.”

When he is not studying, the 20-year-old can be found working part-time at the TSTC Wellness Sports Center, and at the Harlingen Boys and Girls Club, as a youth development professional teaching children about different sports and how to play them.

What are your plans after graduation? After I graduate I plan on transferring to Texas A&M Kingsville to pursue a bachelor’s degree in either animal science or wildlife.

What’s your dream job? I plan to someday work as a ranch hand or ranch manager, but ultimately I hope to become a game warden. This is something I have thought about doing since I was young.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC? So far my greatest accomplishment is not dropping out. I thought I was never going to finish; I had to take remedial classes and I felt like giving up sometimes, but I didn’t. And soon, my greatest accomplishment is going to be graduating.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life? I’ve learned the true meaning of not giving up. I have overcome many challenges when it comes to school and I’m still standing. It’s important to keep going no matter how hard things get.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most? There are two instructors who have influenced my success – Sammy Gavito and Norberto Mendoza. Both have always been there constantly pushing me to keep going so I can do what I love.

What is your advice for future TSTC students? I want students to know this is a great college with really good instructors. As long as they focus, keep going and do what they love, they will leave as a TSTC graduate with a great education.

TSTC Hosts Strategy Roundtable

(HARLINGEN) – Recently, Texas State Technical College was host to the Business and Workforce Talent Development Strategy Roundtable set forth by the Texas Workforce Commission and Workforce Solutions Cameron. Large industry and school district representatives, city officials and local economic development councils gathered to discuss the business workforce talent needs and talent development strategies. Remarks were given by Julian Alvarez III, Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor, and Pat Hobbs, Executive Director for Workforce Solutions Cameron. During the round table, TSTC Provost Dr. Stella Garcia said TSTC is ready to train, fill the skills gaps and offer solutions. She added that with TSTC’s can-do attitude the college is ready.

TSTC Automotive Graduates Get Local Career Opportunity

(HARLINGEN) – Roberto Gonzalez grew up watching his father work on automobiles, and knew that was the career he wanted to pursue, so the Los Fresnos native enrolled in Automotive Technology at Texas State Technical College in 2014.

Two years later, Gonzalez received his associate degree with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and immediately got hired at Gillman Chevrolet of Harlingen.

“I needed to start working after graduation and because TSTC’s training prepared me for the field, I was able to find a job right away,” said Gonzalez. “Now my twin brother goes to TSTC for machining and I’m helping him pay for his classes.”

Gillman’s Service Manager Ramiro Salguero said although Gonzalez has only been there a short time, he is already very impressed.

“Roberto is very productive and always ready to work,” said Salguero. “Coming in new he was already prepared to begin working as an entry-level tech.”

In the four years that Salguero has been service manager, he has hired more than 20 TSTC graduates like Gonzalez from the Automotive Technology program. He said when positions are available, he calls on TSTC for candidates.

“It’s very hard to find skilled, experienced technicians now a days,” said Salguero. “So having TSTC offer this program is a great advantage to service departments like ours; they (graduates) come to us with experience.”

Salguero said hiring TSTC graduates ensures that he will get people who are already trained to use the equipment in their service shop. He added that it is also easier for them to get hired as entry-level technicians straight out of college.

“Students who attend TSTC get all of the hands-on training they need to be successful in their career,” said Salguero. “Those that I have hired are ready to work and focused on getting work experience. They know what it takes to prove themselves in the field.”

Salguero added that Gillman Honda in San Benito also hires TSTC graduates.

“My door is always opened,” said Salguero. “I’m happy to give any TSTC graduate a chance if this is what they really want.”

Automotive Technology Department Chair and Instructor Abel Castillo said it is an advantage to students knowing that experts in the industry are hiring program graduates straight out of college or even before graduating.

“Our students have so much opportunity available to them,” said Castillo. “Our certificates and associate degree give our students unlimited possibilities.”

Students who enroll in Automotive Technology will get hands-on training in automotive systems ranging from electrical and brakes to air conditioning. There are three available tracks that a student can pursue – certificate, certificate II and an associate degree.

For more information on the Automotive Technology program call 956-364-4576. The first day of class is August 29. To register or apply anytime visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Instructor Named to Joint Radioactive Waste Disposal Commission

(WACO) – A member of Texas State Technical College in Waco’s Environmental Health, Safety and Radiation Protection Department has been reappointed to a federal-state commission.

Linda Morris, an adjunct instructor, campus radiation safety officer and former department chair, was named by Gov. Greg Abbott in August to serve a term expiring Sept. 1, 2021, on the Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Commission. She was first appointed in 2012.

“It’s been an honor serving under Gov. Rick Perry and now Gov. Abbott,” Morris said. “I consider it a bright point of my career.”

The commission oversees the Texas Compact Waste Facility operated by Waste Control Specialists LLC in Andrews. The commission looks after the disposal of low-level radioactive waste and studies new applications.

“I think it’s a positive image for TSTC,” Morris said about her role on the commission. “We have the only radiation protection technology program among Texas’ two-year colleges. Everyone sees me as a non-biased source on the commission.”

Morris is a technical expert on the eight-person panel made up of representatives from Texas and Vermont – states forming the commission.

“This allows the commission to analyze and assess many of the issues that come before us without the need to hire outside experts,” said Brandon T. Hurley, commission chair and an attorney at Kelly Hart and Hallman law firm in Fort Worth. “Linda has also been the chairman of our rules committee during a time when we have undergone a significant revision and addition to our rules that improved the way our commission operates and improves the processes utilized by waste generators and the operator of the low-level radioactive waste facility in Andrews County.”

Morris is a licensed medical physicist by the Texas Medical Board. She is a co-advisor for TSTC’s student branch of the Health Physics Society and co-director of the Central Texas Science and Engineering Fair held each winter at TSTC in Waco.

Morris has made presentations on radiation protection topics at conferences in Canada and the Czech Republic.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry in 1970 at Lamar University in Beaumont. Morris went on to receive a master’s degree in biophysics in 1971 from Texas A&M University in College Station.

Culinary Arts Program Cooking Up Visibility at TSTC

(HUTTO) – Texas State Technical College’s Culinary Arts program is gaining interest among students.

Chef Martin Ellenberger of Hutto joined the faculty at Texas State Technical College in Williamson County in late August. He is the primary instructor for that campus’ Culinary Arts program, which also has a high school dual enrollment teacher and an adjunct instructor.

Ellenberger, an Ohio native, initially joined the Culinary Arts faculty at TSTC in Waco in January 2015. He decided to change campuses to decrease his commute.

“It’s definitely different (at the Williamson County campus),” Ellenberger said. “There is a lot more stuff I need to stay on top of. I’m buying products and doing lesson plans. I’m able to create the recipes I want and have more responsibility with what I’m doing.”

The program had four students last fall, but has 12 students enrolled this year.

Brady Davis, 20, of Georgetown and a 2014 graduate of Eastview High School, has worked at the Walburg German Restaurant since high school. He said he finds kitchen life enjoyable and wants to learn everything he can in his classes. His goal is to own a food truck.

“I like the flexibility. The price was a huge factor, and I can keep a full-time job,” Davis said.

Brayan Flores, 18, of Taylor and a 2016 graduate of Taylor High School, took culinary classes through dual enrollment. The classes he is taking now at TSTC are an extension of what he has already learned. Flores also wants his own food truck or restaurant in a few years.

On a recent afternoon, Flores donned plastic gloves to melt a slab of butter on a pastry board to make dough.

“I like to look at different recipes and try them out,” Flores said. “I want to learn whatever will help me in the workforce.”

Some of the classes students will take this fall include Meat Preparation and Cooking, Food Service Operations and Systems, and Fundamentals of Baking.

“I like the way that we are structured,” Ellenberger said. “We take the students from having no culinary knowledge to being able to produce in a restaurant setting. I try to introduce as many items as possible that they would not be familiar with in the process.”

Culinary Arts’ two kitchens are on the third floor of the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto. The cooking kitchen can comfortably accommodate 24 students, and the baking kitchen can hold up to 20 students. Each kitchen has movable tables and stools, an array of skillets, pots, pans, ovens and cold-storage areas.

“I am excited and relieved at the opportunity to have someone who is as well-versed in our curriculum and as talented as Chef Martin is,” said Evan Morgan, Executive Director of the East Williamson County Higher Education Center. “In theory, this is his kitchen.”

When students leave the program with their Certificate 2 in Culinary Arts, Ellenberger wants them to be comfortable using knives, have an increased curiosity about food and have confidence in their skills.

Ellenberger’s goal, along with that of leaders at TSTC in Williamson County, is to see the program take advantage of the Austin area’s thriving culinary scene, where there is Thai, Chinese and Mexican cuisine, barbecue, Southern food and an assortment of food trucks.

The program will also enroll students in January for the Spring Semester. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC and Richmond Rotary Make College a Reality for Local Woman

Apryl Molina finds herself in the daily struggle to make ends meet. With a brother and sister to take care of and medical bills to pay, the 21-year old dreams of a life where she has a career and a steady income.

“My mom is ill often and money is short, so paying for a college education is never on my priority list,” said Molina. “But I’ve just received a couple of scholarships and financial aid so everything is about to change for the better.”

Recently, Molina, who will be one of the first students to pursue an associate’s degree in Cyber Security at the new Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County campus, was presented with a $500 scholarship from the Richmond Rotary Club, a donation made to TSTC for a student with financial need.

“This scholarship came out of nowhere and I couldn’t be more grateful. I literally cried when I found out I had received it,” said Molina. “I was really stressed out about how I was going to pay for school. For a while I thought college wasn’t going to be a possibility for me.”

Richmond Rotary Club President-elect and Secretary Larry Pittman said it is helping students like Apryl that makes their donation so worthwhile. This is the first Rotary Club scholarship given to a TSTC student to help pay for tuition or books.

“Apryl is a terrific young lady who is fighting to get ahead,” said Pittman. “I hope that our scholarship can help fund a portion of her college career and help her achieve her educational and career goals.”

The Sugar Land native has big dreams to earn a college degree and work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) helping save young children from the dangers of today’s cyber world. And because of the help she is receiving from TSTC and organizations like the Richmond Rotary, those dreams seem to be coming true.

“I’ve never received financial aid or scholarships before,” said Molina. “Because of all the assistance I’m getting I have been able to drop to part-time at my full-time job and fully focus on school and moving forward with my career.”

Molina also recently received a $1,000 scholarship from TSTC. She said she is so thankful for the help she received from staff at TSTC in Fort Bend County. Prior to TSTC, Molina had attended another local college and said she never received the kind of help she has at TSTC.

“Everyone from financial aid to admissions representatives really helped me get everything in order,” said Molina. “I’m excited to get started at a college where I’m a name, not only a number. They really care about the future of their students.”

For more information on TSTC’s Cyber Security program call 832-595-8734 or visit tstc.edu. The deadline to register is August 22. Fall 2016 students will be attending the new TSTC campus in Fort Bend County which will open in time for the first day of classes on August 29.

TSTC Safety Officer Recognized for His Commitment

It is safe to say that Enrique Carrillo is thought of highly by his peers after recently being awarded the 2016 Chancellor’s Excellence Award at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards Dinner and Celebration.

Carrillo is the Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs Officer at Texas State Technical College and said he could not believe he had been selected as one of the recipients for this award.

“I was very humbled because I work with a lot of talented personnel who also deserve this award,” said Carrillo. “It’s an honor and makes me feel special. I never thought this was a possibility, but it makes me believe I must be doing something right.”

Carrillo’s wife accompanied him to the awards celebration, and he said he could not think of a better person to have by his side.

“My wife is a huge contributor to my success. She’s been there with me through thick and thin,” said Carrillo. “She’s been so patient and has allowed me to accomplish my goals. She’s my rock, my support, and she deserves this award more than I do.”

It was back in 2007 when Carrillo first set foot at TSTC as a student. He had lost his job in the power plant industry after 30 years and this was his time to pursue a college degree.

“I started working in power plants at 19, I didn’t know anything else,” said Carrillo. “This was my chance to come back to school, but I loved TSTC so much, I never left.”

Carrillo earned his associate degree in Wind Energy Technology in 2013, and graduated with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average. He is also currently working toward becoming a certified safety and health officer with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

“The people, the atmosphere make TSTC what it is. As a student I wanted to work here, and here I am,” said Carrillo. “Nobody is perfect, but as a campus we do a real good job at working together to achieve our goals.”

Carrillo’s career at TSTC has ranged from teaching to safety officer. His supervisor and Executive Director for Governance, Risk and Compliance Tom Hooker praised him for his commitment to safety.

“Enrique provides exceptional oversight and enforcement of the safety programs for both Harlingen and Fort Bend as an invaluable professional as a Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs (SHEA) Officer,” Hooker said.

Carrillo said he will continue working hard in implementing safety programs that will keep everyone safe.

“My goal is zero accidents,” said Carrillo. “I want to plant a seed of safety so everyone will continue what I started, make us all accountable and look out for each other. Safety never ends. It starts with you and ends with you.”

TSTC Graduate Gains New Career and Life

Last night Marcela Mireles and her family celebrated not only a graduation, but also life.

The Brownsville native graduated with honors earning a 3.7 grade-point average and receiving an associate degree in Surgical Technology from Texas State Technical College.

During her time at TSTC, Mireles was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and was president of the Surgical Technology Club.

“Tonight is definitely a blessing,” said Mireles. “This was a tough year for me. I never thought this day would come.”

Within a span of two years, the 34-year-old single mom had lost her job and learned that her mother had cancer.

Prior to attending TSTC, Mireles worked for Convergys as an operations manager, but unfortunately, the company closed laying off hundreds of people. Because of the shutdown, Mireles received a grant through the Texas Workforce Solutions that would pay her program’s tuition, while allowing her to keep her unemployment benefits.

“During this time I learned that God will not hand us anything we cannot handle,” said Mireles. “Did I lose my job? Yes, but I was able to pursue a field I have always been interested in, while still putting food on the table, supporting my family and achieving my goals.”

On top of losing her job, Mireles’ mother was also diagnosed with cancer. This spread Mireles thin. With raising her daughter, staying at the hospital with her mother and the non-stop studying, Mireles could have given up, but she did not want to face defeat.

“At the time I asked myself every day, ‘Why her,’ ‘Why us,’ ‘Why now,’” said Mireles. “But had my mom been diagnosed any earlier or later, the medical care guidance I received from my instructor at TSTC would not have been there. Some things are just meant to be.”

That TSTC instructor was Anna San Pedro. Mireles said San Pedro helped her understand the medical treatments her mother needed, and had it not been for this information her mother may not be here today.

“Mrs. San Pedro was really a lifesaver,” said Mireles. “She told me everything to expect when it came to my mom’s surgeries and treatment. She even encouraged us to always get a second opinion, and that’s why I get to share my success tonight with my mom.”

Today Mireles’ mother is cancer-free and Mireles has a new career.

Mireles has already been offered a certified surgical technologist position with Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville. The offer is pending based on her national exam scores, which she should receive at the end of the month.

“If I’ve learned anything at all during this experience is that I’m a lot stronger than I thought I was,” said Mireles. “TSTC has made a huge difference in my life and I hope with my career I can make a difference in someone else’s life also.”

For more information on the Surgical Technology program call 956-364-4805. The last day to register for Fall 2016 is August 22. To apply or register anytime visit tstc.edu.

news.tstc.edu

Texas State Technical College News Site