TSTC alumna works to lead people down right road

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Leigh Anne Folger is using her life experience as a road map to help others.

Folger, a 2017 graduate of Texas State Technical College’s Chemical Dependency Counseling program, is a counselor at Addiction Behavioral Services. Prior to joining the staff, she worked as a counselor at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Thomas R. Havins Unit in Brownwood.

“I know I am not responsible for my clients’ decisions. I can’t take credit for their success or get down if they fail,” she said. “All I do is provide them with the information that can help them. I hold up the road map to a successful life. They have to want to drive the car.”

Folger said she got her life on track after being released from prison. She knew a career in the medical field would not be possible, but another option was available.

“I made a lot of bad decisions in my life, and they finally caught up to me,” she said. “I knew that I would never have a career in the field I once dreamed of, which was the medical field. So I thought, ‘Why don’t I become a counselor?’ I knew I could help people by using my life experiences.”

Folger reconnected with a friend and classmate at Addiction Behavioral Services, Laura Weaver. Folger credits Weaver for steering her to TSTC’s counseling program.

“I had these unrealistic fears of failing. I was kind of hesitant to enroll,” she said. “Laura said she would meet me at the school.”

Once Folger walked onto the Brownwood campus, she felt at ease.

“Everyone had a smile on their face. No one was bothered by all of the questions I had,” she said. “Everyone at TSTC made me excited about going back to school.”

After graduation, Folger began working for the Havins Unit. It served as a reminder for her to move forward.

“I love what I do. Working at the unit felt like a reminder that I did not want to go back,” she said.

She also knew which inmates needed the most help.

“About 60 percent of the guys had already made up their mind that they did not want to return to prison,” Folger said. “It was those individuals on the fence that I targeted. I wanted to persuade them that the grass was greener on the outside.”

When the chance came to work for Addiction Behavioral Services, she did not hesitate.

“Looking back, I enjoyed my time at the unit. I just wanted to make a change,” Folger said. “Being able to work with Laura was also amazing. Everything has come full circle for me.”

Folger continues to praise TSTC and the staff for helping her find her way.

“Had it not been for TSTC, there is no telling where I would be right now,” she said. “TSTC was amazing. (Instructor) Elizabeth Jones is amazing. She has more insight than anyone in this field. I even recommend TSTC to people looking to restart their life. It worked for me.”

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Sanders intrigued by TSTC’s ‘essential man’s course’

(ABILENE, Texas) – Robert Sanders, of College Station, said Industrial Systems is the “essential man’s course” at Texas State Technical College.

Sanders is always smiling when he walks into the Industrial Technology Center for classes. He is studying for an associate degree, saying his motivation is to be the best at whatever he does. 

One thing he does like to do is work on things.

“I come from an old-fashioned background,” he said. “I am a gearhead at heart. I like to prep and fix things. This course is perfect for me because it is definitely the essential man’s course.”

Being one of the older students has not deterred him from helping others.

“There is a great group of guys in this class,” Sanders said. “There are some brilliant minds in this class.”

He is impressed with the creativity of the younger students and how well the instructors present lessons and lab sessions.

“With the younger guys in the class, the mix of their wisdom is great,” Sanders said. “This is a program that is perfect for any age group.”

There is also a competitive nature in class, but everyone in the class wants to succeed.

“We help each other a lot. I am highly competitive, but I am going to do what I can to help others,” he said.

While the students are working, one thing is certain.

“Safety is No. 1 for us,” Sanders said. “We are aware of what is going on around us, and if someone does something that is not safe, we stop what we are doing.”

The father of two sons, Sanders has advice for parents planning to go to college.

“Have a good support system at home,” he said. “I knew it would be hard to go to school and work, but I am so glad I have a good support system in place.”

Sanders is no stranger to TSTC. He began taking Computer Networking classes in 2004 but quickly learned it was not for him. 

“I realized real quick that it was not for me. I stopped before I finished and went into the Air Force,” he said. “But I always knew that I would come back.”

He is back and enrolled in a program that he has a passion for, and he lets everyone know.

“This is an amazing school,” he said. “There is no comparison.”

TSTC trains Industrial Systems students to be machinery experts who can keep facilities running safely and efficiently. Students learn a broad range of skills needed to install, operate, test, repair and maintain a variety of mechanical equipment. They learn industry-standard safety procedures, mechanical and electrical skills, diagnostic techniques, and how to work with motors, pumps, chillers, boilers, and programmable logic control systems.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Solar Energy Technology Program Ready to Meet Job Needs

(WACO, Texas) – As the old saying goes, “Everything’s bigger in Texas.” 

That can also include solar farms.

Invenergy, a worldwide private sustainable energy company, plans to build what it claims will be the largest solar farm in the United States. The 1,310-megawatt Samson Solar Energy Center facility will be located in Northeast Texas and be fully operational in 2023. The facility is projected to produce energy for 300,000 homes, according to company information.

“Right now, solar is booming,” said Hugh Whitted, chair of Texas State Technical College’s Solar Energy and Electrical Construction department. “It has rebounded from the tariffs that were put into place a few years back. We have a lot of systems going in and the people that need the work done.”

The Samson Solar Energy Center project is expected to generate 600 construction jobs and 12 permanent jobs upon completion, according to information from Invenergy.

Texas’ solar industry employs more than 13,000 workers, according to the Texas Solar Power Association.

Jobs for solar photovoltaic installers is projected to grow to more than 18,000 up to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The growth is attributed to an increased demand for usage and upkeep, and state and local governments offering incentives.

“I am getting emails usually at least a couple of times a month from solar and electrical contractors all over the place, most of them in and around the Metroplex or Austin to San Antonio,” said Whitted, who is based at TSTC’s Waco campus.

Holtek Fireplace and Solar in Waco began doing local solar work in 1999, said Holt Kelly, the company’s owner. The company does designs and sales, while an electrical contractor performs installations.

“Here in this market, it is spotty,” Kelly said. “We are a small company. I am picking and choosing.”

Kelly said businesses in the Waco area are not yet quite in tune with installing solar panels. But, he said homeowners have been using solar panels for years.

“Solar farms are great, but in my opinion solar is best used most efficiently at the point of use of power, the buildings where the energy is being used,” Kelly said.

Training for solar work means going into a career in the electrical field. TSTC’s students can pursue a “Triple Crown” consisting of an Energy Efficiency Specialist certificate, an Electrical Construction certificate and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Solar Energy Technology.

“It (solar) is not an industry that is going to shrink, realistically,” Whitted said. “People are not going to stop putting in solar unless there is something better out there.”

Whitted said skills in basic mathematics and communication are needed for the solar field. It also helps not to be afraid of heights.

Kelly said people interested in the solar field should strive to become an electrical apprentice and journeyman.

“If you want to do that, you are in the construction business because that is a big part of installing the arrays,” he said. “If you do not want to be the boots on the roof, then learn how to design these things and learn as much engineering as you can.”

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

TSTC begins new holiday tradition

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College students are the heart of the “Culture of Caring” that TSTC prides itself on. Recently TSTC’s Advocacy and Resource Center in Fort Bend County gave Thanksgiving meals to some students to make their holiday a little cozier.

Advocacy and Resource Center coach Larissa Moreno discussed the importance of TSTC being there for students when they need it, and the start of a new tradition for TSTC in Fort Bend County.

Who received the Thanksgiving meals?

Several students who are attending TSTC in Fort Bend County received the meals. The groceries were free to the students and delivered by a local grocery store.

How did you decide who would be the recipients of the meals?

Several names were given to us by faculty and staff. We also utilized our own caseload.

Why did the Advocacy and Resource Center decide to give away Thanksgiving meals?

Part of TSTC’s Culture of Caring is to support and assist students who are food insecure. Hunger should not be an obstacle in reaching their academic goals.

Providing a Thanksgiving meal for students is a tradition I wanted to start for our campus. This year, we had groceries delivered to students so they could enjoy a safe and fulfilling Thanksgiving meal in their own home. When I speak to our students, they have such a positive attitude and are focused on getting their education. I want them to stay that way. I want our TSTC students to know that the Advocacy and Resource Center is here to help them if life throws them a curveball, or if they need assistance with food, child care, books or tools. We can find the resources.

The Advocacy and Resource Center is available to TSTC students who are in need of assistance on their collegiate journey. For more information, visit https://tstc.edu/student_life/caring.

 

TSTC Welding instructor motivated by student success

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Welding Technology instructor Manuel Ahumada enjoys the field that he dedicates his time to teaching. Most importantly, he enjoys seeing his students succeed throughout the semester with increasing confidence in their skills as they prepare to enter the growing welding field.

 What inspired you to become an instructor?

I have always felt I had a need of helping others, and with my love of the welding field, I combined them. There’s a sense of gratitude involved in knowing I helped a student achieve the goal of being a welder.

What do you enjoy most about your career?

Meeting and helping new, incoming students is something that is very enjoyable. Watching their spirits light up when their hard work results in a good weld is always special.

Do you have a favorite memory at TSTC so far?

The first time I stood on stage at commencement congratulating the first set of students I taught is my favorite memory. It was a very proud moment for me.

What do you enjoy most about welding technology?

Seeing students begin the program knowing nothing about the field and leaving with a great experience and the knowledge of being a good welder is what I enjoy most about the program.

To learn more about TSTC, visit https://www.tstc.edu.

 

Welding student putting working on a weld in the TSTC Welding Technology lab.

 

TSTC to host Welding Technology open house

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Prospective Texas State Technical College Welding Technology students can have the opportunity to learn about the program firsthand during the program’s open house from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4.

“Potential students will get a look into our new and updated welding building during their visit to campus,” said assistant enrollment director Ricardo Trevino. “This will be an opportunity to meet with an enrollment coach, submit all documents necessary to enroll, and even be able to register for classes within the same day.”

During the open house, attendees are encouraged to ask any questions they may have about the program or to express concerns. TSTC’s coronavirus protocols will also be strictly enforced.

“We will tour the building as we maintain social distancing,” Trevino said. “The tour will give visitors an interactive look as to what they can expect once they join our welding program.”

Several instructors will be in attendance through the duration of the open house, including lab assistant Juan Avila, who said that visitors will get to see the different aspects of the program.

“I hope prospective students are able to get a preview of what they will be learning here at TSTC,” he said. “They will get a look at the different varieties of welding processes, projects and our automation program.”

Visitors can also learn about financial aid and scholarship opportunities during the open house.

Trevino noted that the Welding Technology program has expanded its capabilities to give students the best education possible to prepare them for the field.

“Our program is growing, and the opportunities for applicants to join a fulfilling career that will lead to a great job have never been better,” he said. “We want to extend this invitation knowing we have one of the best programs in the Rio Grande Valley.”

Those interested in attending the open house may email Ricardo Trevino at ricardo.trevino@tstc.edu.

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC instructor receives Chancellor’s Excellence Award

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – First-year seminar instructor Claudia Arnold has taught at Texas State Technical College for 15 years. Recently, her hard work and dedication were recognized when she received a Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

The award is particularly special because recipients not only are recognized for their commitment to TSTC’s core values of excellence, accountability, integrity, and service but also are nominated by their colleagues.

“Knowing that I received this award because I was nominated by my peers is a feeling that I can’t explain,” she said. “My priority is to be a team member and treat my peers and students with respect.”

In an email sent to TSTC staff and faculty, Chancellor Mike Reeser said that one common characteristic that Arnold’s peers noted about her was her dedication.

In that same email, TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez said that Arnold embodies what it means to go the extra mile.

“Claudia has always demonstrated a passion for making TSTC a great place,” she said. “Her work ethic is admirable and demonstrates that of a true leader, so much so that she was nominated by eight colleagues for this prestigious award.”

Arnold is grateful that she gets to work with people who inspire and appreciate her.

“I want to thank everyone who took the time to nominate me,” she said. “I’m blessed to work with such great people.”

While she enjoys all aspects of her job, one thing she is most fond of is watching her students succeed.

“There is nothing more satisfying than seeing my students understand my lectures,” she said. “I really enjoy using different teaching strategies to get the subject matter across. I always tell all of my students to finish what they start. I explain to them that once they get their degree, nobody can take that away.”

To learn more about TSTC, visit https://www.tstc.edu.

 

TSTC Instructor Presents at National Conference

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Biomedical Equipment Technology instructor Garrett Seeley recently made two presentations at a nationwide conference for biomedical and health technology managers.

Seeley gave talks on managing cyberattacks and an introduction to digital imaging and communications in medicine at the MD Expo in Tampa, Florida. He said the topics have relevance now because of recent security threats affecting medical facilities in Abilene and Houston.

“Adaptability is what is going to make a biomed succeed,” Seeley said. “We are going to have to be innovative.”

Seeley said there are several reasons for cybersecurity attacks, including to create chaos, to make money or to seek revenge.

A challenge in combating cybersecurity breaches is the way medical equipment manufacturers, information technology staff at hospitals, consultants and in-house biomedical equipment technicians communicate. He said biomedical equipment technicians should see hospital staff as business partners.

“It involves honest conversations about things we are doing right and wrong,” Seeley said.

He said rural hospitals have the hardest time with cyber safety. He said sharing resources with other facilities could help with the problem.

Seeley began preparing for the conference in July by doing industry research. 

“We (TSTC) are an education facility,” he said. “Our hands-on work with cybersecurity is theoretical. We do not get to experience it day in and day out.”

Seeley has presented at the conference six of the last seven years. He enjoys attending because of the interaction he has with other professionals.

“With Garrett’s presentations at these conferences, it allows him to gauge the need for the type of courses that we present to our students,” said Mark Plough, TSTC’s statewide lead in the Biomedical Equipment Technology department. “It also lets others in the biomedical education field see what we are presenting and engages them to what is needed to be presented to students to prepare them for entry-level positions in the field.”

Seeley has taught at TSTC since 2008.. He has degrees from McLennan Community College, Thomas Edison State University and Texas A&M University – Central Texas. 

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

Welding Technology student sharpens skills at TSTC

(ABILENE, Texas) – Chris Medina knew welding would be a good trade to learn.

Instead of following his parents in joining the U.S. Air Force, Medina decided to enroll in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program.

“I took some welding classes in high school and enjoyed it,” said Medina, a graduate of Jim Ned High School in Tuscola. “I still like it now after finishing my first semester.”

He became interested in TSTC’s program after a friend told him how it prepares people for the workforce.

“After I looked at it, I knew it was for me,” he said. “I was impressed that everyone is able to get together and talk about things.”

Medina said the best part of the program is working in the welding bays on a daily basis. Welding students are allowed on campus to complete lab sessions but have to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines.

“The lectures are good, but when it comes to learning, working in the lab is the best way for me to learn,” he said.

Welding has taught Medina to be patient, something he needs in the bay.

“It takes a lot of patience to weld. I have learned to make sure to get my welding projects done correctly because that is what I will have to do when I get a job,” he said.

Medina also said the varying ages of his classmates is a positive aspect he appreciates.

“It is refreshing talking to some of the guys older than me,” he said. “They offer a lot of tips that can help you when you start a career.”

When Medina is not in the lab, he knows that lectures and online assignments must be completed.

“The instructors are always willing to help you, either if it is in person or online,” he said. “I think having the hybrid style of class is really nice. It is a good way for all of us to stay safe.”

Medina knows that when he completes his work, he is one day closer to his welding goal.

“I want to be the best welder I can possibly be,” Medina said.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Mother takes EMS classes at TSTC to help son

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Brittany Hanley did not have to look far for motivation when she enrolled in Texas State Technical College’s Emergency Medical Services program.

“My youngest son was diagnosed with a heart condition,” she said. “I did not want to be one of those parents that would freak out. I wanted to be the one that would be able to react.”

That is why she decided to enroll at TSTC.

“I know that in a matter of seconds something could go wrong with my son,” Hanley said. “I knew I wanted to be able to help him.”

Hanley, a lifelong resident of Brownwood, said she had previously wanted to pursue a career as an emergency medical technician.

“I just never got started on it,” she said.

After meeting her husband and moving back to Brownwood, Hanley began exploring the program again.

“We started a family, and I was more focused on them,” she said. “But having to travel to Cook Children’s Hospital every six months opened my eyes. I wanted to be able to help my son and family.”

Hanley wanted to know more about her son’s heart condition and was always attentive when doctors spoke to her. She is taking that information and using it in classes this fall.

She is also relying on her classmates to help her when she may be having a bad day.

“The group I am in has a variety of ages and backgrounds. We are building relationships together, and that is something I like,” she said. “We are there to help each other out.”

Hanley said students talk about what they learn during lab sessions to make sure they succeed.

“We are texting each other and asking what to do during a certain part of the class,” she said. “I am having to stay up late to get my studying done. I know it will pay off.”

According to Hanley, students have one goal when they eventually find employment.

“We want to be able to get together and say cheers to saving that one life,” she said. “This program will allow us to do that.”

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.