Father’s guidance helps TSTC student complete degree

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Encouraged by her father, Sabrina Wicker was determined to finish what she started and obtain her college degree. The Lubbock native studied Digital Media Design at Texas State Technical College, and now she is ready to share her creative side with the world after graduating with an Associate of Applied Science degree.

“When I walked into my first class, the students thought I was the instructor,” she said. “That gave me a good giggle. But my favorite memory was when I presented my final project, a website. It sounds simple, but it was then that I knew I could finish school.”

Though there was a happy ending, Wicker faced a few personal barriers on her road to graduation.

“I have always had anxiety about school,” she said. “I never had confidence in my ability, so finishing that website was a huge accomplishment for me.”

While credit is due to Wicker for finishing her journey, she did have an additional boost of confidence in knowing that her biggest fan was right beside her to encourage her along the way.

“My dad always had faith,” Wicker said. “He took every opportunity to encourage and support me. He is actually my hero. He knows hardship and how to overcome every obstacle. He is always teaching me to trust myself.”

Although the pandemic caused the spring semester to end differently than she and her classmates had expected, the impact TSTC had on her is evident.

“I now have the confidence and skills to move forward,” she said. “My instructors were wonderful and very supportive. They brought their professional understanding to class, and I feel I now have real-world experience. My instructors were all so patient, and I had an opportunity to learn from every bump in the road. It was life-changing.”

Enrollment for the fall semester is underway. To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Hosts Spring Graduate Parade

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College honored its spring graduates Friday with an on-campus graduate parade.

“This is a celebration of endurance, hard work and dedication by our students and the entire Waco campus that has supported these students through this time,” said Rebeca Villanueva-Hernandez, TSTC’s campus enrollment executive.

Graduates checked in with TSTC staff in the John B. Connally Technology Center’s parking lot and received diploma covers and graduation yard signs. The actual diplomas and certificates have been mailed to graduates.

Patti Tate, TSTC’s interim provost for the Waco campus, , along with associate provosts Cindy Kimbrell and Jerome Mendias, led the procession as grand marshals. 

“They (the graduates) have really persevered through a time that was difficult for all of us,” Kimbrell said. “I think our graduation candidates could see the finish line, but they were just not sure of how to get through that uncertain time. But, they made it, and we are extremely proud of them and our faculty. The faculty came together and threw everything they had at those graduates to help them get through. I don’t think I’ve ever been more honored to be part of such a dynamic team.”

Faculty and staff lined Campus Drive to cheer on the graduates and their families. 

John Washington, an associate professor in TSTC’s Computer Networking and Systems Administration program, said perseverance and strategic thinking will help graduates get a start in the workplace.

“Do your own research, and do not just rely on what you may read unless you personally know someone who works for the organization,” he said. “Be prepared for virtual job interviews and understand how to conduct yourself accordingly.”

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

TSTC Debuts New Virtual Kiosk System for Students

(WACO, Texas) – Students at three of Texas State Technical College’s campuses can now use a digital queuing system for a range of services.

Students at the Fort Bend County, Harlingen and Waco campuses can sign up at tstc.edu/wem to use QLess, an online system meant to decrease the physical amount of time spent in line to meet with TSTC’s student services staff.  

Students can also download the QLess app for smartphones.

Once on the app, they can choose what office they need to visit and receive updates on their place in line.

“I think the rollout of QLess has worked really well for us thus far,” said Garrett Bratton, a TSTC program enrollment coach. “We are still learning how to use it, but it seems to be a very useful resource during this time.”

Steve Guevara, TSTC’s statewide veteran services director, said although QLess is in a testing phase, he can already tell it will improve customer service. 

QLess will be used to assist us in providing students phone or face-to-face services while allowing us to keep our social distancing,” he said. “Instead of waiting on campus, we can communicate with the student through QLess to alert them when they can stop by the office to speak to us.”

QLess is used by entities in education, government, logistics and retail. It is estimated the company has saved more than 100 million people at least 6,000 years’ worth of time waiting in line worldwide, according to company information.

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

Computer networkers keep people connected

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – With more people working from home, the internet has been busy.

Renee Blackshear, a Computer Networking and Systems Administration instructor at Texas State Technical College, said computer networkers have been the “unseen essential workers” during the past few months.

“Computer networkers have been able to keep people in communication with each other,” she said.

The TSTC program was spotlighted this month during a virtual visit on Facebook. Blackshear focused the visit on what students will learn over the program’s five semesters. She said her goal was to turn the people watching the virtual visit into students.

“A lot of people may be looking for a different career. I want them to know this is a cool program,” she said.

Blackshear said graduates have found employment with health care systems, school districts, banks, institutions of higher education and telecommunication companies.

“Anywhere there is a computer, there is a need for a computer networking technician,” she said.

Students will learn routing, switching, server development, security and virtualization.

“All of these are important for a successful career in information technology,” Blackshear said.

While the program is available online, students do have lab sessions to complete.

“The best way of learning is by doing,” Blackshear said.

Students who are patient and pay attention to detail will find success, Blackshear said. However, networkers will find the job challenging.

“Within IT, our daily task list changes like the Texas weather: rapidly. This means one minute you could be sitting at your computer answering technical support questions or building a web server, and the next you could be on a ladder running cable across the ceiling for a network drop or setting up a wireless bridge to communicate for remote learning,” she said.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Networking and Systems Administration at the Abilene, Brownwood, Marshall, North Texas and Waco campuses.

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

TSTC alumnus ‘made to turn wrenches’ at hometown auto dealership

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Robert Schneider said he was “made to turn wrenches.”

After a career in the military and oil field, Schneider wanted to settle down and looked for a college that offered Automotive Technology. He learned of the Texas State Technical College program and graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in 2018.

Today, Schneider is a main line technician at a Lithia Motors dealership in his hometown of San Angelo.

“It is the highest technician level there is,” he said. “TSTC helped out quite a bit in me being able to achieve this.”

Schneider said he liked to “tinker with stuff” from a young age. He would get in trouble after his parents gave him an electronic toy and he took it apart.

As a student at San Angelo’s Central High School, Schneider learned about the automotive class.

“At first, I was a little iffy. After I took the first-year course, I was hooked and took it again the second year,” he said. “I knew then that I was made to turn wrenches.”

In the U.S. Air Force, Schneider said he worked on the electrical systems of weapons. In the oil field, he learned how motors worked. He combined that knowledge once he began taking classes at TSTC.

“I was getting older and wanted to settle down with my family. I started looking at schools and came across TSTC on the internet,” he said. “All of the dots were lined up, and I started school.”

Schneider said TSTC Automotive Technology instructor Mike Myers helped him by bringing shop experience to the classroom and lab.

“He has a lot of experience,” Schneider said. “He has a wealth of knowledge. I can call him and ask him if he has seen something. He would tell me, ‘No, but have you checked into this?’”

Schneider said having that experience in the lab helped him because classroom lessons and books can go only so far.

“I was amazed at some of the material Mike opened me up to,” he said.

Myers said he keeps in touch with all of his students, especially if they encounter something not covered in class.

“I am a phone call or text message away and will help out any way possible,” Myers said.

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

CARES Act funding allows some TSTC students to continue education amid pandemic

(WACO, Texas) – The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund provides Texas State Technical College with the means to help full- and part-time students who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nearly $4.9 million in funding has been received by TSTC for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations because of the coronavirus, including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance.

So far, TSTC has awarded $3 million in CARES Act funds to 2,659 students statewide.

“We’re committed to cultivating a ‘culture of caring’ at TSTC,” said Adele Clinton, TSTC’s executive director of Retention Services. “We’ll do whatever it takes to help our students succeed.”

The funding can help cover education-related expenses impacted by the global pandemic, including internet access, course materials, health care, child care, and housing for those who have had to vacate their dorms.

“The most common request that we’ve received is for assistance with paying important bills and for groceries,” Clinton said. “Many of our students have had their lives disrupted by this pandemic and have had real problems making ends meet.”

Additionally, TSTC has its own emergency aid funds to assist students who may not qualify for CARES Act funding.

“Students who do not meet the criteria for CARES Act funding may be eligible to receive other funds from the college,” said Marcus Crook, TSTC’s executive director of Enrollment Management.

He explained how the college helps students through the application process.

“Complete applications are sent to a TSTC Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) coach, who then contacts the student within 72 hours,” Crook said. “The ARC coach identifies what local resources the student may qualify for, identifies what the student’s actual need is, and approves the requested amount or makes adjustments. The TSTC Financial Aid office then reviews the request and determines if the student is eligible for CARES Act funding or if another source of funds is more appropriate for the request.”

Marissa Hansucker, who is currently studying at TSTC’s Waco campus to become an occupational health and safety technician, credits the available funding for helping her finish the semester. The 25-year-old utilized the assistance she received to help with utilities, which allowed her to continue studying remotely.

“The funding helped me keep my internet access,” she said. “More than likely we would not have been able to continue living where we are, and I would not have been able to continue school had I not received this help.”

Although the process to apply for CARES Act funding requires an overview of a student’s financial circumstances, overall it was a simple one for Hansucker.

“It was extremely easy to apply,” she said.

“TSTC’s emergency aid application is quick and easy to use,” Clinton reiterated. “A student can apply online or by contacting their enrollment coach. The application only takes about two minutes to fill out.”

Aside from the financial assistance provided by the CARES Act, TSTC has additional resources to make sure that students are on track to complete their education.

“Our Advocacy and Resource Center team not only contacts each student who applies, but they provide them with referrals to local, state and national resources to further help their situations,” Clinton said. “Our students are reached out to periodically to make sure they are doing all right. I think that shows who we are at TSTC. We take care of each other like family.”

TSTC’s culture of caring to provide students with the resources they need extends beyond CARES Act funding. Beth Wooten, CEO of The TSTC Foundation, said that while the foundation serves as the fundraising arm of the institution, the legacies built by students are what is most inspiring.

“A lot of our students have financial hardships,” she said. “We want to make sure that our students understand that we are here to help them. Our ultimate goal is for them to graduate and get a great-paying job. We don’t want anything to get in the way of that.”

Vice Chancellor and Chief Student Services Officer Rick Herrera knows that students face hardships outside of their academic careers — circumstances that The TSTC Foundation aims to help them overcome.

“There are many life challenges that a student will encounter while enrolled in college,” Herrera said. “TSTC has adopted a culture of caring initiative where we are expending resources to help students through non-school-related life challenges. We have food pantries at many of our locations, Helping Hands scholarships for non-school-related expenses, and counseling services for those difficult times when talking to a caring person could help. Many of these services are possible with the help of The TSTC Foundation.”

Ultimately the drive to ensure student success is what fuels those who help make students’ dreams comes true.

“We work at The TSTC Foundation because we know that we can help change lives,” Wooten said. “We see it firsthand every day in the students we are able to help.”

Herrera emphasized that TSTC will explore every resource at its disposal to help its students succeed.

“We may not be able to break down every single barrier, but it won’t be because we didn’t exhaust every option available to us.”

To learn more about TSTC and the CARES Act and Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, visit https://tstc.edu/student_life/caresact.

Digital Media Design at TSTC invites creativity

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Billboards, magazine layouts, and websites are all intricately crafted by graphic designers. Digital Media Design at Texas State Technical College brings those skills to life for students seeking a vibrant career.

Jerry Vavra, TSTC’s statewide department chair for Digital Media Design, explained that while technology makes up a large aspect of the program, the key to crafting the perfect illustration is research.

“A lot of a graphic designer’s job is trying to figure out how people think,” he said. “Analyzing social trends, rebranding, and figuring out what makes a client different are all a part of creating perfect visuals for clients. With great research comes great design.”

In this day and age of social distancing, the online program is a great opportunity for a prospective student who wants to become a graphic designer while still being able to learn from home.

“You can come into the program not even knowing how to draw a circle,” Vavra said. “We teach students the fun stuff.”

He added that job security is something that potential graphic designers can look forward to.

“When you drive around town and see designed billboards, there was a graphic designer behind that,” he said. “The world of graphic design is not going away. If anything, it has become enhanced.”

The end of the spring semester also brings the end of a few student journeys at TSTC, and Vavra has some words of wisdom for Digital Media Design graduates.

“Master your programs, always seek inspiration, and research,” he said. “Your portfolio is everything, so make it a great one. It’s OK to have multiple portfolios that match the jobs you are applying for.”

While graduation celebrations look a little different due to the current pandemic, Vavra reiterated that a student’s sense of accomplishment should not diminish because of it.

“Our design students work very hard at their craft,” he said. “Many hours go into designing for the right person, and I know our graduates are going to continue doing their job well when they start their careers. I can’t wait to see what they design next.”

For more information, visit tstc.edu/programs/DigitalMediaDesign.

TSTC Hosts Drive-In Celebration for Spring Graduates – Williamson County

(HUTTO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College honored its spring graduates Friday with a drive-in celebration.

Instructors and staff members lined up at the entrance to the East Williamson County Higher Education Center and cheered graduates and their relatives as they drove onto campus in decorated vehicles. Participating graduates were eligible for a drawing to win a professional diploma frame and other prizes.

Some graduates took photos in front of a TSTC-themed banner and received a diploma cover and yard sign before leaving campus. The actual diplomas and certificates have been mailed to graduates.

“We are trying to limit contact with each other,” said Chemese Armstrong, TSTC’s campus enrollment officer.

This is the first time TSTC has honored its graduates in this manner.

“We want to show them we are proud, and this is our way of doing that,” Armstrong said.

Instructors were happy to see their students take the next big step in their lives.

“As an industry, culinary arts is fortunate to have such innovative minds pursuing their careers, especially in times like this when the making and breaking of businesses is completely contingent on their adaptability,” said Nelson Adams, lead instructor of TSTC’s Culinary Arts program.

Joshua Schier, an instructor in TSTC’s Cybersecurity program, said graduates are ready to enter a workforce that has seen dramatic changes this year.

“We who celebrate all your achievements at TSTC are certain of one thing: You will not let us down,” he said. “You are TSTC graduates!”

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

 

 

TSTC graduate ready to change lives as a dental hygienist

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Despite her final semester ending rather unconventionally, Lizette Padilla is eager to graduate from Texas State Technical College and begin her career as a dental hygienist. The Brownsville native is grateful for her time at TSTC and looks forward with anticipation and excitement to what her new career will bring.

Do you have a favorite TSTC memory?

My favorite memories would be the times my classmates and I were able to go out into the community to educate people about dental health. Being able to give back to the community in this way was rewarding.

Is there anyone specific who inspired you the most during your time at TSTC?

My instructor Mrs. (Victoria) Martin inspired me. She was and is always willing to help students with anything needed. She is an amazing instructor who truly cares about us and is great at what she does.

How has TSTC changed your life?

TSTC has given me the chance to obtain a career in dental hygiene. I feel confident that I have received the proper training and education needed to succeed in my career.

If you could give a message to fellow graduates, what would you tell them?

I know that these are not the circumstances in which we expected to graduate. Nevertheless, we should be proud of ourselves for graduating. It was a difficult journey for all of us. However, I am confident that we will go out into the community and change lives.

Fall registration is currently underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

 

TSTC celebrates spring graduates in drive-thru ceremony

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – On Thursday, June 11, Texas State Technical College honored its spring 2020 graduates with a socially distant celebration on campus.

The drive-thru ceremony was TSTC’s twist on congratulating the graduates while maintaining safety standards set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“TSTC wanted to put together a celebration for our newest graduates and wish them well before they start their careers,” said Larissa Moreno, a coordinator of new student orientation and activities. “What they have accomplished is significant. And even though we are celebrating in a unique way, we paid attention to every detail with them in mind.”

Families and friends cheered and honked their horns to celebrate the graduates, whose face coverings barely concealed their smiles and excitement.

“My hope is that the graduates leave here feeling celebrated and proud of their accomplishment,” added Moreno. “It’s a big deal. Many (TSTC) employees helped make this day special. I am proud of these graduates, not only because they are our students, but because they are TSTC family. And as in most families, we celebrate milestones.”

TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez reiterated that the ceremony was a token of appreciation for the graduates, who have gracefully handled the very different semester.

“This small celebration is our rainbow during this unprecedented season we find ourselves in,” she said. “While it is not our traditional formal ceremony, it is a small, heartfelt way to honor the accomplishments of our students. We know the importance of graduating, and we did not want it to go uncelebrated.”

Moreno noted that the graduates had adapted well to the unforeseen circumstances brought on by the current global pandemic.

“Many of our students had to adjust to a new way of learning in their final semester,” she said. “It took patience, confidence and perseverance. But they did it.”

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.