Navy veteran on voyage toward two TSTC degrees

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – After serving his country for nearly 10 years in the U.S. Navy, Richard Gabriel Garcia took on a new role as a student at Texas State Technical College. The Houston native is getting ready to wrap up his time in the Electrical Power and Controls program, and he is ready to dive right into another educational adventure.

Why did you decide to study at TSTC?

I wanted to work with my hands. One interest led to another, and I found myself looking into the electrical field.

What are you currently studying?

I am currently in my last semester for the Electrical Power and Controls program, and I am getting ready to start the Robotics Technology program.

Do you have a favorite TSTC memory?

Realizing that I did not miss the boat on my education has been a great thing to look back on. Starting school from scratch in your 30s is quite daunting. But with the right support system, I realized I could apply myself and still work a full-time schedule.

What do you think makes TSTC unique?

The small class sizes are very beneficial. I have been fortunate to have both Mr. (Robert) Shields and Mr. (Jonathan) Bonkoske, who are Electrical Power and Control instructors, always be willing and able to provide much-needed one-on-one guidance.

Do you have any advice for other veterans who might be considering enrolling at TSTC?

It’s never too late; there’s no judgement. And the benefits of the GI Bill are tremendous.

To learn more about opportunities available for veterans at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/veterans.

 

TSTC, City of Ennis Poised for Productive Future

(RED OAK, Texas) – More than 20 miles separate the city of Ennis from Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus in Red Oak in Ellis County.

Ennis can count more than 3.6 million workers within a 60-mile radius of the city. This means there is an array of area jobs, from machining to welding, for which  people can learn skills at TSTC.

“From a logistical standpoint, we are learning that we are in the center of a lot of these hubs, these major industries and distribution centers and manufacturing centers,” said Marcus Balch, provost of TSTC’s North Texas campus. “I think that is in large part due to the major interstates coming through. There is a major railway that travels very close to the area, both north and south.”

Marty Nelson, Ennis’ city manager and interim economic development director, said new city leadership is signaling a need to build stronger connections with county entities, including TSTC.

“I think it is a resource that brings value to Ellis County,” he said about TSTC

Nelson said the city’s economic development is divided into four categories: downtown, industrial, maintenance and retail.  All provide potential opportunities to work with TSTC.

The city recently completed a $9 million infrastructure project in its eight-block downtown that was heavily damaged by a tornado in spring 2013. Part of the work included installing a fiber-optic network operating downtown irrigation, lighting and sound systems.

“We have city-owned facilities in, and in close proximity to our downtown, and each one has become a hub,” said Ennis Mayor Angeline Juenemann. “Those hubs are connected together to create a Wi-Fi mesh network over our downtown.”

Nelson said the city recently signed a deal with Freshpet to build a manufacturing facility employing about 400 people with average wages of $60,000 a year.  Buc-ee’s recently opened on Interstate Highway 45, providing about 175 jobs.

“Having a technically skilled workforce gives you a competitive advantage,” he said. “The availability of a workforce – in many cases, a skilled workforce – might be a great determining factor if you go to the next round in a site selection.”

Adrian Castanon, a coordinator in TSTC’s Career Services office, said Ennis Steel Industries Inc. hired in 2019 a North Texas campus graduate of  the Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology program.

Castanon  said that earlier spring he was working with an Ennis company specializing in manufacturing paper and printing labels for retail stores because of interest in TSTC’s Industrial Systems – Electrical Specialization program.

The city is projected to have more than 1,000 new homes constructed in the next 18 months, Nelson said.

“It is reverse migration,” Nelson said. “The Metroplex is so dense and commute times are so long. I think people are trying to find places to live so they don’t have to be in all the congestion.”

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

After working in government sector, instructor finds fulfillment at TSTC

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Elizabeth Bryant has enjoyed many fulfilling careers in her professional life. She has worked for the government, spent time as a journalist, and even been a legislative aide.

However, she now considers her most rewarding role to be that of instructor of government classes at Texas State Technical College.

Inspired by her mother, who was a first grade teacher in her home state of Louisiana, Bryant has found her passion at TSTC, where she is eager to change the lives of her students, just like her mom.

“It was inspiring to see how much my mom meant to her students,” she said. “She always remembered who they were when she’d run into them. I always thought teaching would be a rewarding way to spend your time.”

Bryant worked for 25 years in government jobs at both the state and federal level before becoming an instructor.

“I decided to finish my graduate degree with the goal of teaching college freshmen and sophomores focusing on civic engagement,” she said. “Of all the professional experiences I’ve had the good fortune to enjoy, being at TSTC is by far the best.”

Although she no longer works in government, her prior career is not too far away.

“One of the assignments in my courses is to write to an elected official requesting assistance with an issue in their community,” she said. “They also can write to an elected official to request clarification on an issue facing our state or our country. It is wonderful when students share with me the results of this assignment. Many have been able to solve community issues or gain deeper understanding of current events.”

Bryant’s time at TSTC has brought many new memories that she is grateful for.

“Each time I see a student succeed and take another step toward achieving their goals is so rewarding,” she said.

TSTC’s hands-on learning and student-to-instructor ratio are not only qualities that she thinks make TSTC different, but also factors that she would have appreciated during her own college years.

“I would have really benefited from a place like TSTC when I was transitioning from high school to college,” she said. “TSTC offers flexible schedules with multiple platforms, such as online learning, compressed semesters and traditional lecture courses. TSTC focuses on student success beyond their time on campus.”

The commitment to student success does not end once students leave the classroom.

“TSTC is committed to placing students in great jobs once they complete their program,” Bryant said. “Some prospective students may be worried because they’ve been out of the classroom for a while, but that should not stop them from pursuing their degree. TSTC instructors are committed to working with students to help them adjust to the college experience.”

TSTC’s fall registration is currently underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

At TSTC’s Challenger Learning Centers, visitors become guardians of the galaxy

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – “Space missions” at Texas State Technical College’s Challenger Learning Centers in Harlingen and Waco are as close to becoming an astronaut as you can get without flying into the galaxy.

The centers provide engaging experiences for students of all ages that allow them to take their curiosity for space exploration to the next level.

Upon arrival, visitors divide into groups to work in a Mission Control simulation and even get hands-on experience in a working laboratory. These missions aim to provide team building, creativity and critical-thinking skills.

“Construction for TSTC’s Challenger Learning Center in Harlingen began in the summer of 2013,” said Ashley Contreras, coordinator of TSTC’s Center for Science and Math Education. “Our grand opening was in December of that year, and we began launching missions in January 2014.”

The addition of the Challenger Learning Center at TSTC’s Waco campus makes TSTC the only institution in the world to host two centers. To date, the centers in Harlingen and Waco have provided learning opportunities to over 31,000 students.

While hands-on experiences are part of the unique learning process, academics are also a big focus.

“The Challenger Learning Centers are aligned with the math and science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards,” Contreras said. “This is evident through our grade-appropriate simulated space missions, STEM activities, and planetarium lessons.”

Alternative learning, such as the Mission Control simulation, provides students with science, technology, engineering and math skills that they might not experience otherwise.

“Places like the Challenger Learning Centers are important because we provide a one-of-a-kind learning environment to assist students of varying learning modalities in understanding certain key subjects through hands-on, project-based learning,” Contreras reiterated. “In Harlingen, we have had schools from Laredo down to Brownsville and up to Falfurrias join us in experiencing our simulated missions.”

While the centers are aimed at younger visitors, you do not need to be under a certain age to participate in the fun.

“Occasionally, we will have visitors who happen to see the large astronaut and space shuttle posters outside of the building and have their curiosity piqued,” she said. “Our team is always happy to deliver a tour and let them experience what it would be like to blast off in our replica of the Challenger shuttle to the International Space Station.”

Contreras added that the imagination of students who visit makes their work worthwhile.

“Every day is a new experience, and it is so easy to get caught up in the students’ enthusiasm,” she said. “They make us feel like we are real astronauts.”

Currently both centers remain closed due to the ongoing pandemic, but that has not stopped the stellar staff from preparing for the future.

“We will continue to abide by the policies and procedures set by TSTC’s leadership and reopen when we are able to do so,” Contreras said. “In the meantime, we are preparing for the new mission packages we will unveil to schools for the upcoming academic year. We are very excited.”

The two Challenger Learning Centers at TSTC are affiliated with the not-for-profit Challenger Center for Space Science Education in Washington, D.C. Founded in April 1986, Challenger Learning Centers across the nation were started to honor the astronauts lost during the Challenger space shuttle mission that same year.

To learn more about the Challenger Learning Centers at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/challenger.

 

 

 

 

TSTC Vocational Nursing student adapts to new learning environment

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Virdi Crawford admitted she took a “leap of faith” when she began studying Vocational Nursing at Texas State Technical College in late 2019.

What she learned over the past five months is that she was able to adapt to a new learning environment.

“This is an experience that I will never forget,” said Crawford of finishing the spring semester from her home in Abilene. “What this made me realize is how easily I was able to adapt to a stressful situation.”

Crawford said students had to adjust to the new learning environment, but were able to stay connected through online resources.

“It was sad that we could not go to class and talk to each other. Not having the one-on-one with the instructors was also a huge adjustment,” she said. “All of this taught me to roll with the punches.”

The spring semester experience is something Crawford said she will remember after completing the program and getting a job.

“I know there will be days that are work-heavy and I will want to give up,” she said. “But what COVID -19 has taught me to analyze everything and take a deep breath. I will be able to keep going because if we can make it through this, we can make it through work.”

Crawford completed the spring semester from her home while her husband also worked from home. The couple also had to make sure their two children, ages four and seven, were active.

“It was hard to explain to my children that mom and dad needed a little time to get their work done,” she said. “We were able to do it.”

She knew other students were facing the same situation.

“A majority of my classmates are working and have children. They also had to make this adjustment,” she said.

Crawford said the Breckenridge instructors helped with the transition.

“When this first started, we did not know what was going to happen. We did not know if we would have to start the program over,” she said. “The instructors are always there fighting for us and adapted to the new learning environment. It was definitely challenging for them and for us.”

Crawford said working through the spring semester helped her realize she made the right choice to study nursing. She said that other students interested in the field should look at TSTC first.

“TSTC has so many resources available. The doors are always open for the instructors to talk to you,” she said. “Breckenridge may be a small campus, but everyone cares how you are doing.”

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

Potts passes love of racing to next generation

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Billy Potts has a passion for auto racing.

The 1997 Texas State Technical College graduate is passing that passion to the next generation, but not through a lot of horsepower. Potts is president of the Bobcat Solar Racing Team composed of students at Byron Nelson High School in Trophy Club.

Each year, the team builds and then races a solar-powered car from the Texas Motor Speedway to California during the Solar Car Challenge. Potts and the team are disappointed that this year’s event was canceled.

Potts’ involvement with the racing challenge started when his son enrolled at Byron Nelson High School.

“I asked my son (Emery) to get involved. That was going to be the direction of the auto industry,” Potts said. “It was fun.”

The former team leader at that time was phasing out because his son was graduating, Potts said.

“I did not want to see this program fall apart,” he said. “We are still working and building a car, preparing for next year.”

Potts said working on a solar car offers team members something they do not get in the classroom. His son shared his father’s passion for solar racing, while some team members were merely looking for an extracurricular activity.

“Seeing those different kids working together is something special,” he said. “Some of the students come in and don’t know the right end of a screwdriver. By the time we are ready to race, they know what to do, and I just sit back and watch.”

Potts credited his career success to TSTC. He graduated from the Sweetwater campus in 1997 with a double degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology and Computer-Aided Drafting Design. 

He is currently a certified Bluebeam specialist and building information modeling coordinator for Jacobs, a company that provides professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector.

Today, Potts still recommends TSTC for anyone wanting to expand their education. He said his degree led him to good jobs, including working on the Texas Motor Speedway. But over the years, Potts said he wanted to “plant his feet” somewhere.

When a job at Jacobs opened, he did just that and pursued his passion for racing. He also spends time with Emery, who is now in college, when the Bobcat Solar Racing Team gets together.

“Emery, he is my right hand now. He is helping the new team,” he said. “What I learned at TSTC is still paying off for me today. For that, I will always be thankful.”

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

TSTC awarded Community Foundation of Abilene grant

(ABILENE, Texas) – For the third time since 2016, Texas State Technical College was awarded a Community Foundation of Abilene grant.

TSTC was awarded $7,500 which will be used for scholarships during the Fall 2020 semester. The college previously received grants in 2016 and 2018.

The scholarships are available for new students attending TSTC in Abilene, said Delton McGuire, TSTC’s West Texas Senior Field Development Officer.

“The TSTC Foundation is very thankful for the generosity of the Community Foundation of Abilene. Their gift will help new students at the school and relieve some of the financial burden,” McGuire said.

Financial aid advisors will award the scholarships in accordance with the policies and practices of TSTC, McGuire said. Full-time students may receive as much as $1,000 in scholarship funds.

“This money will provide opportunities for adults and students to attend school and help our local job market,” said Michelle Parrish, grant director at the Community Foundation of Abilene.

Grant funds to TSTC and other nonprofit groups is only part of the foundation’s mission. Parrish said donations are made throughout the year and used to fund projects.

Since 1985, the Community Foundation of Abilene has awarded more than $100 million in grants.

“We first opened through a gift and have definitely grown since that time,” Parrish said. “We have been able to double our grant donations over the past 10 years thanks to the community’s support.”

For more information on scholarships available at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/financialaid/scholarships.

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

TSTC counselor not letting pandemic keep her from helping students

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The current global pandemic has brought frustration for many, including Texas State Technical College students. TSTC is currently utilizing advancements in technology to continue its mission to help students through their time in college, even if things look a little different.

“Counseling services continue to be offered remotely,” said licensed professional counselor Angela Dunn, who works at both the Harlingen and Fort Bend County TSTC campuses. “Counseling services are available to any student who is currently enrolled and are free of charge. The services are provided via video, chat, or phone.”

Social distancing has brought many changes, and feelings of exhaustion and isolation can come into factor because of it. However, Dunn assured that students who feel this way are not alone, she even offered some advice on how to combat it.

“Many people are feeling very similar feelings right now,” she said. “One way to manage and cope with those feelings is to create a go-to distraction list. Individuals can create a list of enjoyable activities they normally do in their spare time. The more distracted we are, the less likely our minds will have time to think negatively.”

Dunn reiterated that we must also be kind to ourselves when we begin to feel anxious.

“Engage in positive self-talk. We tend to be very critical of ourselves and it’s important to remember that you are human and trying to do your best,” she said. “Create a list of realistic self-affirmations or positive characteristics about yourself. Reading this list every day to yourself, you can increase your self-esteem and mood.”

Individual care is vital through this time, as is asking for help when you need it.

“If you find that you are struggling most days with anxiety, depression or feeling overwhelmed then you should definitely reach out to the counseling center,” she said. “We as humans have an innate need for connection. Without connection many people feel lonely and lost. Going to counseling will give you that opportunity to connect with another human being that can provide an outside perspective. Sometimes it makes all the difference to be able to talk to someone.”

Student Counseling at TSTC is hosting a mental health awareness art contest, which will run through the end of June. The theme for the contest is Mental Health Awareness and Self-Care During COVID-19 and is open to all currently enrolled TSTC students. Submissions include short stories, photography, digital art and essays. Gift cards will be awarded to selected winners. TSTC students are encouraged to visit TSTC Harlingen’s Facebook page for information to enter.

For more information about Student Counseling at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/student_life/counseling2.

 

Agriculture inspires TSTC student to study culinary arts

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The curiosity to expand her knowledge in the food industry led Carolina Selvera to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts degree at Texas State Technical College. The 19-year-old Brownsville native dreams of owning a restaurant of her own one day, and hopes to utilize her culinary skills and background in agriculture to create a farm-to-table experience for customers.

What motivated you to choose TSTC?

A family friend who works at TSTC told me about the programs that are available, and as soon as she mentioned the Culinary Arts program, I was sold. I knew then that this is where I wanted to continue my education. Plus, it’s close to home.

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

Everyone I’ve met has had a great impact on me. One person who pushes me to become better is my friend, Kimberly. We challenge and encourage each other to be the best at what we do.

What are your goals for life after TSTC?

A long-term goal of mine is to open a restaurant in which everything is locally grown to support local farmers and ranchers.

What advice would you give to future TSTC students?

Just go for it! Don’t be scared, because in the end, it will all be worth it.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC instructor determined to see students succeed

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s commitment to student success starts at the beginning of each individual’s academic journey. The promise of a hands-on education comes to fruition because of faculty who are ready to make a difference. Claudia Arnold is dedicated to fulfilling that promise. As a lead instructor for TSTC’s First Year Seminar, she has one goal in mind: serve students better.

While the semester-long class is not required for students who have transferred with more than 24 credit hours, the benefits of enrolling provide an advantage that students would not have otherwise.

“We strongly recommend the seminar for all of our students,” said Arnold. “It’s beneficial because they’ll learn how to navigate the platform that we use for coursework, we go over the importance of networking, and also discuss the free resources offered by TSTC.”

With 15 years of experience at TSTC under her belt, Arnold’s call to education came when she saw the real impact she could have on a student.

“I grew an interest in education when I found out that a student I had been tutoring passed the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) math test,” she said. “His passing confirmed to me that I was able to get the subject matter across to students.”

Arnold’s determination to stand by her students has followed her into her career, in fact, it’s why she finds the First Year Seminar to be so important.

“I strongly believe students need to know that they are not alone in figuring out how to survive college,” she said. “They need to be introduced to all the amazing resources TSTC offers. They need to learn that instructors and staff are here to help them through their journey.”

Her past experiences are also why she is vocal with new TSTC students.

“I always tell them that back when I attended college, no one told me about the free resources.” she said.

The course may only last one semester, but the changes that Arnold sees in her students as they progress are vast and rewarding.

“As a team, we always get emails through the years of students thanking us because they learned so many things,” she said. “We make sure our students know who their advisor is so that they feel comfortable talking to them. We make it known that they are here to help them with anything they need.”

Encouragement is also something she very strongly reiterates to students on their academic journeys.

“I always tell them that once they start something, they need to finish it,” she said. “There is nothing more satisfying than accomplishing a long-term goal that you have set for yourself.”

TSTC fall registration is currently open. For more information, or to apply, visit tstc.edu/admissions/firststeps.