TSTC enrollment coach finds new home at TSTC

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Tracey Clayton comes to Texas State Technical College from Tennessee, where she was first introduced to careers in higher education.

Now, with several years of experience under her belt as an educational advisor and as an enrollment coach for the college, she is helping students at TSTC find their potential and become college graduates.

“It’s so exciting to see students get ready to enter college,” she said. “My passion is to help students start their education so they can find opportunities that help them lead better lives.”

Higher education wasn’t always what Clayton had in mind as a profession.

For 15 years, the single mom practiced as a licensed massage therapist for spas, mobile clinics, chiropractic clinics and private clients.

But when the joints in her hands started giving her problems, she knew it was time for a career change.

“This profession fell into my lap by accident, but it helped me support my son,” she reminisced. “I was always giving family members and friends massages and they all told me the same thing, ‘This is your career,’ so when I couldn’t massage anymore, I decided to teach.”

She taught massage therapy for three years at a technical college in Tennessee, also serving as a new student and graduate advisor.

“This was my first go-around in the education sector and I loved it,” she said.

Then Clayton decided she was ready for a change. So with friends and family in the area and in Dallas, she chose Houston, Texas as her new home.

“Before making the move official, I applied everywhere. I wanted to work in higher education,” she said. “And then TSTC called. The moment I walked on campus and met the people around me, I knew this was where I was meant to be.”

Ten months later and Clayton said everyone at TSTC has become a second family and her favorite part: seeing the students she assists with enrollment being successful and getting closer to graduating.

“I love what I do and where I do it,” said Clayton. “TSTC has been a great place to work and my job feels rewarding. I can see myself growing here and staying for the long run.”

Clayton’s said her goals are to continue helping students pick the careers that are right for them and keeping her positive attitude because it can make a world of difference for those she serves.

And to help in her career development, she is also pursuing an online associate degree with TSTC in Business Management Technology.

“Nothing I have done or achieved has been easy, especially as a single mom,” said Clayton. “I can empathize with many of our students and I hope my story will inspire others to not give up on their dreams. Because TSTC helps create careers for anyone willing to work hard.”

Registration for Spring 2020 begins November 11. For more information, visit https://tstc.edu.

TSTC Surgical Technology shapes vital members of a surgery team

With complex surgeries on the rise and an increase in advancing robotic procedures and surgeries, the need for highly-skilled surgical technologists is on the rise and Texas State Technical College is working to fill that demand with its Surgical Technology program.

TSTC Surgical Technology Program Director and Master Instructor Robert Sanchez said the program’s faculty works and focuses on hands-on training, which prepares its students for an industry that is fast-paced with stressful environments.

“The more hands-on training our students receive the more prepared they are when they enter an operating room,” he said. “And it’s this readiness and skill that employers look for, and that’s why our graduates are sought after.”

TSTC Surgical Technology is the only surgical program south of Corpus Christi and has a 100% job placement rate.

What is the length of the program?

Surgical Technology is six-semester long, or two-year program. During the first three semesters, students complete program prerequisites. It is during the third semester that a student can apply for the Surgical Technology program, and if accepted, will have three more semesters before earning an associate degree.

What can students expect when they graduate?

A graduate from the program will only be able to work as a certified surgical technologist upon passing the Certified Surgical Technologist examination. After passing the exam, graduates can obtain jobs at places such as hospital operating rooms and day surgery centers.

What skills do students learn in Surgical Technology?

In the program students will learn numerous skills such as how to properly scrub in for surgery, sterilize medical equipment, keep an organized inventory of equipment for the surgeon, wash and disinfect incision sites, pass equipment to a surgeon, ensure that no objects are retained in patients and keep a sterile environment to prevent patient infection.

What types of technologies are used to learn these skills?

Students in the program have access to two fully-equipped mock surgery rooms and scrub-in area. They also have industry standard surgery equipment, laparoscopic training modules and mannequins to practice incision and suturing techniques.

How do these skills prepare a student for the workforce?

With a focus on hands-on training, students become familiar and know what to expect when they enter the workforce. In addition to hands-on classroom training, Surgical Technology students also complete clinical rotations at local hospitals and surgery centers where they work on actual surgical cases under observation. Many of the students’ skills are recognized during clinical rotations and most students are offered a position even before graduating.

What types of positions can a graduate from this program obtain?

Graduates from the program can work as a certified surgical technologist, but can grow in the medical field after several years and work toward becoming surgical first assistant, certified registered nurse anesthetist or physician assistant.

Area hospitals that have hired TSTC Surgical Technology graduates include Valley Baptist Medical Center, Harlingen Medical Center, Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, McAllen Medical Center and Edinburg Regional Medical Center.

Students have also been placed across the state in San Antonio, Houston, Austin and Dallas area hospitals.

TSTC enhances soft skills with interview practicum

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The Career Services department at Texas State Technical College recently hosted its Interview Practicum, an annual tradition that prepares soon-to-be graduates for job interviews.

In line with TSTC’s mission of placing more Texans into great paying jobs, the two-day event brought industry partners, community members and TSTC faculty and staff together to conduct mock interviews.

“Our interview practicum has grown so much over the years,” said TSTC Career Services Director Viviana Espinosa. “It’s popular among our faculty and students, so each practicum has expanded into more than one day.”

Interview Practicum is also hosted in the fall semester and has extended into a three-day event due to its popularity.

This year more than 100 students participated and more than 320 mock interviews were conducted.

Each interview includes three, 20-minute rounds in which the student is required to dress to impress, submit a resume and answer questions as if it were an actual interview with an employer.

At the end of each round the student is given feedback on strengths and weaknesses and advice on how to improve their interview skills.

Rudy Piñon, who will be graduating from the Auto Collision & Management Technology program this semester, had a lot to reflect on after the interview practicum.

“I’ve received great feedback from my interview coaches, even making me think back about past interviews and what I could have done differently,” said the 19-year-old. “This is an amazing opportunity that TSTC has given us and I’m ready to conquer interviews and start my career.”

Jazlyn Roque, who is a first-semester student in Auto Collision & Management Technology, said she is thankful that even though she isn’t graduating yet, she was still able to take part in the event.

“It’s never too early to polish your interview skills,” she said. “By the time I know it, I’ll be getting ready to graduate and start my career too. So this event has been a great experience.”

The Mission native said she already feels more confident with the interview process after this year’s event, and looks forward to attending other practicums throughout her college career.

Espinosa said the idea behind interview practicums is to help students gain the confidence they need to have a successful interview and get the job they want.

“When we hear that students are leaving more confident than when they arrived and their nerves have lessened, then we know that our event was a success,” she said. “And many here are industry partners so these students leave with no doubts as to what employers are expecting.”

She added that soft skills is something employers say job candidates, in general lack, and TSTC is working diligently to change that and ensure that college graduates can ace their interviews.

“Not only are we training our students with technical skills, but also soft skills that are vital to success after college,” she said. “So TSTC is meeting industry demands all the way around.”

Registration for Spring 2020 begins November 11. For more information, visit https://tstc.edu.

TSTC machining program receives large donation for scholarships

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Precision Machining Technology students at Texas State Technical College are celebrating this week thanks to a generous donation from the Gene Hass Foundation.

The foundation, with a mission of increasing the number of skilled computer numerical control (CNC) machinists out in the workforce, awarded the program $15,000 to use for scholarships to help students finish the Precision Machining Technology program strong.

“Their mission is like ours: produce highly-skilled machinist and get them placed in the workforce,” said TSTC Precision Machining Technology lead instructor Isaac Gonzalez. “We appreciate everything this foundation is doing to inspire our students and new generations of machinists, and helping them reach their goals.”

The scholarships will be awarded to Precision Machining Technology students based on need and will range from $250 to $2,500 to help with tuition, books, supplies or room and board.

“This type of money is a huge help for our students. Financial insecurity among students is more common than realized,” said Gonzalez. “And this gives them that motivation to finish.”

For Precision Machining Technology student Aaron Lerma, who will be graduating with his certificate in Fall 2020, this money came at just the right time.

“My family is having a hard time right now, it’s been difficult just paying the bills,” said the Brownsville native. “So this money will help not only me, but my parents. Hopefully I can help alleviate some stress and have money for gas since I commute.”

The 19-year-old added he’s excited to graduate so he can start working and contributing to his family’s finances.

“I would have loved to get an associate degree, but I really need to start working. Maybe someday once I can save up enough money,” he said. “For now, I want to give a big thank you to the organization that gave my program this money. Because this is a big deal for many of us and will allow me to graduate.”

His fellow classmate Maria Lara from Progresso shared the same sentiment.

“I’m currently not working so things have been tough,” said the 22-year-old. “And with this scholarship I can now afford to get food.”

Lara will be graduating with her associate degree in December and said she is grateful for this scholarship.

“This money is really going to come in handy and I want the organization that gave us this opportunity to know that it is greatly appreciated,” she said. “This is going to help me continue working toward my dream of starting my career and owning a business someday.”

Gonzalez said this isn’t the first time they’ve worked with the Gene Haas Foundation to give students scholarships. The foundation has donated to the program for at least three years.

And an added bonus is that this year’s donation will also go toward paying for precision machining students’ SkillsUSA uniforms, literature and tools.

SkillsUSA provides quality educational experiences for junior high, high school and college students who are in training programs focused on trade, technical and skilled service occupations. These educational experiences include conferences and hands-on competitions, which TSTC Precision Machining Technology students participate in annually.

“SkillsUSA is a big part of our year and plays a role in our students’ training, networking opportunities with industry professionals and showcasing their skills,” said Gonzalez. “And this contribution will help us continue that tradition.”

Students enrolling in Precision Machining Technology in Spring 2020 will also have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship.

“This money all around has been a great benefit to our program and its students,” said Gonzalez. “It is helping us fill a demand that is increasing in the industry by allowing our students the opportunity to worry a little less about money and more about graduating.”

For more information on Precision Machining Technology, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/PrecisionMachiningTechnology.

Austin Company Finds Quality Employees at TSTC

(HUTTO, Texas) – Tucked among a cluster of brick buildings on Research Boulevard in Austin is a technology company that has found a source for employees in Central Texas.

Contigo Technology has looked to Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus to fill Cybersecurity jobs. And, the company wants to hire more employees.

“Contigo is a great opportunity for our students,” said Joshua Schier, an instructor in TSTC’s Cybsersecurity program. “They are a fantastic employer offering great pay and benefits for entry-level positions. And, they are putting students in a position to succeed and grow with the company.”

Some of the skills students in TSTC’s Cybersecurity program learn include intrusion detection, Linux installation, and server virtualization and intrusion. The program’s goal is to give students a foundation of knowledge in networking and networking security.

“Many of the students have done projects and assignments together as a team while in school,” Schier said. “They developed friendships and team-building skills while here at TSTC, and that is being carried over into their work environment at Contigo.”

The company has 22 employees who work with clients using Microsoft platforms. Fuller said a majority of the company’s work is preventive maintenance, while project work is also undertaken.

“Everyone has a role to play,” said Bryan Fuller, president of Contigo Technology. “Everyone is being taken care of as long as the customer is taken care of.”

Travis Hoffmeister played baseball and graduated from Texas Tech University before finding his way to TSTC’s Cybersecurity program. He said attending TSTC gave him more focus for his career. He said a hiring company recommended that he give Contigo Technology a look when he was job searching.

He is a project engineer who migrates data and email between hosts at the company.

“I’m happy with it,” Hoffmeister said about his job. “I didn’t know what to do outside of Texas Tech. At TSTC, it was a broad curriculum. It helped me see a wide swath of fields to get into.”

Kyle Banks and Isabelle Pomeroy are remote operator technicians at the company. The two had classes together at TSTC and graduated a semester apart from the Cybersecurity program.

“We are the main contacts when it comes to issues with the clients and with their devices or technical questions,” Banks said. “We troubleshoot and get them fixed.”

Pomeroy said she enjoys her job because she discovers and figures out problems for customers.

Javier Bustos is a candidate for graduation for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Cybsersecurity at TSTC in December. He has worked part time since May, troubleshooting and setting up customers’ computers.

“TSTC has hooked me up with a job, which is awesome,” said Bustos, who grew up in Manor.

Bustos said he does not have a problem asking for help from his co-workers when needed.

“I really enjoy it,” he said. “At first it was intimidating. It was my first exposure to a business environment with information technology.”

Fuller said the quality of life for his employees is important. Company employees work in staggered shifts to manage Austin’s traffic. There are also opportunities for employees to work from their homes.

“I don’t want turnover,” Fuller said. “I try to make it a fun environment. I require them to be good at what they do.”

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

TSTC Expanding Night Classes for Programs

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus is expanding its offering of night classes for students.

The Industrial Systems – Electrical Specialization program will have its first night cohort starting in January for the spring semester. Students will attend classes two nights a week and during the day on Saturdays.

Nathan Cleveland, TSTC’s associate provost in Marshall, said the program was selected because of industry demand.

“We have more requests to fill jobs than we currently have graduates,” he said. “For a nontraditional student that is working, they can come in the evenings and they can move up further in their job at their current employer.”

The first program to offer night classes on campus, Precision Machining Technology, is thriving this semester and will offer a second night cohort in January.

Danny Nixon, a Precision Machining Technology instructor, said more than half of the 12 students in the program this semester work full time during the day and attend classes four nights a week. The students range in age from 19 to 33, Nixon said.

“They are so mature and willing to learn and attentive,” he said.

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

TSTC Biology students discover a whole new world

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Pursuing an associate degree in Biology from Texas State Technical College can lead to a number of career possibilities in a field that is growing rapidly.

TSTC Biology program chair Paul Leonard said that with advances and more opportunities in technology moving into the Rio Grande Valley and the state, such as Space X and oil and gas companies, the demand for biologists will increase.

“Opportunities in the field are already there, but there are more coming and we are creating the skilled workforce needed for the industry,” said Leonard.

Leonard goes on to explain what skills biology students learn, to prepare them for the workforce and the types of career opportunities available to them.

What is the length of the program?

The program is five semesters long.

What can students expect when they graduate?

After a student graduates from Biology, they will receive an associate degree and will be able to gain entry-level employment or transfer to another TSTC program such as Surgical Technology, Dental Hygiene and the Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse transition program.

What skills do students learn in Biology?

A student in Biology will obtain skills in a wide array of areas such as general biology, botany, zoology, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology. They will also learn the soft skills needed for cataloging and indexing information and research. Ultimately, they will graduate from the program as critical thinkers who can figure out the whats and whys of experiments and studies.

What types of technologies are used to learn these skills?

Students in the Biology program have access to virtual-based labs for electronic measuring and comparisons, and hands-on labs that will allow them to gain skills in dissection; plant, respiratory and sensory testing; and organ comparisons.

How do these skills prepare a student for the workforce?

The work and testing conducted in the classroom and labs is industry-standard and what will be done out in the field. The information collection and analysis process is also what they will see when they enter the workforce.

What types of positions can a graduate from this program obtain?

Graduates from the Biology program can find entry-level positions as biological technicians, biological scientists, microbiologists, forensic science technicians, laboratory animal caretakers, and can even find government jobs in public water works or parks and wildlife.

TSTC alum finds success at multinational energy corporation

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – With no intention to go to college, Texas State Technical College Mechatronics Technology alumnus Matt Lashbrook is now thankful that he did, because he said college took him from rags to riches.

The Rio Hondo native always put effort into his schooling, even taking dual enrollment courses while in high school, yet he didn’t think he was cut out for college.

“I had no idea what I wanted to do and when my aunt told me about mechatronics I figured I had nothing to lose,” said Lashbrook. “I did it to try it and I was surprised.”

That aunt that encouraged Lashbrook to enroll in Mechatronics is TSTC Associate Provost Jean Lashbrook and the younger Lashbrook said he’s glad he took her advice.

Today Lashbrook is the Project Automation Analyst for Chevron, where he has worked for six years with benefits and a competitive salary that continues to increase.

“I was still 19-year-old when I got this job,” said the now 26-year-old. “I hadn’t even graduated from the program, yet I had a career lined up for me.”

Lashbrook started at Chevron immediately after graduating with his associate degree in 2013 as a field specialist trainee, and within his six years with the company, the foundation he built in TSTC’s Mechatronics Technology program and his hard work have earned him several promotions.

“While at TSTC I found that I really enjoyed automation. It just clicked; I found what I was good at and my interest in the field grew,” he said. “And now my position allows me to hone in on those skills.”

From digging ditches to bury conduit pipes and traveling across Texas and New Mexico sites, Lashbrook said each level of his career has allowed him to support his family and remain debt- free.

“My wife and I used to live in a camper and now we own a home, a car and a truck and none of it is owed,” said Lashbrook. “This career has allowed me to save and give my wife and daughters the life they deserve.”

Lashbrook said TSTC was the stepping stone to this great career and life that he has made. From the instructors and the one-on-one, hands-on training they provided, he was able to become well-rounded in several areas and sharpen his skills.

“I grew up working on boat motors and never, in a million years, did I think I would be where I am today,” he said. “It’s been hard work to grow, but I remain steadfast in learning and always remaining teachable.”

Lashbrook added that enrolling at TSTC was the best decision he made and he is always recommending it to others who are looking for a new career or a career change.

“I don’t just recommend TSTC, I encourage others to attend because if you’re looking for a career, this is the place to go,” said Lashbrook. “And I’m proof because with my degree I’ve found opportunities I never thought would be possible. Without TSTC I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Graduates from Mechatronics Technology can work as mechanical engineering technicians, electrical engineering technicians, field service technicians and electronic engineering technicians for companies such as Toyota, H-E-B, American Electric Power, Oncor and Schlumberger and can make an average salary that ranges from $56,000 to six-figures.

For more information on Mechatronics Technology, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/MechatronicsTechnology

TSTC Cybersecurity student-veteran on track toward a new career

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – After four years in the Navy, Mayra Diaz set out to find a new career she could love and new goals she could achieve; this led her to Texas State Technical College.

The 27-year-old is now expected to graduate from TSTC’s Cybersecurity program in Spring 2020 and Diaz couldn’t be any happier with her decision to pursue this path.

“After the Navy I returned home and tried everything from customer service to the medical field, and I wasn’t enjoying any of it,” said Diaz. “I was having trouble leaving my life as an electrician in the Navy behind, but I knew I needed to move forward, especially because of my back injury.”

Knowing how to cable and create electrical plans, she knew she needed to find a career similar to her last.

That’s when college program and career research, and memories of the networking crew on the ship she lived in while stationed in Virginia, inspired her to enroll in Computer Networking and Security Technology, now Cybersecurity at TSTC.

“Cybersecurity and network cabling is pretty similar to what I did as an electrician,” she said. “And now I have added bonus skills, such as programming and troubleshooting networks.”

And as president of the Cyber Squad, the program’s student-run club, and a National Cyber League competitor, she has had the opportunity to learn not only from her instructors, but other TSTC students.

The National Cyber League is a non-profit organization that provides ongoing virtual training ground for participants to develop, practice and validate their cybersecurity knowledge and skills using next-generation, high-fidelity simulation environments.

“Competing with National Cyber League has opened my eyes to the industry and has allowed me to expand on the skills I’ve received while in the program,” said Diaz. “We all get to learn from each other and apply what we’ve learned.”

Diaz added that as a competitor there are also teachable moments, because she not only competes, but she also helps younger cybersecurity students find their way in the competition arena.

She has also had the opportunity to present to middle and high school girls using cyber lab projects to engage them, give them a look into cybersecurity and give them a hands-on experience.

“Class cohorts come and go, so it’s important that we take time to teach our first-semester students the way because when we graduate and leave, we need them to continue the legacy,” said Diaz. “Plus, when we teach, we also learn.”

Diaz said she is more than confident to enter the workforce and credits her instructors’ knowledge and willingness to share experiences and supplemental resources, the hands-on training she has received while in the program and the opportunities she has gained.

Upon graduating, Diaz plans on moving to Corpus Christi to begin her career and to reunite with her husband. The mother of one has been living in the Rio Grande Valley for the past two years with her daughter, while she finished the program.

“It has been really difficult living apart and only seeing each other on the weekends,” said Diaz. “But I can see the prize and it’s been worth it. I can’t wait to begin my new career.”

There are two areas that Diaz said she hopes to work in when she graduates: penetration and web application testing or networking.

“It’s really hard deciding what I want to do, but it’s great knowing I have options,” she said. “But I do hope whatever it is I do I am successful and able to grow within the industry because the love I had for being an electrician is the same love I’m finding in cybersecurity.”

Cybersecurity is also offered at TSTC’s Fort Bend County, Marshall, North Texas, Waco and East Williamson County campuses.

TSTC’s Cybersecurity program at the Harlingen campus is recognized as a National Center of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency.

For more information, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/Cybersecurity.

TSTC student, employee thrives despite challenges

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – With a second chance at life, Carranza Bankston has joined the Texas State Technical College family as an employee and a Cybersecurity student.

It’s only been a few months since the 34-year-old, single mother had a stroke that left her bedridden for two months induced by Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks the nerves.

“I’ve always been the traveler, the daughter that moves away to find adventure, so when I had my stroke I was far from my family,” said Bankston. “I knew it was time to move home and that’s when TSTC came into play.”

While on bed rest, the Richmond native began her job search, and working in the food industry for much of her life, she knew the TSTC Café cook position was the right fit.

“I had already applied to TSTC for several other positions, but this one was the one that was meant to be,” she said. “And I was able to move back home.”

Bankston’s food industry experience ranges from restaurant management to catering business owner. She even began culinary school, but put it on hold at age 22 when she became pregnant with her daughter.

Her catering business “Jacasians” is Jamaican food with an American twist, and has seen success in the wedding and large-event arena.

“I’ve been working since I was 15 so I’m no stranger to hard work,” said Bankston. “And even though cooking has always been my passion, I also worked in technical support for a couple of major companies, and that’s why I decided to return to school for cybersecurity.”

With support from her mother and daughter to return to school, Bankston enrolled in Cybersecurity’s online program and expects to earn her associate degree in Spring 2021.

She said she is blessed to have a job she loves and a program that is flexible, allowing her to balance work and life.

“TSTC has exceeded my expectations as an employee and student,” she said. “I love the help, the friendliness and family-like atmosphere. I feel right at home.”

She added that her favorite part of being TSTC’s Café cook is serving people and making them smile, because with everything she has had to overcome she knows the importance of not taking life for granted.

“Everything I do, I do with my daughter in mind. I want her to see that no matter the trials and tribulations, you can still accomplish your dreams,” she said. “And that’s what I’m doing here at TSTC, moving forward with my goals so I can make my dreams come true.”

Bankston plans on continuing to travel around the United States, adding Mexico to the list soon, maybe even Italy in the future.

And while her ultimate goal is to own a successful restaurant, she said she is going to work hard in first, completing Cybersecurity and second, getting a government or state job that will allow her to use the skills she learns.

“With this degree I have the opportunity to start a new career in numerous areas. It really opens doors,” she said. “And although there are and will be obstacles to overcome, I can’t wait to put all – restaurant and cybersecurity – skills together to become a leader in my industries.”

Cybersecurity is offered online or at TSTC’s Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Waco and East Williamson County campuses. And, beginning Fall 2020, Cybersecurity Technology will be one of the Performance-Based Education programs offered at TSTC. PBE allows students the flexibility to move through the program at their own pace.