TSTC Offers Students First Advanced Leadership Academy

(HARLINGEN) – Created by popular demand, Texas State Technical College’s Student Life has launched an Advanced Leadership Academy, an extension of TSTC’s long-running Student Leadership Academy.

“Students were graduating from the Student Leadership Academy quickly and asking me what’s next,” said Student Life Coordinator Belinda Palomino. “We needed another program so we got working on it.”

The Student Leadership Academy was created to instill in students relevant skills and knowledge essential to the achievement of excellence in leadership and founded on the values of integrity, service, communication and innovation.

Recent Student Leadership Academy graduate, a requirement to be part of the advanced academy, and Welding Technology student Daniel Reyes is now a member of the new advanced academy and said he is looking forward to completing the program.

Alexandra Lugo (right) with other TSTC student leaders.

“We’ve all helped each other become better leaders and people in the academy,” said Reyes. “It has helped me build confidence in my leadership skills and take charge during class projects and community services events. I can’t wait to see what the advanced academy has in store.”

To become a graduate of the Student Leadership Academy, a perquisite to the Advanced Leadership Academy, students must attend the annual Student Leadership Conference, at least six leadership workshops such as Characteristics of an Effective Leader, Servant Leadership and Integrity and Ethics and four additional workshops offered throughout the year.

“Daniel runs the show now. He’s an active member in several student clubs and is always there when we need his help,” said Palomino. “It’s great seeing him and other students like him grow as leaders.

To complete the Advanced Leadership Academy, students like Reyes and Business Management Technology and Mathematics student Alexandra Lugo,the must complete a community service project as a group, attend an academy orientation and two check-in meetings. There are currently seven students enrolled in the new program.

“We’re pretty ambitious and hope to complete a large-scale project that will impact and benefit the community,” said Lugo. “Our goal is to make a difference.”

Lugo added that before completing the Student Leadership Academy she struggled with being outgoing and although it was not always easy putting herself out there, becoming active around campus has been the best decision she has ever made.

“When I graduate I want to go into management and everything I am learning during my time in the academy will also help me after college and in my career,” said Lugo.

Palomino said she is so proud of all of her students who participate in the both academies.

“Being a part of either academy is not a requirement as a student at TSTC, which means these student do it because they want to,” said Palomino. “They find it in their hearts to better themselves and make a difference. We have some great students.”

For more information on the Student Leadership Academy or the Advanced Leadership Academy call 956-364-4370.

For information on programs offered at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Student Receives Guitar Once Used by Famous Rock Band

(SWEETWATER) – In the wake of the Bluebonnet Inn dorm fire at Texas State Technical College in Sweetwater, one student had a special request. Isaiah Ornelaz, an Automotive Technology student and avid guitar player, just wanted his guitar replaced.

When TSTC employees heard of the request, Rene Ralston, TSTC’s director of Dual Enrollment programs, made a post on her personal Facebook page, asking if anyone might have a guitar they would be willing to donate. She soon had a response.

Maggie Dickey, owner of Sweetwater Performing Arts Center and wife of the late David Dickey, bassist of the band America, told Ralston she might have a guitar for Ornelaz.

“When we asked Maggie if she was sure she wanted to do this, her answer was, ‘electric or acoustic?,’” Ralston said. “Maggie took the guitar to Abilene on Saturday, had new strings put on it, had it tuned and bought Isaiah a new guitar case.”

Ornelaz said he mentioned the guitar in conversation with TSTC employees he talks to often.

“I talk to them a lot, so they knew I play the guitar,” he said. “When the fire happened, I was like, ‘Aw, I lost my guitar,’ and later they asked me if I had an electric or acoustic.”

The guitar was presented to Ornelaz on Monday at a gathering TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser held to speak to the students affected by the fire.

“I’m a guitar player, too, and I want you to know that if I lost one of my guitars in a fire, I would really be upset,” Reeser told Ornelaz. “I happened to hear this morning that there are some employees trying to make sure you get your guitar. I knew David Dickey, and he’s quite literally a rock star. He’s the real deal.”

Ornelaz was shocked to receive the gift.

“I was pretty surprised,” he said. “I just thought he knew I played guitar and was talking about it, and then they showed up with a guitar.”

He wasted no time in playing and even looked up music by America, whose music he hadn’t previously heard.

“I played it all last night. It’s awesome,” he said. “I looked up some songs [by America.] They’re pretty good. I’ll listen to them quite a bit now.”

David Dickey, a Sweetwater resident since 1996, joined America in 1972. The band produced hits like “A Horse with No Name,” “Ventura Highway,” “Hat Trick” and “Sister Golden Hair.”

In all, 28 students were left without their belongings because of the dorm fire. The college and the community have rallied together to recoup the students’ lost items and necessities like clothing and books.

Those interested in donating to the students can give to the Sweetwater Fire Emergency Relief Fund at foundation.tstc.edu.

TSTC, Community Offer Support to TSTC Students Affected by Fire

(SWEETWATER) – Texas State Technical College Chancellor Mike Reeser met with students affected by the Feb. 7 Bluebonnet Inn dorm fire on the Sweetwater campus at a 2 p.m. gathering today.

Chancellor Reeser reiterated his support for the students.

“When you enroll in TSTC, you become family,” he told the students. “When tragedy happens, a family gathers together. This meeting is to continue that opportunity for you to know that we care. We’re here for you.”

Reeser said the college will do whatever it can to help students stay on track.

“We’re going to make sure that we do everything in our power to make sure you reach the goal you set — to be a technician in a high-paying field,” he said. “We’re going to do all that we can to make sure this tragedy doesn’t deter you, and the way we’re going to do that is with our support for you.”

While no one was injured in the fire, the dorm and the students’ belongings inside were a total loss. TSTC provided books and tools to the students affected, and elected officials, TSTC supporters, area colleges, businesses, churches and community members from the region have generously offered assistance.

At the meeting, the students were presented with gift cards from Trinity Baptist Church, 4th & Elm Church of Christ and Goodwill-West Texas’ Grounds Division to help replace lost possessions. EMA Electromechanics also made a donation to help the students.

“The community really responded,” said TSTC Provost Rick Denbow. “In less than a week’s time, we’ve had a lot of people reach out. We’re still getting calls asking how they can help the students.”

Rep. Stan Lambert, District 71 (R-Abilene), also spoke to the students.

“We are concerned, and we’re trying to put ourselves in your shoes and understand what you’re going through right now — not just the loss of physical possessions, but some of the emotions and mental issues that you may be dealing with right now,” Lambert said. “The state of Texas is going to step up and do anything that we can to help you in this recovery effort.”

Lambert said he hopes to help ease the students’ hardship.

“I live in Abilene just east of here,” he said. “What I tell parents who send their children to colleges, and even the Dyess airmen, I tell them, ‘They’re ours now. We’ve adopted them.’ We’ve adopted you, because you’re part of the Big Country. You’re part of our family. I want you to know that we’re committed to do anything we possibly can to help you make this transition as soon as possible and ease your burden.”

Those interested in donating to the students can give to the Sweetwater Fire Emergency Relief Fund at foundation.tstc.edu.

Local Ladies Group Votes to Give TSTC Scholarships

(BRECKENRIDGE) – The Stephens Memorial Hospital “Pink Ladies” auxiliary club of Breckenridge has voted to give two $500 scholarships to Vocational Nursing students at Texas State Technical College.

The group gave their first TSTC scholarship last year, and this year they have expanded it to two scholarships.

“Many of our past students are employed at the hospital, clinics and home health agencies in our community, so helping with scholarships spreads goodwill,” said TSTC nursing instructor Marchelle Taylor. “In doubling the scholarship, two students may receive benefits, and that generosity filters out into the community.”

Donna Pardee, president of the Pink Ladies, said the group loves doing things to help the hospital, and that is why they chose to give the scholarship to nursing students.

“We love doing things for the hospital and the community,” Pardee said. “Every penny we make through fundraising goes right back to the hospital. We don’t keep any of it. This scholarship seemed to be the best way to help a local nursing student in need.”

The scholarships will help students with financial hardships.

“Many of our students live in the surrounding rural areas, so gas and transportation may be an issue,” Taylor said. “Our clinicals are also up to 60 miles away twice a week, so gas money can become an issue. Scholarships may also help students with child care, meals, books and scrubs.”

The group will give one scholarship in the fall and the other in the spring.

“We are hoping to expand the amount next year,” Pardee said. “We realize that it costs a lot to go to college and some of these kids don’t get any help, so we are hoping to help the community.”

Students interested in applying for the scholarships can contact Taylor at marchelle.taylor@tstc.edu.

The deadline to apply for TSTC’s nursing program is approaching soon. Students interested in starting the program this fall must apply to the school online and send in their program application packet by Monday, April 2.

To apply, or for more information on the program, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC to Host Open House at Brownwood Campus

(BROWNWOOD) – Texas State Technical College in Brownwood will hold its annual Open House from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16. This event is designed for prospective students who want to learn more about the college, but it is also open to their parents, families and friends.

Visitors can tour the campus and speak with instructors about the programs offered, including Business Management Technology, Chemical Dependency Counseling, Computer-Aided Drafting & Design, Computer Networking & Systems Administration, Database & Web Programming, Emergency Medical Services and Welding.

Faculty from the Electrical Power & Controls and Industrial Maintenance programs, which will begin in the fall at Abilene’s newest TSTC campus, will be present to speak about those programs.

Financial Aid information sessions will be held at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Prospective students can also meet with TSTC Student Support Services representatives.

Interested persons should register online at tstc.edu/openhouse. For more information, call 940-447-7714.

Student Profile – Samantha Gutierrez

(HARLINGEN) – Samantha Gutierrez is studying Education and Training at Texas State Technical College and expects to earn her associate degree in Fall 2018.

The 18-year-old started as a dual enrollment student at TSTC, allowing her to get ahead of many of her classmates, while maintaining a 3.0 grade-point average.

When the Brownsville native is not busy studying she serves as secretary and an active member of TSTC’s Association for Future Educators and participates in fundraisers and community service activities.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate from TSTC I plan on continuing my education at Texas A&M University – Kingsville through TSTC’s University Center and get a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I also plan on pursuing a master’s and doctorate degree in Education and Psychology.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to work as a kindergarten teacher in a big city such as Houston or San Antonio and eventually become a counselor or family psychologist for a school district.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment so far at TSTC has been becoming secretary of TSTC’s Association for Future Educators. It has helped me gain professional experience that will look good on my resume and has given me the opportunity to organize fundraising and community service events.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that I have no limits. I can do all things as long as I believe in myself.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

The people who have influenced my success the most are my Education and Training Instructors Mary Hollmann and Myriam Aguila. They are my biggest motivators on campus and always push me to be and do my best.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to don’t be scared of stepping out of your comfort zone and going for your dreams. You only have one life to live, so live it the best you can.

A Recipe for Success: TSTC Culinary Arts Hosts Fourth Annual Food Festival

(HARLINGEN) – Culinary Arts student Jonathon Perez has been busy in the kitchen preparing his recipes and menu for the Fourth Annual Texas State Technical College Food Festival on Thursday, February 8.

Perez and his peers from Culinary’s International Cuisine class will host the annual event that represents 10 countries, creating at least 30 different dishes from across the globe. They are expected to serve close to 200 people.

The Tennessee native, who is currently in his last semester in the program, has been assigned Russian food and will create four different dishes for the festival. He said this has been something he has been looking forward to for a long time.

“I’m pumped and ready for the experience,” he said. “This is the first time I will do something like this on such a large scale. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Culinary Arts Lead Instructor Emma Creps said the goal of the food festival is to expose students to what they should expect when they graduate from the program.

“The food festival helps our students build confidence as a leader, work on their communication skills and practice for the future,” said Creps. “Whether they’re going to work for a restaurant, open a business or work in the catering industry, the skills they learn are needed.”

Creps added that her first-year students studying food preparation also have the chance to participate in the fun and help prepare dishes alongside students in their last semester.

“A lot of learning and training goes on between the first and last semester, and it’s important to get the first-year students involved so they know what to expect and can be better prepared,” said Creps.

The food festival also includes some competition between the students, one of whom gets to take home the People’s Choice Award medal.

As for Perez, who took third place in last year’s Iron Chef competition, he said he has a few surprises up his sleeve and looks forward to working with his first-year partner in making their table and food the most enjoyed and delicious for the win.

“I want to win so badly,” said Perez. “There are some people that doubt me, and I want to prove that I can do this. No matter what, though, overall it’s going to be a great learning experience and I can’t wait.”

The food festival is open to TSTC and the surrounding communities. Admission is $10 and includes tasting and one People’s Choice Award ticket, which counts as one vote for a favorite table and a chance to win door prizes, which are baked and prepared by TSTC’s baking class.

“We encourage everyone to come out and support our students, who are striving to be professional, successful chefs,” said Creps. “Come and enjoy food from across the world and have fun.”

For more information on the TSTC Food Festival, call 956-364-4754. To learn more about TSTC Culinary Arts, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Vocational Nursing Earns Perfect Pass Rate

(HARLINGEN) – PASS. This is what Summer 2017 Vocational Nursing graduate and class salutatorian Miranda Rodriguez saw on her computer screen nearly 48 hours after taking her National Council Licensure Examination, the state licensing exam for nurses. .

It was the same result for her 15 other peers contributing to a 100 percent pass rate for Texas State Technical College’s vocational nursing program once again.

“The results are finally in and we’re proud of our students for the work it took to make this pass rate a reality,” said TSTC Vocational Nursing Program Director Heather Sauceda. “It validates that the work we are doing and the lessons we are teaching every day is preparing our students for this test and for the workforce.”

Rodriguez is now an LVN at All About Kids Home Health and said the time she spent waiting to find out if she passed or failed was agonizing.

“It is the best feeling in the world when you finally see the word PASS,” said Rodriguez. “Naturally I had some doubts and when I left the testing center I was second guessing everything, but the outcome goes to show that TSTC taught me everything I needed to know.”

The San Benito native added that because of TSTC and the guidance from her instructors like Sauceda, she was able to make her dream come true and do the work she loves.

She will be applying to TSTC’s registered nursing program this spring with hope of returning to TSTC as a student in the fall.

“I can’t think of a better place than TSTC to do my LVN to RN transition,” said Rodriguez. “TSTC’s nursing programs and its students are held to a high standard and I’m proud to be a part of that.”

TSTC’s Vocational Nursing is a 16-month program that teaches students the foundation of nursing, patient care through hands-on training in state-of-the-art simulation labs and how to be compassionate, confident and skilled nurses.

“We strive for excellence from our students with every single class,” said Sauceda. “We have confidence that our students can excel from beginning to end and become great nurses.”

To ensure and encourage student success, the program will implement a new tutoring schedule for all current and future vocational nursing classes.

In addition, new technology such as workstations on wheels, similar to what is seen at doctor’s offices and hospitals, will be implemented to allow students hands-on practice administering medications and other medical practices.

“This is a challenging program and we want our students to know we are here for them,” said Sauceda. “We want to offer what we can, when we can to help them succeed and begin their careers.”

The next TSTC Vocational Nursing information session is February 5 at the TSTC Nursing Education Center, Room 113 and 115 at 4 p.m.

For more information, visit tstc.edu or call 956-364-4762.

Belton Alumni Look to Make Impact at TSTC in SkillsUSA Construction

(WACO) – A group of Belton High School alumni who won gold medals at last year’s national SkillsUSA contest in Kentucky are now students at Texas State Technical College – and they want to touch gold again.

Allen Harlow, Joseph Hermann and Andres Zapata were part of the high school’s Teamworks construction group that placed first nationally. The team was the first from Texas to get this achievement.

“We had our hopes up high and felt we did our best and gave it our all,” Zapata said. “When they called Belton out for first place, we couldn’t believe it and were speechless.”

Now, they are TSTC Building Construction Technology majors working each Friday preparing for their first collegiate-level SkillsUSA Teamworks contest in April at TSTC. But first, the group will practice against Belton’s 2018 Teamworks group at the Texas SkillsUSA District 10 Leadership Development and Technical Skills Competition taking place Feb. 2-3 at TSTC.

“I am so very proud to see our former students competing on the college level,” said Belton High School construction technology instructor Craig Sullivan. “I think they will do very well, if not win it all again. They have a superior understanding of how the contest is run and judged and what is expected. They have all been cross-trained in all the skills. TSTC is taking them to the next level and polishing their craft.”

Harlow, 19, said Sullivan convinced him to go to college though he thought about joining the military.

“Allen was my team finisher,” Sullivan said. “He could do all aspects of the build. When needed, he would help each team member finish their skill. He was also my second mason on the team and was key in our finish last year at nationals.”

Zapata was involved in SkillsUSA construction most of his high school career. His favorite parts of construction are learning building codes and plumbing. Last summer, he was an intern at Cooper and Bright Plumbing in Harker Heights, where he worked alongside employees on projects ranging from pipe installation to troubleshooting water leaks.

Attending TSTC was always in his post-high school plans, Zapata said. He said it felt like home with so many Belton students at TSTC. He is a 2017 recipient of the Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation’s Work Ethic Scholarship.

“It has helped me out to pursue my dream,” Zapata, 19, said.

Twins Joseph and David Hermann, 20, did SkillsUSA construction at Belton. Joseph was on the national championship team and two state championship teams and David was on a Belton team that finished second in the state.

Joseph Hermann said he chose to do SkillsUSA in high school to stay out of trouble. Masonry has become his strength in team construction. His brother said he enjoyed learning the full range of construction through the organization.

“The Hermann twins were a joy to teach,” Sullivan said.

Another Belton High School alumnus who has SkillsUSA experience hopes to make an impact in the Building Construction Technology program. Zach Henderson, 20, a 2016 Belton Teamworks member, is in his second semester at TSTC. He came to Waco with encouragement of BCT instructor Michael Carrillo and his classmates.

“I knew I wanted to do school,” Henderson said. “I told myself it was something I had to do.”

Henderson said he also wanted to be on another Teamworks team with his Belton classmates.

“I’m hungry for a national title,” Henderson said.

Harlow, Joseph Hermann and Zapata’s victory last year continued a winning SkillsUSA tradition at Belton High School. Under Sullivan’s tenure, the high school has won four consecutive state Teamworks titles, four teams have placed in the top 10 nationally and last year’s team won first place.

“Students that have gone through our program here at Belton have bought into our motto,” he said. “I keep it posted in our classroom: ‘Excellence is not an act, but a habit. We are what we repeatedly do.’ That motto has served us well.”

TSTC is also hosting Texas SkillsUSA’s District 5 for its leadership and skills contest on Feb. 9-10. District 4 will visit for its contest on Feb. 23-24.

“Hosting these district contests on our campus allows us to have direct access to high school students that are driven to excel in technical-related fields,” said James Matus, TSTC’s statewide SkillsUSA manager.

For more information on SkillsUSA in Texas, go to skillsusatx.org.

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

Student Success Profile

(HARLINGEN) – Christian J. Gaytan is studying Computer Systems Management Technology and applying for the police academy at Texas State Technical College.

The 20-year-old Harlingen native expects to graduate in Spring 2019 and stays busy with TSTC’s Service Squad.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate, I plan on joining a police force here in the Rio Grande Valley and continuing my education to get a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become a state trooper and climb the ranks.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment so far has been overcoming some difficult obstacles in my life, while continuing school and working toward my dreams.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned a lot about responsibility and owning my choices while being here at TSTC. These lessons have helped me mature as a person and as a student.

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

My girlfriend, Samantha Giselle Flores, has been my greatest influence. She is a vocational nursing student, hoping to become a registered nurse, yet she has helped me get through all of my struggles and find a career I am passionate about.