(HARLINGEN) – Kevin Sauceda is a Digital Media Design student at Texas State Technical College. The Brownsville native is expected to earn his associate degree Summer 2018 and currently holds a 3.2 grade-point average.

When the 23-year-old is not busy studying or finishing projects in the graphic design and video editing labs he works as a work-study with the Talent Management and Career Services office. He is also vocalist for a local band.

Sauceda began his college career at the University of Texas at Brownsville as a vocal major, but soon realized he needed to find a career with stability and transferred to TSTC, where he said he found his place.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on moving to San Antonio or Austin and hope to find a job at an advertising agency where I can work as a video editor. In the near future I also hope to earn a bachelor’s degree in filmmaking.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to be a touring musician and get paid good money, but realistically it may not happen and that is why I came to TSTC – to find a steady career and good-paying job in something that I have always loved.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been working at Career Services and helping students find jobs after they graduate. I love getting the thank you phone calls after they get a job. It makes me feel like I have made a difference in someone’s life.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lessons I have learned are about time management and punctuality, and I learned that here at TSTC. Our instructors instill in us to treat our class and our projects as we would a job, so that means being on time and meeting all deadlines. This is preparing and helping me in more ways than they will ever know.

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

The person who has had the greatest influence on my success is Jimmy Villarreal, one of my Digital Media Design instructors. He is always guiding me and giving me advice on classes, projects and my future. He helps me better understand the programs we use and truly cares about my success. He gives me hope in believing I can do whatever I set my mind to.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

Don’t be afraid to try different things or of change. Follow your heart to what you love and have a passion for, and no matter where you are in life that will help you find your place, the way I found myself at TSTC.

(HARLINGEN) – Jesse Hernandez is known by faculty and staff at Texas State Technical College as the “go-to technician” around campus and July’s Employee Spotlight honoree.

“This recognition really brightens my day,” said Hernandez. “I didn’t know people paid attention to my work. This makes everything I do worth it.”

Hernandez is TSTC’s Video Network Technician for the Office of Information Technology and finds himself traveling almost monthly to TSTC’s sister campuses across the state.

The 32-year-old manages the audio and visual set ups and installations on and off campus for classrooms, offices, commencement ceremonies and other special events.

“TSTC is my second home and I try my best to keep everything working and everyone happy,” he said.

Altogether, the San Benito native, who is also a TSTC alumnus, has worked at TSTC for nearly eight years, counting his time as a work study and student worker.

“I always knew TSTC was the place for me,” said Hernandez. “Once I had my foot in the door I stayed and thankfully I’ve been able to grow with the college.”

During his time as a student pursuing a certificate and associate degree in Computer System Management Technology, Hernandez worked at the media center, in online learning as a test proctor and in the department’s computer lab and finally in his current position.

“Working on campus while a student was a great experience,” he said. “I got to practice what I learned in the classroom on real-world situations.”

Hernandez credits a lot of his success to two of his top mentors, former TSTC Media Center Coordinator and now lab assistant for Computer Systems Management Technology Joe Gonzalez and TSTC Computer Maintenance Instructor Elizabeth Martinez.

“Joe always made me figure things out before telling me. I never liked it, but honestly, it paid off in the long run and I’m better for it,” said Hernandez. “And Elizabeth always took her time explaining things to me when I needed help. I learned a lot from her.”

Just as Hernandez can’t say enough about TSTC, TSTC faculty and staff can’t say enough about him.

“Jesse always greets you with a smile whether he’s assisting you with a technical issue or just passing you in the hallway,” read one comment on his Employee Spotlight certificate.

Another comment read, “Jesse is always quick to respond whether by phone, email or in person. He is our go-to technician when we need any type of technical assistance.”

Lastly, “At the Challenger Center he is our go-to for all of our audio and video needs, including our space shuttle. Without him, our space missions would be, for lack of better word, grounded.”

In the future, Hernandez hopes to pursue another associate degree at TSTC in Computer Networking and Security Technology and also a bachelor’s degree from one of four universities offered at TSTC’s University Center.

“My goal is to continue growing professionally and with TSTC. It’s a great place to work and I love the friends I have made here,” said Hernandez.

He also added that he would like to send a big thank you and a hug to those who recognized his work.

“If anyone needs help, they know they can call me,” he said.

TSTC prides itself on being a great place to work. For more information on job opportunities go online at tstc.edu/about/employment.

(HARLINGEN) – Sughei Castillo was one of nearly 400 students who realized a life-long dream last night during Texas State Technical College’s commencement ceremony at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium.

The Lasara native, only the second in her family to graduate from college, earned a certificate in vocational nursing.

This is a career she was first introduced to in middle school, but was fully inspired to pursue it when she would watch her mother care for her grandfather while he fought a battle with lung cancer.

“I’m drawn to this profession and being able to help someone is so gratifying,” said Castillo.

“Unfortunately, my grandfather lost his battle. But the idea of being someone’s comfort and help during their time of need makes everything I do worth it.”

Most recently, as close as she was to reaching her goal, a family tragedy almost got in the way.

A fire destroyed the 23-year-old’s family home a month ago. Her family lost everything and today they have no home to call their own. .

With only the clothes on her back, Castillo was ready to quit school and find a job to help her family replace what was lost, but with the support from her mother she returned to TSTC the very next day.

“I was devastated. And I didn’t see how I could continue school while my family struggled,” she said. “But my mother, the woman I aspire to be when I grow up, was searching for a way to replace my uniforms that same day. How could I let her down?”

Castillo credits her success after the fire to her instructors and classmates who pulled together to collect donations and organize a fundraiser for Castillo and her family.

TSTC even donated a dorm room so she could make it to her last three weeks of the semester and save the money she would use on gas for her 30-minute drive to class.

“I entered this program alone, but I’m leaving with a family,” said Castillo. “They (classmates) donated uniforms, money, toiletries – everything we needed to stand up again. I am so blessed to have these people in my life. God knew why he put them there.”

Castillo is once again looking forward to her future.

After passing her national licensing exam, Castillo hopes to find employment at Solara Hospital in Harlingen to start saving up for a home for her family and a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Ultimately, she hopes to become a nurse practitioner.

“TSTC and the vocational nursing program have opened doors of opportunities for me,” she said. “All of the training I have received has prepared me to work, be successful and continue my education. My possibilities now are limitless.”

Castillo’s mother Lidia Castillo said she is so proud of everything her daughter has accomplished and overcome so far.

“I’m so blessed to be her mother,” said Lidia. “I admire her strength to rise, ambition to overcome challenges and her will to move forward. I call her my warrior and will always be here to support her 100 percent.”

Castillo said although her family’s situation is not ideal, and she wishes she was headed to a home of their own after commencement, she still has a lot to be thankful for.

“Material items come and go. I just thank God that my family is safe, I have them by side and God has blessed us with more than we probably deserve.”

More than 1,000 TSTC students across the state earned certificates or associate degrees during TSTC’s Summer 2017 commencement ceremonies.

For more information on vocational nursing or TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College has given Auto Collision Technology student Refugio Cazares a second chance after losing his freedom and nearly his life several years ago.

Cazares, a Harlingen native, will receive a certificate II in Auto Collision, making him one of nearly 400 students who will receive a certificate or associate degree tonight at TSTC’s Summer 2017 commencement ceremonies.

“I never thought I’d be where I am today,” he said. “It feels good knowing that I’m working my way to being a better person for myself, for my family and for my 4-year-old daughter.”

It was 2004 when Cazares left TSTC and moved to Missouri to work in a cotton farm, then in a steel mill where he was quickly being promoted, but alcohol ruined his chances of a future there.

“I was, in a way, having my own pity party,” he said. “My life was spiraling down fast and drinking was my escape. I was out of control.”

Slowly his family created a distance, he broke his back in a car accident and was bedridden for three months and after numerous DWI’s and losing his driver’s license he ended up in prison for two years.

“Being in prison opened up my eyes and made me realize I needed to change to my life,” said Cazares.

He credits God and his mother for the lifestyle change he has undergone. And although each day has its own struggle he is proud of the person he is becoming.

“I take one day at a time,” he said. “There are still people that look down on me for my past, but I don’t let that negativity get to me. I have a goal and I won’t throw away my future.”

Cazares hopes to someday work in the auto collision industry, an interest he picked up from the men in his family. He wants to either work at an auto collision center, be an auto collision instructor or even build his own business.

“God willing I will find what I’m looking for out in industry,” he said. “Ultimately, my goal is to find a place where I can use my skills and also be a leader and role model for others.”

For now, Cazares is searching for a part-time job where he can practice what he has learned, but still have time for school because he will be returning to TSTC in the fall to pursue an associate degree in his field.

TSTC Auto Collision Instructor Jose Vasquez said he commends Cazares for taking the initiative of returning to college and pursuing a certification and degree despite the challenges he has faced.

“Refugio is an outstanding student. He has A’s and B’s and always willing to lend a helping hand,” said Vasquez. “Everyone deserves a second chance and he is working hard to better himself. I know he has all the potential he needs to be successful in the industry.”

Overall, Cazares said his experience at TSTC has been amazing and has opened new doors of opportunities for him.

“I’m leaving my past in the past and looking toward the future, and TSTC will get me to where I want to be,” he said.

TSTC’s Commencement Ceremonies are tonight at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

For more information on Auto Collision Technology or to apply at TSTC visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College, in partnership with Portage Plastics Corp. and Rich Products Corp. of Brownsville, was recently awarded a $276,789 Development Skills Grant from the Texas Workforce Commission.

In the past fiscal year, TSTC has been awarded more than $4 million in grants for workforce training to benefit almost 4,000 employees at companies across the state.

“TSTC is proud and honored to partner with the Texas Workforce Commission in this endeavor,” said Rick Herrera, TSTC interim provost, vice chancellor of information technology and chief integration officer.

The most recent award will be used to train 123 Portage Plastics and Rich Products employees in the areas of production, maintenance, and mechanical and support operations.

TSTC instructors will provide 6,329 hours of on-site training. Trainees will receive 59 percent business and technical training, 31 percent general technical training and 10 percent non-technical training.

TSTC Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer Mike Reeser said the Texas Workforce Commission and Julian Alvarez, TWC commissioner and a former TSTC employee, are tireless advocates for education and training.

“Skills development efforts are so important for us,” said Reeser. “We have a dedicated focus to improving skills and helping people grow.”

Portage Plastics Corp. Plant Manager Tony Capella thanked TSTC for a job well done.

“TSTC has been by our side from the start,” said Capella. “We had a lot of problems with other entities we worked with, but this is a great partnership.”

Texas State Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. and State Representative Eddie Lucio III also applauded TSTC and Alvarez for keeping up with technical changes and industry needs.

“TSTC has helped hundreds of thousands of people. And it means so much to so many,” said Lucio Jr. “These grants have positively impacted Texas employers and employees, and we hope and pray we have the opportunity to continue these partnerships.”

TSTC has applied for and expects to receive another half-million dollars for more workforce training for companies in Waco, Hutto and Harlingen.