Student Success Profile – Eva Gonzalez

(HARLINGEN) – Eva GonzalezEva Gonzalez is a student at Texas State Technical College pursuing an associate degree in Wind Energy and Turbine Technology.

The 32-year-old expects to graduate in Summer 2017 and currently boasts a 3.7 grade-point average.

The Raymondville native said she first became interested in the industrial arena when she worked as an insulation and metal installer and asbestos remover at refineries in Corpus Christi and Victoria. Gonzalez said although she loved what she did, she is ready for a career, not just a job.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’m hoping to have a job position in place upon graduating. Although I’m keeping an open mind about where I may end up, I am ultimately hoping to get a job with Siemens USA, a global company that provides services such as Energy, Industrial Automation and Drive Technology.

What’s your dream job?

My dream is to become a supervisor or some type of leader either at Siemens or whichever company I end up at. I would like oversee a region, especially the South Texas region. It’s home.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC was being able to balance school and maintain a high GPA while working. Until recently I worked at O’Reilly Auto Parts but my school schedule has changed and I want to focus on school and starting my career.  I’m proud that I was able to handle both work and school through the majority of my program.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

Several years ago my dad passed away and I went through a depression. I was living in California at the time and that’s when I decided to come home. I learned that it was important to not take anything for granted, especially an education. So I took a continuing education class at TSTC and earned a certificate in Industrial Safety and I never left the college. I hope to make my dad proud of who I’m becoming because I had an unsure path before. And coming from a background of migrant workers I have also learned the value of hard work and determination.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

It’s hard to name only one person because all three of my instructors: David Gomez, Juan Alferez and Alfredo Rodriguez have influenced my success. All three have different experiences and lessons to share. They are always there encouraging us to succeed.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want to tell future and current students to stick with their goals and dreams and not to get discouraged. Education is the key and it will get you far in life.

TSTC Alumnus Credits TSTC for Career Path

(HARLINGEN) – Michael Foster was a dual-credit high school student the last time he attended Texas State Technical College, but it was at the college where he found the support that got him where he is today.

The Harlingen native finished his general academic core at TSTC in 2009, the same year he graduated from Harlingen Early College High School.

“Honestly, TSTC was the best thing to have happened to me,” said Foster. “During my hardest time, they were there for me and pushing me to go forward.”

The 19-year-old is now a student at St. Edward’s University in Austin, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in history and economics, and he also works at the Texas State Capitol as a senate messenger, hand-delivering documents to various departments within the Capitol. With this nonpartisan position, he has the chance to witness the happenings of the lMichael Fosteregislative session.

However, before finding his way upstate he suffered a great loss.

“My dad passed away from lung cancer during my senior year in high school,” Foster said. “Only one month later, I was diagnosed with a life-threatening autoimmune disease.”

Foster has what is called pemphigus vulgaris, an autoimmune disorder of the skin that causes blistering and sores. With treatment, his disease is now under control.

“I felt like my life was chaos,” he said. “I was so discouraged, but my TSTC instructors were so understanding and were there for me every step of the way, helping in any way they could so I could finish and graduate.”

TSTC instructors like Elizabeth Bryant, who teaches state and federal government, and William Taliancich, who teaches English, would constantly call to check on him.

In fact, it was Bryant who helped Foster discover his love for government and helped him find job opportunities when he moved to Austin.

“Without Bryant, I would have never known about this position,” said Foster. “It was her constant reassurance and guidance that got me through the hiring process. And here I am.”

Foster said TSTC acted as his stepping stone and he is so grateful for the experience.

“Everything I learned at TSTC is conducive to my long-term goals in how it prepared me,” he said. “Stepping into these advanced courses as a high school student was challenging, but it definitely prepared me for everything that was to come.”

Bryant, who has worked with the Texas senate, said she could tell from the beginning that Foster had a true interest in government, but just needed a little push.

“Michael was a great student. He was always reaching out, wanting to learn more,” said Bryant. “Like him, all of my students are special, and I work hard to encourage each of them to have confidence and be proud of their education. Michael was a little hesitant to meet senators and assert himself, but with encouragement he did it. I know he has a bright future.”

As of now, Foster’s long-term goals are to attend law school and become active in politics, including running for public office someday.

“A lot of things for me are still up in the air. There’s a lot I want to do,” said Foster. “But I couldn’t have done it without my support system at TSTC and my mom. And that’s what I want to advise future students: always reach out to instructors or family when you need guidance. You can go far with their help.”

TSTC in Waco Students Await Golden Opportunities in Kentucky

(WACO) – Texas State Technical College in Waco students received gold medals in 20 events during the SkillsUSA Texas Student Leadership and Skills Conference held earlier this month on campus.

The gold medalists qualify for the national SkillsUSA Student Leadership and Skills Conference in June in Louisville, Kentucky. SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching technical, academic and employability skills that help college students pursue successful careers. Members build these skills through student-led team meetings, contests, leadership conferences and other activities.

TSTC in Waco’s Interactive Application and Video Game Creation team of Charlene Knox, 42, of Austin and Amy Bartlett, 23, of Lorena did not have competition in the state contest because they were the only group entered. Bartlett also placed first in Pin Design.

“Charlene made me do it and said I would sign up for SkillsUSA,” Bartlett said.

The women will continue working on a project to demonstrate and explain at the conference. The students will work on the project after spring semester finals are completed this month.

Some students are already familiar with the national conference.

Larry Johnson, 20, of Mount Pleasant will make his second consecutive trip to Kentucky to compete nationally. He received a gold medal in the state Carpentry contest and had to build a small-scale mock-up of a gable end wall with rafters and a window opening. The project had to be completed in less than seven hours.

“I was ecstatic when my name was called,” said Johnson, a 2015 graduate of Mount Pleasant High School. “It was close.”

Josh Alexander, 22, of Waco will return to the national contest to compete in Computer Programming. In 2015 he traveled to Kentucky as part of the Quiz Bowl team.

“I am studying computer programming and have gotten better and was up for the challenge this year,” he said.

Alicia Rivera, 41, of Waco and originally from Puerto Rico won gold for the second year in a row in Commercial Baking. Her state contest involved baking a yeast bread, making pastries, preparing a pie shell and decorating a pre-made cake with precision and detail.

“For the national competition in Commercial Baking, you know what you need to do because we receive the measurements ahead of time,” Rivera said. “I will practice at least twice a week.”

Other students who won gold medals were: 3D Visualization and Animation: Kayleigh Ekwall and Jeremiah Stones; Architectural Drafting: Jordan Linder; Automotive Refinishing: Teresa Hovath;  Collision Repair Technology: Richard Moran; Electrical Construction Wiring: Abraham Perez; Extemporaneous Speaking: Nelson Baldwin; Information Technology Services: Juan Gongora; Photography: Ray Ross; Plumbing: Edgar Hernandez; Quiz Bowl: Christopher Dunn, James Pearson, Cameron Burt, Robert White, Louis Garcia, Pete Baus and Justin Tucker; Restaurant Services: Logan Moore; Residential Systems and Maintenance: Marcus Crespin; TeamWorks: Edgar Cuellar, William Chance, Matthew Peeler and Jose Perez; Telecommunications Cabling: Dax Edmiston; Web Design: Alex Barron and Shelby Mauger.

Overall, TSTC in Waco students received more than 50 gold, silver and bronze medals in 30 events.

For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC Automotive Technology Students Travel to San Antonio for CarFest

(WACO) – Several Automotive Technology majors from Texas State Technical College recently traveled to CarFest in San Antonio to learn and help others.

The two-day event held earlier this month at Freeman Coliseum included car giveaways, workshops, a cook-off and entertainment.

“It went great,” said Rudy Cervantez, statewide chair for TSTC Auto Repair. “The students repaired 25 vehicles in two days. The problems were oil changes to replacing air conditioners. It was a good challenge for the students.”

For some TSTC students, the trip was a homecoming.

Thomas Gil, 42, graduated from Oliver Wendell Holmes High School in San Antonio and spent two decades in the U.S. Army before enrolling at TSTC. He had not been to CarFest before and said it was a chance for younger students to be exposed to vehicle repair work.

“It’s like the auto industry. A customer brings in the vehicle, and you don’t know what you will get,” Gil said. “It’s training for what you will do in the industry.”

Gil said he felt good working on the vehicles owned by people who needed assistance.

“Some people can’t afford dealer work,” he said.

Automotive Technology major Nathaniel Diaz, 18, a 2016 graduate of Stephen F. Austin High School in Austin, spent much of his youth in San Antonio. He said the vehicle problems he encountered at the event would help him think of solutions later in his classes.

Away from the event, Diaz spent time on the city’s Riverwalk and visited relatives.

“San Antonio is a car city,” he said. “Everywhere you look there is a fancy car or a car that needs to be fixed. On almost every street corner you see an auto shop.”

Some of the students returned from San Antonio with tool donations and equipment such as gloves and flashlights.

This was the second year a TSTC group had attended CarFest.

For more information, go to tstc.edu.

Auto Collision Tech students Car Fest April 5, 2017

Fayette County Student Finds Technical Rhythm at TSTC

(WACO) – Alex Barron remembers the anticipation he had when he went to his first Korean pop concert when he was a teenager.

Barron, 21, grew up in West Point in Fayette County and convinced his father to drive him to Houston to see the Wonder Girls at the House of Blues. Barron did not have a driver’s license, but he and a cousin went to the show while his father visited a relative.

“It was amazing,” Barron said. “I was hit by a wave of surprise.”

Barron is just as excited again because he is about to graduate from Texas State Technical College in Waco.

He will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Web Design and Development Technology at TSTC’s Spring 2017 Commencement at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 1, at the Waco Convention Center.

The Web Design and Development Technology program has about 45 students. Students in the five-semester program learn about digital imaging, advanced web programming, web authoring and other topics. Barron said he is a visual learner and grasped coursework quickly.

“The web design field is always changing,” Barron said. “You want to build a site that looks pretty and is not a mess to control.”

Matt Blansit, an instructor in TSTC’s Web Design and Development Technology program, said Barron is a sparkling example of what he wants to see his students become.

“He’s a very motivated student,” Blansit said. “He goes over and beyond what he needs to do. We will miss his laughter.”

Barron was raised in West Point, a town he described as quiet and rural.

“It’s a great place to grow up with your family,” he said.

Barron graduated in 2014 from La Grange High School, where he took as many technology classes as possible.

TSTC did not factor into his post-high school plans until late his senior year.

“My cousin Eric Barron came here,” he said. “He told me about the college and the hands-on training. I looked it up and they had computer programs, and the tuition was not annoying and overbearing. I applied first and then visited before I started in the fall of 2014.”

Traveling to Waco for college was a culture shock, Barron said. But he grew to enjoy exploring Cameron Park and downtown Waco.

“When I came here I didn’t know anybody,” he said. “Now I have made my group of friends and that’s all I need.”

When he is not going to classes or studying, Barron listens to some of his favorite K-pop groups and learns their choreography.

“I first found K-pop when a friend showed me an online video when I was in high school,” he said. “I listen online using music streaming services. I also collect albums and buy online. I have 64 albums.”

Barron will put his web design skills to good use as he represents Texas in SkillsUSA’s National Leadership and Skills Conference in June in Louisville, Kentucky. After his trip there, Barron wants to search for web design jobs in the Austin area and pick up freelance work. And in the future, Barron wants to travel to South Korea, Italy, Spain and Japan.

For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.

Waco Spring 2017 Commencement Alex Barron Web Design

Waco Autism Center Receives Sign Made by TSTC Welding Students

(WACO) – People driving on Morrow Avenue in Waco can see a new “sign” of progress.

The Opportunity Center, a day center for adults with autism, has a new steel and solar-powered sign made by three Texas State Technical College students. Welding Technology majors Andrew Hatton, 20, of Round Rock, Joshua Beck, 38, of Lewisville and Nick Kanak, 22, of McDade recently installed the sign.

“For me, the sign means we are here and are in the community,” said Brandy Abel-Clark, the center’s director. “The standard of the sign will hopefully show the standard of our service.”

Hatton, 20, has done volunteer work at the center and is popular with its students.

“They are so nice and fun to be around,” he said.

Hatton wanted to put his hands-on skills to good use and thought of creating the sign as a TSTC American Welding Society student chapter project. Hatton got support for the project last summer from the chapter’s members.

Beck and Kanak worked on specific parts of the sign, and TSTC instructors from the Welding Technology, Auto Collision Technology and Solar Energy Technology programs provided technical expertise during its production.

“I think it turned out great,” said Beck, a 1997 graduate of Lewisville High School and a U.S. Navy veteran. “It’s a little more real-world than being in the classroom. This is the first time I have ordered metal from the yard and gotten materials from a steel mill. Andrew was the one pushing everything. I was doing the logistics and motivating.”

The more than six-foot-long sign’s final design is a depiction of the cover of The Opportunity Center’s pamphlet. The puzzle pieces attached to the sign are lit by solar power.

“It ended up being cool,” said Hatton, who attended the University of Texas – University Charter School on the campus of Methodist Children’s Home in Waco. “I’m pretty happy with it.”

The Opportunity Center hosts people ages 18 and up who can have their senses invigorated with regimented sessions of exercise, outdoor lessons about the environment, pottery, sewing, arts and technology. The center has a calming sensory room and a work space for one of the students to create beadwork to build entrepreneurial skills. The center is open three days a week but will expand to five days a week in June.

“Visiting the center was an experience for me seeing the different options for people and their reactions to Andrew,” Beck said. “In talking to Brandy, I could see she is enthusiastic and she cares.”

Center staff have future goals of increasing their web and social media presence, developing a community herb garden and improving visibility in McLennan County.

For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.

Opportunity Center unveil April 3, 2017

TSTC Student Q&A with Mercedes Burkhart of Stamford

(BRECKENRIDGE) – Mercedes Burkhart, 23, of Stamford is studying Vocational Nursing at Texas State Technical College in Breckenridge and is scheduled to graduate with a certificate in December. She is a 2012 graduate of Stamford High School in Jones County.

Is helping people in their times of need instilled in your family? “I’ve always been in health care. I watched my mother, who was a social worker, work with her cases. Nobody in my family is a nurse, but I knew I wanted to help people.”

How did you learn about TSTC in Breckenridge? “I’m already a certified nursing assistant and I work at Hendrick Health System in Abilene. After years of schooling, I decided to complete something. I wanted to get some type of certificate. My fiance’s stepmother works at the campus in recruiting. She talked to me about TSTC and the Vocational Nursing program in general. I heard more by word of mouth and applied. When I turned my packet in, that’s when I saw the campus for the first time.”

What is a typical week like for you? “We wear scrubs to clinicals. I work Sunday nights and have class at 1 p.m. on Mondays. Tuesdays are all-day classes until 4 p.m. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, I do clinicals at Cisco Nursing and Rehabilitation (in Eastland County), so I have to wake up at 4 a.m. and drive from Abilene to Cisco. On Fridays we do not have classes, so I catch up on homework and then go back to work on the weekends.I also do a lot of volunteer work.”

Did you participate in SkillsUSA Texas’ state contests held in late March at TSTC in Waco? “I gave a prepared speech in which I picked three topics and combined them into a five- to seven-minute speech. I did Family, Career and Community Leaders of America in high school, which was a lot like this. I was the first person from Stamford to go to FCCLA’s national competition twice.”

What advice would you give to high school students thinking about college and careers? “I wish someone had told me about technical schools instead of four-year universities. Coming from a smaller town to a large university was a culture shock. You should actually look into your options and don’t let someone push you where they need you to go. Go where you feel comfortable.”

Texas had more than 78,000 licensed practical and vocational nurses in spring 2016, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Woodlands-Houston-Sugar Land area had the largest concentration of vocational and practical nurses in the state, with more than 12,800 employed.

There were more than 70 full-time licensed vocational nurses in Stephens County as of September 2016, according to the most recent information from the Texas Board of Nursing. Most of the county’s licensed vocational nurses worked in general practices, geriatrics, surgical areas and home health. Jones County had more than 130 full-time licensed vocational nurses as of September 2016, according to the state board of nursing.

For more information on TSTC’s Vocational Nursing or other technical programs, go to tstc.edu.

Breckenridge Vocational Nursing Mercedes Burkhart April 3, 2017

TSTC Instructor Overcomes Life’s Obstacles for Education

(FORT BEND) – Deogratias Nizigiyimana, or Deo, as many refer to him, is an African immigrant happy to call Fort Bend County and Texas State Technical College home.

He is a Precision Machining Technology instructor at Texas State Technical College and brings to the table a vast background of experience in his field.

Nizigiyimana is a graduate from North Central Texas College. He earned an associate degree in machining in 2005 and immediately landed his first job, an achievement that he once thought was out of reach.

Nizigiyimana finished high school in his hometown of Burundi in East Africa and traveled to Congo for college, but when the war started his education was put on hold.

“We couldn’t stay in the country and my only other choice was the United States,” he said. “I was scared, I didn’t want to come to the U.S. because I didn’t know any English.”Deogratias Nizigiyimana

With help from the United Nations, Nizigiyimana made the journey to the U.S. in 2000 and struggled to get an education while working odd jobs. “I had to pay for college by myself, I had no help,” said Nizigiyimana. “I was an international student and I didn’t get any financial aid or scholarships. It was hard, but I wanted an education more than anything.”

Fast forward to the present and Nizigiyimana is a college graduate hoping to inspire those he now teaches.

He gained his experience working at several machines shops, including National Oilwell Varco, but he finally found his passion at General Electric.

“I started as a trainee at GE,” he said. “But because I had so much field experience I was always helping others. Many suggested I should become a teacher. I thought they were crazy.”

After giving it some thought Nizigiyimana said he actually began considering the career change, and when he got laid off in 2014 he pursued higher education and became a machining instructor at a local Houston college.

“I told myself I would only teach until I found another machine shop to work at,” he said. “That’s obviously not the case. It turns out I love to teach.”

When Nizigiyimana heard about the new campus TSTC was building in Rosenberg he knew it was sign.

“I was looking for a full-time instructor job and there was TSTC with open doors,” said Nizigiyimana. “I saw the opportunity and I took it.”

Nizigiyimana said he hopes to use his experiences, good and bad, as teachable moments for his students. He added that he will train each student so that they are ready for the workforce and give them a solid foundation.

“I hope to teach my classes everything I have learned,” he said. “They will learn how to be great, professional machinists and be able to jump into the workforce and be an asset to their company.”

Nizigiyimana said he eventually wants to go back to school to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering. In the meantime, he is enjoying watching his two children grow, spending time with his wife, visiting family and friends and exploring Houston.

For more information on Precision Machining Technology call 346-239-3444 or visit tstc.edu.

Student Success Profile – Thalia Gutierrez

(HARLINGEN) – Thalia Gutierrez Thalia Gutierrez is pursuing an associate degree in Education and Training at Texas State Technical College. She expects to graduate in Spring 2020.

In addition to studying, the Harlingen native finds yourself busy serving as the secretary of the Pool Sharks, TSTC billiard club, and as the newly elected Student Government Associate Vice President.

The 19-year-old also makes time to give back to her community by spending her free time volunteering at the Harlingen Humane Society, the recycling center and nursing homes.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduating from TSTC I hope to transfer to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for a bachelor’s degree in education.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become a teacher at a local elementary school to inspire young children’s’ lives. I have a quote that I live by, “To aspire, to inspire before I expire,” and I feel like I can achieve this through teaching.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been learning how to trust myself and my abilities. I’ve always been scared to grab opportunities, take chances and put myself out there, but during my time here at TSTC I have learned that I can do more than I ever expected I could. Part of this newfound confidence comes from being active on campus and meeting so many people that believe in me.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that no matter what it is important to lend a helping hand to everyone. There is always someone who is in need of a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on and we all have to be there for each other. It’s the goodness to life. And we must do these things without expecting anything in return. It’s enough just putting a smile on someone’s face and knowing that we have made a difference.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

Rick Santos, former SGA Vice President and my friend, has had the most influence in my success and in life. He has pushed me to believe in myself. He is the one who encouraged me to become active on campus and because of him I have had doors open for me filled with endless opportunities.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want to advice future and current students to get involved with campus organizations or community service throughout their communities. It is a great feeling being able to help the college and make a difference. Jump in and don’t look back, because all of the opportunities and all of the good things are outside of the comfort zone.

TSTC SkillsUSA Students Honored by Local Organization

(HARLINGEN) – TSTC and Habitat for HumanityHabitat for Humanity presented the Texas State Technical College Building Construction Technology SkillsUSA students with a Recognition Award for their hard work and dedication with the organization. Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of the Rio Grande Valley Wayne Lowry said students’ leadership and professionalism show that they are learning great skills at TSTC and his organization looks forwards to a continued partnership with the college and the TSTC SkillsUSA chapter.

These SkillsUSA students have been working with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for the low-income families of the Rio Grande Valley. They put into practice the skills they are learning in the classroom giving them a chance to perfect their trade.