(HARLINGEN) – Kassandra Martinez is pursuing an associate degree in Business Management Technology. The Brownsville native expects to graduate Fall 2019.

The 19-year-old said it was at TSTC that she began to realize her dream of becoming a fashion designer and business owner.

“In high school I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life,” said Martinez. “But after starting my business classes I thought why not combine it with my love for fashion and become a business owner. I finally felt like I had something to work toward.”

When time permits Martinez volunteers with the TSTC Service Squad and the Wellness Sports Center.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate from TSTC I hope to attend the Art Institute of California-San Francisco to earn a degree in Fashion.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to own my own fashion business and with both degrees I know this is feasible. I want to design and sell clothing, shoes and accessories. I hope to grow this company nationally as well as internationally, because I’ve always dreamed about traveling the world.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been finding my dream and successfully passing my classes with A’s and B’s.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I’ve learned patience. It’s important to remember that things always fall into place and happen when they’re meant to happen.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

My College Success Instructor John Hensley has influenced my success the most. At one time I was working and going to school full-time and I started falling behind in my courses. He was always there for me and he gave me advice. He taught me time management. This has been one of the greatest lessons he could have taught me because it will serve me well for  the rest of my life.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I advise future TSTC students to always go to class, be prepared, get involved and make friends. Your college experience is what you make of it.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College recently hosted more than 100 students from eight high schools located in Cameron County for the first “College Connection Experience.”

These students are part of the Region One Gear Up program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The partnership between 30 Rio Grande Valley high schools aims to increase the number of students who graduate from high school and enroll in post-secondary institutions.

The students who visited TSTC are in their senior year and have been followed by the Gear Up program since seventh grade. After completing the annual ACT Engage Survey, these students showed no interest in attending college after high school.

“The results we received told us that these students could benefit from additional opportunities to explore colleges and career opportunities,” said Region One Education Specialist Angela Delamar. “And from what I’ve been told by my colleagues, TSTC has worked their magic once again.”

Delamar said she had an overwhelming number of students who were reluctant to attend college, but left the event ready to apply and attend TSTC.

“Our students said they felt supported by the staff at TSTC,” said Delamar. “Many explained they see their next step and are ready to start TSTC, a place where they feel they finally fit in.”

During the “College Experience Connection,” the group of high school seniors had the opportunity to hear from TSTC’s Provost Dr. Stella Garcia, participate in ice breakers and take a tour of the campus.

Additionally, students attended sessions on the benefits of attending college and TSTC admissions and financial aid processes. They also heard from TSTC student ambassadors about overcoming barriers.

TSTC’s Director of Student Recruitment Dora Colvin, like Delamar, is excited to see that this event had a successful outcome.

“This event was a true success,” said Colvin. “They enjoyed meeting staff and students and learning what TSTC offers. I was so impressed with these students and their questions. They were so engaged.”

Colvin said many of the students in attendance had already applied to TSTC, but those that had not were inspired and applied that day.

“This day made a positive impact on their lives,” said Colvin.

In April, the same group of students will return to TSTC for career exploration, where they will have the opportunity of participating in in-depth tours of the programs they listed on their college applications as careers they are interested in pursuing.

Finally, in June, these students will return for New Student Orientation.

“TSTC is working hard to try to address every concern and question these students have about pursuing a higher education,” said Delamar. “Their goal is to remove any barrier or obstacle keeping them from attending college, and this event was a turn in the right direction. I’m excited it was such a huge success.”

To apply to TSTC visit tstc.edu. New student registration for Summer and Fall 2017 begins April 3. For more information call 956-364-4119.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College’s Continuing Education recently earned an electrical certification through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), giving the college the opportunity to create its first NCCER Electrical Level 1 course.

NCCER Electrical Level 1 is now added to NCCER Construction and NCCER Welding already offered through the department.

The 224-hour electrical course consists of NCCER Core, NCCER Electrical, and safety and forklift components. Those who enroll in the course can expect to learn the foundation of safety, communication skills and construction drawings to the theory of residential electrical circuits.

“Many of the employers out there require their employees to obtain additional NCCER certifications or continuing education hours,” said Myra Deleon, TSTC Continuing Education project manager. “So for many being able to earn these certifications locally is a convenience.”

In addition to the basic electrical wiring training, students will also become forklift-certified and will become familiar with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

According to Deleon, this NCCER certification can help graduates qualify for electrical jobs anywhere throughout the United States. The additional forklift and OSHA trainings also make students more marketable.

“This course has a big impact for anyone pursuing electrical occupations,” said Deleon. “It can give someone a step up and make them competitive when pursuing a job, or maybe help someone get a promotion.”

The NCCER Electrical Level 1 course is held in the evening and open to anyone in or pursuing a career in the industry.

“Most of our continuing education students hold full-time jobs or take classes at the college full-time,” said Deleon. “So evening courses open up our classes to more people.”

Enrollment for the June 2017 cohort opens in March. Registration is open up to the first day of class on June 5. There are no eligibility requirements to enroll.

Deleon said class tuition and books are generally sponsored by an employer, Motivation Education and Training, Inc., or through a Workforce Solutions grant.

For more information on the NCCER course and tuition sponsors call TSTC Continuing Education at 956-364-4567.

(HARLINGEN) – Born in Mexicali, Edgardo Velez moved to Harlingen in 2005 and today is a Biology student at Texas State Technical College. He expects to earn his associate degree in Spring 2018. The 18-year-old proudly holds a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.

In his free time, Velez enjoys drawing. He said he has always had a love for art and he hopes to teach art classes as a hobby someday.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate with my associate degree in Biology, I plan on applying to TSTC’s Surgical Technology program. I want the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.

What’s your dream job?

I’ve always wanted to work in the medical field and when I saw the programs at TSTC I knew it was the place that would help me reach my dream of working as a Surgical Technician at a local hospital. Hopefully I can find a job at Valley Baptist Medical Center.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

So far, I consider my GPA to be my greatest accomplishment. I have worked hard to maintain all As in my classes.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned about life is that there is a balance between good and bad times. I believe that going through a tough time in life is a sure sign that good times are on their way.

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

Dr. Emmanuel Formacio is the person at TSTC who has influenced my success the most. He was my Anatomy and Physiology instructor and he always encouraged me, and the class to do our best. He also gave me advice that has motivated me to work toward successful semesters and a successful career.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to go for any academic goal or challenge within their reach. Great things happen when you give it your best shot.

(HARLINGEN) – With a knack for adventure and a love for education, Texas State Technical College student Robert Craig McWhinney enrolled in Wind Energy Technology and Engineering to pursue a new career.

The Pittsburg, Pennsylvania native said he and his brother were avid rock climbers, seeking adventure throughout their home state. It is this hobby that McWhinney parlayed into Wind Energy Technology, an industry that requires employees to climb up four-story turbines.

“I’m 55 years young and ready for a new degree and new career,” said McWhinney. “This is a new chapter in my life and I’m excited for it.”

McWhinney earned his bachelor’s degree in 1987 and shortly after his master’s degree, both in English Literature.

“I only worked for a short time teaching basic composition as a graduate assistant,” he said. “Music was my primary passion and I’m still doing that today.”

His band, “Pelican West,” has been together for 30 years, performing throughout the states and calling South Padre Island its new stage.

In addition to his music, McWhinney has been the Ministry Coordinator at Christ’s Harbour Church in Laguna Vista for the past six years. So why the drastic career change?

“It started with a brochure on wind energy and I thought I want to climb those,” said McWhinney. “But as I did research I found that wind energy is a growing industry and technicians are in demand. So I started researching programs and it led me directly to TSTC.”

McWhinney said although he looked at this new career with trepidation because of math, he knew he was up for the challenge and a fresh start.

“I was an English major. I avoided math,” he said. “But the instructors here at TSTC have really helped me eliminate my fear of math and become successful. I’m entering a career where students like me are in high demand, and TSTC is the place to start.”

McWhinney, who today holds a perfect 4.0 grade-point average, credits his Wind Energy Technology Instructor David Gomez, Math Instructor Mehrdad Hosseinpour and Engineering Instructor Abdulhakim Agll for his current success.

“TSTC is set up to help their students succeed,” said McWhinney. “Everyone is a canon of knowledge, helpful and supportive. I’ve been in my fair share of colleges, and none of them compare to TSTC.”

Lead Instructor for Wind Energy Technology David Gomez said the department works hard to prepare students like McWhinney for the high demand jobs in the industry.

“We place students in not only wind energy, but also in construction and utilities,” said Gomez. “The doors of opportunity are open for our students if they’re willing to work for it.”

Gomez said he knows that McWhinney will be a great asset to any company.

“He (McWhinney) is highly intelligent, knowledgeable, engaged in his studies and overall a great person to work with,” he said. “He has many aspirations in this field and he will be successful.”

McWhinney is one of 135 students enrolled in Wind Energy Technology this semester, which has increased from the 60 students enrolled in Fall 2016.

“Word of mouth and our wind turbine skyline is attracting people to our program,” said Gomez. “I get 3 to 4 prospects a week in my office interested in discussing their future in Wind Energy Technology and opportunities available in the industry.”

TSTC’s Wind Energy Technology is backed by the American Wind Energy Association, and according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wind Energy is the fastest growing profession in the U.S. with a starting salary around $50,000 per year.

“Students who graduate from our program have opportunities to work locally, across the state, through the U.S. and even overseas,” said Gomez.

Since the initiation of Wind Energy Technology in 2010, 200 students have graduated from the program which holds a 100 percent placement rate.

Wind Energy Technology is also offered at TSTC’s Sweetwater campus.

For more information on Wind Energy Technology call 956-364-4729.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College Building Construction Technology students Robert Piña and Isaac Saldaña have recently been awarded scholarships by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Rio Grande Valley Chapter.

Each student was awarded $500 to use toward tuition, books and other college expenses. This scholarship is awarded yearly by the organization to students pursuing a certificate or associate degree in Building Construction Technology.

Piña, a husband and father from San Benito, said receiving this scholarship was a sigh of relief for him and his family.

“I’m so thankful for this money. I was so fortunate to have been selected,” said Piña. “It feels like a huge burden has been taken off my shoulders.”

The 41-year-old worked numerous years in the customer service industry, mainly restaurants, and changing careers for hopes of a more stable job and better benefits has taken a toll on his family’s finances.

“I’m a full-time student, trying to finish,” said Piña. “Working full-time for me is out of the equation, but I still have to support my family, so any kind of scholarship is a great big help.”

Piña is currently employed through TSTC as a part-time work study in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, the program he earned his first associate degree from in 2016.

The San Benito native said he hopes having two associate degrees will make him more marketable when searching for a job. He hopes to work as a handyman in maintenance for either a hospital, hotel or even TSTC.

As for Piña’s classmate, Saldaña, also from San Benito, enrolled at TSTC following in his children’s footsteps.

“All of my children have attended and graduated from TSTC,” said Saldaña. “I am here because of their college advisors’ perseverance to get me enrolled.”

The scholarship recipient said he moved to Texas after losing his job of 19 years in a California fencing company.

“I had nothing but a high school diploma when I lost my job,” said Saldaña. “It was a real eye opener for me on how important an education is, and scholarships, like the one I just received, make working toward my degree a whole lot easier.”

Although the 48-year-old has had to work the graveyard shift at a McAllen security company throughout his time at TSTC, he said he is sharing his story to show his children and future college students that it’s never too late to get an education and pursue your dreams.

“Education is something that can never be taken away from you,” said Saldaña. “And AGC has made it possible for me to continue on and graduate this semester.”

AGC of the Rio Grande Valley Executive Director Perry A. Vaughn spoke to the Building Construction Technology students during the scholarship presentation about the latest industry survey which says the construction business has never been better.

“The building industry is in dire need of educated, trained and qualified employees,” he said. “We anticipate a pretty big bump in the year ahead nationwide, but Texas and the Valley are doing great. The market has never looked better.”

Vaughn went on to explain that hiring is so competitive that companies are increasing salaries and offering overtime, bonuses and benefits to lure employees.

“We have firms that are turning down work because they can’t find qualified employees,” Vaughn said.

TSTC Building Construction Technology instructor Rolando Cuellar said learning what they have about the recent survey, and talking with their industry partners, scholarships like the ones received by Piña and Saldaña, make it easier to retain the students who are the future of the construction business.

“Many of these students pay for college out of pocket, putting a financial strain on them and their families,” said Cuellar. “But for students like Robert and Isaac, this scholarship is a huge financial relief, allowing them to concentrate on the training we provide and successfully fulfilling the requirements needed to earn a certificate or associate degree, and fill the industry need.”

Building Construction Technology is also offered at TSTC’s Waco campus.

For more information on the program call 956-364-4770.