TSTC Student Takes Degree Overseas

(SWEETWATER) — Living in a foreign country is a dream to most, but getting paid to live in a foreign country is the way Texas State Technical College student Kaitlin Sullivan is realizing that dream.

Sullivan is expected to graduate this fall from TSTC in Sweetwater with an associate degree in Wind Energy Technology and has already accepted a job with Koenig & Bauer, the oldest functioning printing press manufacturer in the world. She will complete her apprenticeship in Germany for two six-month terms, then train with a technician in Dallas for three months until being upgraded to a technician job herself.

“This is an amazing opportunity,” Sullivan said. “I am so excited to travel and learn more about the culture and lifestyle in Germany, all while doing something I’m genuinely interested in.”

Although this is not the path Sullivan ever expected to be on, she is not looking back.

“I did the traditional four-year college, how ‘society’ expects you to, and I couldn’t find a job I liked,” Sullivan said. “So after a year of job searching, I decided I needed something different and came to TSTC.”

Sullivan completed her bachelor’s degree at Tarleton State University, but after having trouble finding a job she was interested in, she took some inspiration from her hometown and made a change.

“I’m from Dumas in North Texas, where there are tons of wind turbines,” Sullivan said. “They’re fascinating to me. So I did some research, and TSTC popped up with the right program.”

Upon arriving at TSTC, Sullivan immediately impressed her instructors with her drive and dedication to education. Wind Energy Technology instructor Billie Jones taught Sullivan in at least one class each semester and recognized her ambition.

“There is nothing Kaitlin can’t do once she dedicates her mind to it,” Jones said. “One of the first things she said to me was that she was in competition with everyone else, just that no one knew it yet. I believe it was that mentality and her willingness to learn that got her where she is today.”

While the job Sullivan accepted is not in her degree field, it is associated with the sister program, Electromechanical Technology. Since there was only a five-course difference between it and Wind Energy Technology, Electromechanical Technology instructor Ron Rendon agreed to meet with Sullivan and help her cross-train.

“Kaitlin is a great leader and very willing to learn. She doesn’t like not knowing,” Rendon said. “She will be a huge asset wherever she works, and I think she’ll do amazing things.”

For anyone hesitant to take the alternative route from a four-year degree, Sullivan says don’t be afraid.

“People told me I shouldn’t or couldn’t do it,” Sullivan said. “And I’m glad I didn’t listen because I got this job offer two semesters before graduation. Don’t let them tell you you can’t, and if they do, prove them wrong.”

Sullivan is expected to graduate on Monday, December 10, at 7 p.m. in the Abilene Convention Center.

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

TSTC Alumna Uses Degree, Experience to Help Heal Others

(BROWNWOOD) — Battling addiction takes determination, drive and a support system. Texas State Technical College alumna Stephanie Narramore used these tools in her own recovery and now uses them to help others.

Narramore graduated in 2015 from TSTC in Brownwood with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling and is now Associate Director of Clinical Services at Starlite Recovery Center in Center Point, Texas.

“TSTC was a really important part of me changing and my recovery. I suffered from a (drug) addiction for 14 years, and it was time for a change for my daughter and for me,” Narramore said.

When Narramore arrived at TSTC, she was nervous to be going back to school as a nontraditional student but was surprised by the support she found.

“I was scared,” Narramore said. “I was really scared to be going to school at my age, 38, but my instructors and the staff were amazing. They helped me to see something in myself that I didn’t at the time. They put in just as much work as I did.”

Elizabeth Jones, a Chemical Dependency Counseling instructor, recognized the willingness to change in Narramore.

“Stephanie came to school determined, prepared and totally ready to make a change in her life,” said Jones, who was also a mentor to Narramore. “She knew that hard work was in her future, and she never walked away from a challenge. She is a role model for other students in the Chemical Dependency Counseling program.”

Driven by her desire to create a better life as a single mother, Narramore earned not only her degree, but also a list of honors along the way.

“I was the guest speaker at my graduation, the Board of Regents Medal of Honor recipient and president of the honor society Phi Theta Kappa. It was very validating,” Narramore said.

Narramore’s attitude and will to succeed left a lasting impression on the people she encountered at TSTC.

“Stephanie is hardworking and determined. She sets goals and doesn’t let hurdles get in her way.” Raquel Mata, associate provost of TSTC in Brownwood, said.

In her current position at Starlite Recovery Center, Narramore says she has found a way to help heal others.

“I’ve been where these patients have been, so I know exactly what they’re going through,” Narramore said. “I found my purpose, and it’s being able to make a difference in someone else’s life.”

The TSTC Chemical Dependency Counseling program is available at the Abilene, Breckenridge and Brownwood campuses.

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

TSTC physics instructor shares his immigration story during Humanities Week

(HARLINGEN) – Born and raised in Cuba, Texas State Technical College Physics Instructor Jose A. Alvarez came to the United States in 1960 and is now sharing his immigration experiences through his writing during TSTC’s annual Humanities Week.

“I love teaching and my students inspire me to tell my story,” said Alvarez. “We are all so different, yet so alike in many ways. And when you’re transplanted into someplace new we have to learn to adapt, deal with the ups and downs and persevere. So I want to show my students that they’re not alone.”

That is why, when Alvarez was invited to be part of an author’s forum during Humanities Week, he felt compelled to accept and tell his story.

Now settled at Rancho Viejo, the 75-year-old began teaching Physics at TSTC in 2011 and brought with him extensive experience in the telecommunications and physics fields.

In 1965, Alvarez earned his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Detroit and went on to earn a master’s degree in Physics in 1967. Later, in 2002, he received a second master’s degree in management from Pace University in New York.

“I was only supposed to come to the U.S. for college. I expected to return, but plans changed,” said Alvarez.

Alvarez said he came to the U.S. alone, but when U.S. and Cuba broke diplomatic relations in the 60’s it became difficult to return to his island country.

“There were no direct flights back home and the process for just a visit was a long one,” he said. “And my family tried joining me, but due to legalities they had to move to Spain first, which is where my father was from.”

Eventually, his family settled in New Jersey in the late 1960’s, but by then Alvarez had established his life.

Alvarez worked at AT&T as an internal consultant for technical issues and in management for most of his career.

He also did independent contract work with start-up companies as a telecommunications contractor.

His career and consultant work led him to countries as close as Mexico and Brazil and as far away as the Netherlands and Israel.

“I loved my career. It took me all over the world, which sparked my love for travel,” said Alvarez.

During one of his business trips to Mexico City, Alvarez met his wife who was from Matamoros, that’s when he decided it was time to settle in the Rio Grande Valley.

At this time Alvarez had already begun writing. He wrote about his transition from Cuba to the U.S., his struggle returning home, his family’s struggle joining him in the states and his first trip back to Cuba in 2000.

“After nearly 40 years, I returned to Cuba and it was very emotional for me,” said Alvarez. “I knew I had to write about it and share my journey.”

Though he enjoys writing his vignettes, Alvarez wanted to do more, so as a former algebra teacher, he decided to return to the classroom – which led him to TSTC.

“I heard about TSTC from my morning coffee group at Starbucks,” he said. “I had never heard about TSTC, but here I am. It’s my second home, second family now.”

Alvarez said he enjoys getting paid for doing what he loves and said teaching, for him, is the most rewarding career.

“I love teaching young minds. I love being in the classroom and answering questions,” Alvarez said. “And as long as my health holds up, I’ll be here. I love TSTC, it’s a great place to work and I’ve enjoyed every minute.”

He hopes to one day turn the vignettes he shared with students during Humanities Week into a book, so he can continue telling his story for many years to come.

For more information on TSTC and the programs offered, visit tstc.edu.

Student Success Profile – Eduardo Perez

(HARLINGEN) – Eduardo Perez is a Computer Maintenance Technology student at Texas State Technical College. The 23-year-old expects to earn his associate degree next Fall Semester 2019 and holds a 3.6 grade-point average.

The Los Fresnos native also serves as the vice president of his program’s Computer Tech Club and does community service work such as beach clean ups, beautification projects and serves at the Ronald McDonald House.

What are you plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on getting a second associate degree in Computer Networking and moving to Houston to begin my career and continue my education until I receive a master’s degree in computer science.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to work with a Los Angeles-based company building computers and medical supplies. I know I’ll eventually make it to the West Coast.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been maintaining high grades and getting on the dean’s list and president’s list and organizing fundraisers with the Computer Tech Club to help other students raise money for additional certifications.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that no matter what, you have to continue forward. I was stuck for a long time, working menial jobs before I enrolled at TSTC. Now I feel like I’m finally moving forward again.

Who at TSTC has influence your success the most?

My classmates at TSTC have had the biggest influence on my success. We help each other out and support each other. There’s always teamwork. It would be really hard getting through this program without them.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to focus on school, don’t allow anything to distract you from your goal and don’t quit.

TSTC Diversity in STEM Day encourages nontraditional careers

(HARLINGEN) – Monica Sanchez hammered, nailed and stained her very own wooden toolbox and planter during Texas State Technical College’s third annual Diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Day.

“I definitely like creating things, and I’m excited to take home my creations,” said Sanchez, a sophomore at Mercedes High School. “This by far has been my favorite part of the day.”

Sanchez got a firsthand look into TSTC’s Building Construction Technology and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technology programs.

She was among 63 high school students from across the Rio Grande Valley who participated in the event that is focused on encouraging girls and women to pursue male-dominated careers and vice versa.

“I think this is a great opportunity that opens doors for us,” said Sanchez. “I’ve learned a lot today about the different careers that are available to us here at TSTC and how I could turn my hobby of building things into a career.”

The event, which was hosted by TSTC’s Enrollment Management, Support Services and Student Recruitment departments, included information booths on admissions, financial aid and other student services.

Attendees heard from keynote speaker Stacey Perales, a TSTC Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology lab assistant, and Marty Capetillo, a TSTC Dental Hygiene student.

Program tours were offered in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics, Agricultural Technology, Automotive Technology, Building Construction Technology, Chemical Technology, HVAC Technology and Precision Machining Technology.

TSTC enrollment coach Anna Cortez said Diversity in STEM Day is about exposing both girls and boys to nontraditional careers.

“Introducing them to programs early on is important because there is always a fear factor,” said Cortez. “The firsthand look can help ease nerves and allows them see for themselves what the program is about and hopefully find a mentor.”

Each program tour was approximately one hour and included hands-on activities such as building toolboxes and planters, creating dice using machine shop equipment, and changing a tire and the oil of a car.

TSTC Diversity in STEM Day

Weslaco East High School junior Mia Ramos made a pair of dice while touring Precision Machining Technology. She said she has always been interested in designing and would consider either machining or architectural design as a career.

“Today’s event has opened my eyes to program options I can pursue when I graduate from high school,” said Ramos. “It’s been a great experience getting insight into TSTC and hearing from different speakers. But my favorite part was learning how to use new machines.”

The 16-year-old said that although she has a dream of graduating as a Texas Longhorn, she will begin her college career at TSTC to get a head start and gain experience in either architecture or machining.

Cortez said overall the event was successful and it was great watching students excitedly share their experiences with one another.

She also said she hopes the program continues to grow and the collaboration between departments, programs and school districts remains strong.

“TSTC students have told us that it’s because of events like this that they were encouraged to enroll, so we know that they have a huge impact,” said Cortez. “We hope that students will feel empowered after completing this event and will realize that they are capable of achieving everything they put their minds to.”

Spring registration for new students begins Nov. 12. There will be a Registration Rally, a one-stop registration event, on Tuesday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information on the programs offered at TSTC or to apply, go to www.tstc.edu.

TSTC hosts celebration to honor veterans, name scholarship

(HARLINGEN) – The Veterans Center at Texas State Technical College hosted its annual Veterans Day Celebration in honor of employee and student veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

But this year, TSTC and the Veterans Center also posthumously honored U.S. military veteran Troy Davis, a TSTC Biology graduate and former Veterans Center work-study program employee who passed away only a few weeks ago.

Davis earned his associate degree in Spring 2018 and was working on completing his academic core.

In his work-study position at the Veterans Center, he made it his mission to help those transitioning into civilian life and back into college.

“We’re all saddened by his loss,” said Steve Guevara, TSTC Veterans Center director. “He was working hard and on the path to success. We lost him too soon, but his memory lives on.”

To continue Davis’ legacy and honor his military service, Guevara announced during the ceremony that the veteran scholarship created by the Veteran Students Alliance Club in 2013 will now be called the Troy E. Davis Memorial Scholarship.

The funds for the scholarship are raised annually by the club and awarded to three student veterans. The individual scholarships are valued at $300.

“We want our students and employees to know that we support them every day of the year,” said Guevara. “The Veterans Day Celebration and lunch is a token of our appreciation to show them how thankful we are for their service and sacrifice to this country.”

TSTC serves 500 veterans statewide and 139 in Harlingen, in addition to the number of veterans who work at TSTC.

One of those veterans is Erica Gonzalez, a student recruitment coordinator at the college, who shared her story during the ceremony.

Gonzalez was a migrant worker and an avid athlete when September 11, 2001, set her path.

“I walked into the locker room after cross-country, and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. But I knew this would be a day we would never forget,” she said. “This is when I became driven to join the armed forces.”

After attending one semester at the University of Texas-Pan American on a full athletic scholarship, Gonzalez enlisted.

She served four years in the Army under the Military Police Corps, stationed in Germany.

“It is an honor to serve in the military, to answer the call of duty, and to raise your right hand and vow to protect this beautiful nation,” she said. “It taught me integrity and how to stand strong for all of our brothers and sisters who we know, who we don’t know, and the ones we may never know.”

The program also included remarks from master of ceremonies and TSTC Computer Networking and Security Technology student Johnny Rivera, the presentation and retiring of colors by Harlingen High School South JROTC, a Prisoner of War and Missing in Action presentation by the American Legion 15^th District Drill team, and recognitions by TSTC veterans program officer Jose Villegas.

“We are so blessed to live in a country with so many opportunities and freedoms because of the sacrifice and service from these brave men and women. Freedom comes with a price,” said TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez. “TSTC is dedicated to helping veterans transition not only into college, but into civilian life. It is an honor to be able to help them.”

TSTC in Harlingen has been recognized as a Military-Friendly School for eight straight years, and the college has been recognized statewide as a Military-Friendly School for three years.

The TSTC Veterans Center serves as a centralized, one-stop shop for prospective and current students who are veterans, as well as their dependents. The center assists with admission, financial aid, GI Bill and Hazlewood applications. There is also a variety of services, such as internal and external referrals, that veteran students can benefit from.

In addition to the Veterans Center, TSTC also offers competency-based learning for veterans who have gained applicable skills through their service in the military.

For more information on the Veterans Center, call 956-364-4387 or visit tstc.edu/veterans.

TSTC Nursing Graduates Needed to Fill Home Health Jobs

(BRECKENRIDGE) – As Home Care and Hospice Month is commemorated nationwide in November, the Big Country has a need for qualified nurses to aid patients who want health care in the comfort of their homes.

Marchelle Taylor, a vocational nursing program director at Texas State Technical College, said graduates are encouraged to work in clinical settings first before moving into home health.

“Home health care is pretty independent, and new graduates don’t have the experience to work independently,” Taylor said. “Many do after getting some experience in clinics, nursing homes and hospitals.”

In Texas, there are more than 319,000 Medicare beneficiaries who use home health, according to the Alliance for Home Health. More than 60 percent of them have at least five chronic conditions.

In early November, Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas in Abilene had more than 80 openings in the 19-county region for nurses to work in home health, hospitals and other medical facilities. Steve Collins, a business and resource consultant at Workforce Solutions, said there is a nursing shortage in the region indicated by the number of open job positions.

Job experience is important, said representatives of two Stephens County home health agencies.

James Curtis, a TSTC nursing alumnus and branch office manager at Renew Home Health in Breckenridge, said knowing the county’s nurses helps him fill job openings when needed. The business works with clients in a 45-mile radius of Breckenridge.

“I require one year of experience,” Curtis said. “You never know what kind of situation you can get into.”

Kim Mahan, an administrator at Beyond Faith Homecare and Rehab in Breckenridge, has hired TSTC alumni in the past. The business is a branch of the Graham location, which serves clients in a 50-mile radius.

“One of the struggles with the staff coming here, especially on the home health side, is the documentation,” she said. “It is extremely stringent. There is a lot of documentation that is involved in home health.”

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

TSTC Technical Program Receives Recognition

(WACO) – An information clearinghouse for higher education rankings has put Texas State Technical College at the top of the power pole in Texas.

Universities.com has named TSTC as having this year’s best Electrical Lineworker Technology program.

“We want to maintain our current ranking in Texas, but we have aspirations to be No. 1 in the nation,” said Eric Carithers, TSTC’s statewide Distribution and Industrial Electrical Systems department chair. “TSTC never wants to be complacent as a technical college, as technology is changing every second.”

The TSTC program has 80 certificate and associate degree students this fall. The program accepts 35 new students each semester.

Some of the classes students take include Climbing Skills, Distribution Operations, Live Line Safety and OSHA Regulations – Construction Industry. The program mixes classroom lectures and hands-on learning at its on-campus pole lab. Program faculty teach the students about professionalism, teamwork and safety.

“If they are not good at the skills, they do not make it through this program,” said Cheryl Lloyd, a TSTC program maintenance specialist.

Eric Cobb, 32, of Copperas Cove is studying for the program’s associate degree and is scheduled to graduate in 2019.

Cobb learned about the career field by watching YouTube videos. Some of his favorite things about the work are troubleshooting and maintaining high-voltage electricity.

“I liked it because it is fun, dangerous and exciting,” he said. “There is more brain work that goes into it than people think.”

After graduation, Cobb wants to work in the Austin or Copperas Cove areas.

Theodore Lozano, 31, of Waco is scheduled to graduate with a program associate degree next year. He was attracted to the electrical field because of the physicality and not having to spend hours behind a desk.

“I definitely made the right decision career-wise,” Lozano said.

Lozano’s job plans are to relocate where he can make the best salary for his family.

Lloyd said students garner at least one job offer upon graduation. Some of the companies that have hired students include Austin Energy, Oncor and Pike Electric Corp.

“We are very lucky to have support from major power companies, cooperatives, municipalities and contractors that support us on our statewide advisory board committee that provides feedback on current curriculum needs and upcoming changing policies in the industry,” Carithers said.

TSTC also offers the Electrical Lineworker Technology program in Fort Bend County and Marshall.

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

TSTC hosts second annual Counselor Update

(FORT BEND) – Counselors from across Fort Bend County and the Houston area recently gathered at Texas State Technical College for the Fort Bend County campus’ second annual Counselor Update.

Counselor Updates are hosted by TSTC across the state to keep counselors informed about admission, financial aid and changes in programs, and to give them the opportunity to hear from students and alumni and meet TSTC faculty and staff.

During the recent event, more than 70 counselors got an in-depth look into the 10 programs offered at TSTC in Fort Bend County, took a tour of the campus and heard firsthand about the impact TSTC has on students and alumni. The campus’ provost, Randy Wooten, also shared a few words with the counselors.

Millie Perez, a Houston Independent School District transition coach, voiced appreciation for the event and the opportunity to visit the campus.

TSTC in Fort Bend Counselor Update

“This was my first Counselor Update and first time at TSTC. I’m very impressed,” said Perez. “I’ve really enjoyed my experience.”

Perez said she loves technical education and being able to have a part in helping fill the skills gap by learning about colleges like TSTC and the opportunities that are available for her students.

“I got an inside look at TSTC and got to explore the programs they offer,” she said. “I look forward to passing everything I learned on to my students so that they know this is a great postsecondary education option right in their backyard.”

TSTC student recruiter Yulonda Durst said the event was a success and that comments from counselors such as Perez made the achievement evident.

“Based on surveys, the counselors were very pleased with the programs they toured and stated they would definitely recommend TSTC to their students,” said Durst. “This event helped counselors realize that TSTC is not just another two-year technical college, but the start that their students need to get on the right career path.”

Durst said events like this help TSTC build relationships with counselors, career technology education teachers and school district administrators.

“Counselor Updates and other events like it help us build a pipeline from high school to TSTC that we as recruiters try to achieve during all of our recruiting events,” said Durst. “And one of our main goals is to provide information that counselors can use to help students who they deem are good candidates for TSTC so they understand the benefits we provide.”

Registration for Spring 2019 is underway. TSTC will host a Registration Rally, a one-stop registration event, at the TSTC Brazos Center on the Fort Bend County campus on Friday, December 7.

For more information on TSTC and its programs, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Hosts Underclassman Day

(WACO) – Several middle school students received their first look at college life on Wednesday during Underclassman Day at Texas State Technical College.

More than 200 students from the Cleburne, Lockhart and McGregor school districts learned about technical programs, including Architectural and Civil Drafting Technology, Building Construction Technology and Industrial Maintenance.

“We had a good turnout,” said Melinda Calvillo, a TSTC student recruitment representative. “I think the early exposure for the students is really good.”

Kristina Cron, a mathematics teacher at Wheat Middle School in Cleburne, traveled with her school’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), students.

“My hope is for them to find an interest or careers they never knew about,” she said.

Jolee McGuire, 14, and Erin Ramirez, 14, are eighth-grade students in the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) in Lockhart. The students liked what they saw in the Biomedical Equipment Technology program.

“It was cool to see inside all of the equipment,” said McGuire.

Ramirez said she enjoyed seeing how TSTC’s Biomedical Equipment Technology students fixed medical equipment.

The two students were impressed with their visit to the campus store. McGuire also appreciated seeing the small classes.