(HARLINGEN) – Arturo Veloz came to the United States when he was 7-years-old, with only hopes and dreams, but thanks to Texas State Technical College, he is now celebrating his recent citizenship to the country he loves so much and living the American Dream.

Born in Rio Bravo, Mexico, the 26-year-old started second grade in Weslaco and lived with his uncle. His parents and two younger sisters stayed behind in Mexico.

“The first thing I remember seeing when I came to the United States was Texas Street in Weslaco. I was amazed. To me, I was in the big city,” said Veloz.  “My parents always told me about the types of opportunity I would find here and that day, although scared, I was inspired. But what sold me on staying was Whataburger, it was my first time eating one and wow,” he added with a laugh.

Veloz learned English within the first year of arriving in the U.S., after a language barrier incident made him the center of ridicule in his class.

“I was bullied often. It really messed with my confidence,” he said. “I always felt like because I was from Mexico I didn’t deserve to have the same opportunities as the other students. I held myself back a lot.”

For Veloz, college seemed a far-fetched idea. He expected to return to Mexico after high school to follow his father’s footsteps in healthcare, but when his father suddenly passed, plans changed for Veloz.

“I was able to get a VISA to study and to work, and my mother, who joined me with my sisters, helped me start the college process,” he said.

Veloz started his college career at a local community college pursuing healthcare. He eventually graduated as a certified nursing assistant and worked for a short time at a nursing home.

He wanted to honor his father, who was a forensic and criminology doctor in Mexico, but said he knew deep down the medical field was not for him.

“I was not into science or medicine, I wasn’t happy,” he said. “I wanted to repair things and work with electricity. I just didn’t know what path to follow.”

It was a visit to an instructor from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley that shaped his future.

“He told me all about TSTC and the programs it offers and how he believed it was a right fit for me, and he was right,” said Veloz.

It was Summer 2013 when Veloz earned his associate degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology from TSTC and immediately gained employment with General Electric in Houston as a biomedical technician.

“I know it’s cliché, but TSTC changed my life. My instructors and classmates immediately became my second family. And the best part was the hands-on training,” said Veloz. “I was ready to hit the ground running when I graduated. We practiced our skills so much in class that I was fully confident in myself and what I had to offer a company.”

After spending one year at General Electric, Veloz moved back to the RGV to witness the birth of his daughter, marry his long-time girlfriend and work as a biomedical technician, this time for Doctors Hospital at Renaissance for another three years.

Veloz is a Meter Electrician with American Electric Power and he said it was the best move he could have made.

“I love AEP. It’s a great place to work, I have great pay and benefits and they’re very family- oriented,” he said. “I hope to continue to grow with them.”

Genaro Marquez, AEP meter electrician supervisor and TSTC alumnus, had nothing but positive praise for Veloz.

“Arturo’s set of skills were impressive and having hired other TSTC graduates before and being one myself, I knew the kind of training he had and how prepared he was for this job,” said Marquez. “Plus, he’s outgoing, never afraid of a challenge or learning new things and works great with others. He’s a great asset to our team and I see him going far.”

And what makes Veloz’s success even sweeter, is that his 10-year path to citizenship finally paid off. He officially became a U.S. citizen last month.

“It’s been quite a journey, but it’s not over yet,” he said. “I hope to someday get a bachelor’s degree and become an electrical engineer.”

Biomedical Equipment Technology is offered at TSTC’s Harlingen and Waco campuses.

For more information on Biomedical Equipment Technology, visit tstc.edu/programs/BiomedicalEquipmetTechnology.

(HARLINGEN) – Monica Corina Garcia is a student in the Dental Hygiene program at Texas State Technical College. The 23-year-old boasts a 3.8 grade-point average and expects to graduate Spring 2019 with an associate degree.

When the Indiana native, who moved to Rio Grande City after high school, and mother to a 3-year-old son isn’t busy commuting and studying she is working as a part-time provider on the weekends and serving as vice president of the TSTC Student Chapter of the American Dental Hygiene Association.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on working as a hygienist; hopefully in Rio Grande City, but I’m open to anything. A smile is the first thing someone sees, so I want to help people love their smiles.

What’s your dream job?

Being a hygienist is my dream, which came from my fear of going to the dentist as a child. Learning about it made it easier for me. My original dream was to become a dentist, but life happens so we’ll see where I end up.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

I’m already a dental assistant and worked three years in the field, but coming to TSTC has helped me grow in confidence when speaking to patients. For me, that’s a huge accomplishment.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that anything is possible. I doubted myself a lot in the past. I didn’t even believe that I could get into the dental hygiene program, but here I am. With hard work and perseverance here I am.

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

All of my dental hygiene instructors have had a huge influence on my success. They are our confidants and friends. They’re always there to encourage us and push us when the going gets tough. Because of them, I’m making it through the program.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to manage your time wisely, don’t be afraid to ask questions and enjoy your college experience.

(HARLINGEN) – Andrew Storer is a Biomedical Equipment Technology student at Texas State Technical College. The Harlingen native holds an impressive 3.9 grade-point average and expects to earn his associate degree in Summer 2019.

The 29-year-old is a former emergency medical technician intermediate. He said the medical field and engineering have always been a passion for him, so he feels that his career change to Biomedical Equipment Technology gives him the best of both worlds.

When the father of two is not studying to maintain his high GPA, he can be found working to rebuild the Biomedical Club where he is currently serving as treasurer.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on finding a job in my field and begin using my skills. Preferably, I hope I find a position in the Rio Grande Valley, but I’m open-minded and ready to move my family if I have to. I eventually hope to continue my education and pursue a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to someday own an assisted living center for dementia, Alzheimer and hospice patients. With a business like this medical equipment is necessary, so I’ll be able to maintain and repair my own equipment while caring for those who need the most help.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment has been returning to school full-time as a husband and father. It’s sometimes a challenge, but I’m proud that I’ve been able to maintain high grades. Soon though, my greatest accomplishment will be graduating with my associate degree.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

Being a student has shown me that as long as I stay focused and do the best I can, I am able to achieve anything and reach my goals.

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

My Biomedical Equipment Technology Instructor Ray Longoria has had the greatest influence on my success. He’s very experienced and knowledgeable in the field. He expects a lot from his students which in turn motivates us to make him proud and do well. He encourages us to be independent thinkers, troubleshooters and problem solvers.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice is study, study and study some more. I read everything that is given to us by our instructors. This, and finishing projects in class, is what’s going to get us far. So always take the time to understand what you’re studying and aim to excel.

(HARLINGEN) – Uriah Guerrero played with chemistry sets instead of toy cars and watched science channels instead of cartoons and now he is living his dream at Texas State Technical College as a Chemical Technology student.

“TSTC is helping me reach my goals,” Guerrero said. “And this is only the beginning.”

The Harlingen native first arrived at TSTC as a biology dual enrollment student when he was a senior at Harlingen South High School.

So, naturally, when he graduated he continued pursuing biology at TSTC for an associate degree, but as he learned more about TSTC he discovered Chemical Technology and immediately knew that’s where he needed to be.

“I needed to make this switch. This program is laying the foundation for everything I want to be when I grow up,” he said.

Guerrero hopes to one day be Dr. Guerrero and work as a biochemist researching medicines and their interactions on the human body and diseases.

The 22-year-old said he knows he still has many more years of school ahead so in the meantime he plans to use his associate degree he’ll be earning in Spring 2019 to work as a chemist creating polymers, or plastics.

Already as a student, Guerrero is already learning how to make plastics and resin and learning skills in instrumental analysis, organic chemistry and chemical calculations, all in TSTC labs.

“I learn by doing and besides being close to home, I chose TSTC for its hands-on training,” said Guerrero. “I’m actually gaining experience and this in the long run will be better for my future.”

Guerrero’s Chemical Technology Instructor John Hamilton said it is Guerrero’s interest in chemistry and his willingness to learn that’ll help him succeed in the field.

“Uriah is a very hard working student,” said Hamilton. “He is able to overcome challenges in the classroom and the laboratory. I see him working in the industry and being successful as a laboratory technician or beyond.”

Guerrero, who is also a work study for the Chemical Technology department, is also working to rebuild the Chemical Technology student club.

“TSTC has given me so much opportunity to gain experience in my field and I can’t wait to graduate and find a job,” he said. “TSTC has truly changed my life and I’m excited for my future.”

For more information on TSTC’s Chemical Technology program go online at tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Patrick Zoerner has returned to where it all started for him and he’s ready to take Wind Energy Technology at Texas State Technical College to the next level as the program’s newest lead instructor.

“It feels great to be back and an honor to be working with those I looked up to for a long time,” said Zoerner. “I went from student to colleague.”

Zoerner grew up in Harlingen with his family, but at 15 his life spiraled out of control with the sudden death of his father.

“I got into some trouble. Got kicked out of high school,” he said. “It took me awhile to get back on my feet.”

Eventually in 1994, Zoerner enrolled at Keys Academy in Harlingen to complete his GED. Still not sure what he wanted to do with his life, he enrolled in the U.S. Military at the age of 17.

The now 40-year-old served 15 years in the military as an Army sergeant, and deployed for one year in Afghanistan.

This was Zoerner’s way of honoring his father who had also served in the U.S. military.“This was my way of not only honoring him, but doing something with my life,” he said. “I knew the Army would teach me lessons and discipline.”

After being medically discharged, Zoerner continued to move forward and enrolled at TSTC.

Zoerner worked as a corrections officer full-time while pursuing an associate degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology. He graduated from the program in 2012.

“At the time this was the only program that I could schedule around work,” said Zoerner. “But then I found Wind Energy. And it just clicked.”

Instead of working in the biomedical equipment field, Zoerner decided to stay at TSTC and pursue a second associate degree, which he earned recently in August 2018, in Wind Energy Technology.

Zoerner said it took longer to earn his degree in Wind Energy Technology because after receiving his certificate in the program, he was hired by Duke Energy in Lyford.

“Wind Energy Technology opened doors of opportunity for me,” he said. “It prepared me for the industry and what to expect and led me back to TSTC.”

Zoerner also credits TSTC’s Veterans Center and student support staff for his success.

“Steve (TSTC Veterans Center Director) was my number one help when I returned from the military,” he said. “He helped me understand all of my benefits and with completing VA paperwork. He makes things easy for all veterans. I give him high praise because he does a lot for us.”

Zoerner added that he frustrates easily when he’s given the run around or when his questions can’t be answered.

“This was the one thing I feared about returning to school; it almost stopped me,” he said. “But when I saw how helpful and how concerned the TSTC staff was regarding my success, I knew I had made the right choice.”

Before returning to TSTC, Zoerner worked for Duke Energy as a wind turbine technician for five years, he said gaining experience and knowledge he can now share with his students.

“I want to bring a different culture to our program,” he said. “I want to be a positive influence, boost morale and surpass their expectations of our program.”

“My goal is to create troubleshooters and critical thinkers who are an asset to any team they join in our industry,” he added. “Our graduates are going to be so competent and knowledgeable that we’ll be able to place them in industry, no problem, and they’ll be able to do good for themselves.”

In Wind Energy Technology, students learn to operate machinery they find in the field, plan workflow for turbine construction and maintenance and create machinery and equipment layouts which qualifies them to operate and maintain the systems that make wind turbines function.

With a certificate and associate degree path to follow, students can gain employment as wind turbine service technicians, project managers, engineers and operations managers.

“All in all, it feels great to be back. I appreciate the opportunity and hope to make everyone proud,” said Zoerner. “I love the field and now it’s time to train a new generation.”

Zoerner will be graduating in December with an associate degree in Welding Technology, one of his first passions growing up.

Wind Energy Technology is offered at TSTC’s Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses.

For more information on Wind Energy Technology, visit tstc.edu/programs/WindEnergyTechnology.

(HARLINGEN) – Missy and Micah Valdez, mother and daughter, are a duo to be reckoned with. Both are students at Texas State Technical College who hold each other to high standards and have high hopes for each other’s success.

The journey to TSTC began untraditionally for Missy. She had been in the banking business for three decades and risen to senior bank manager and vice president at a local bank before being laid off in 2017.

“I dedicated nearly 22 years of my career to (that) place, and just like that I lost my job,” said Missy. “It’s been a difficult transition. But I’m ready for a career change, and TSTC has been there for me.”

Wasting no time, Missy used the tuition assistance that was included in her severance package to enroll in the Health Information Technology program at TSTC in Harlingen.

But transitioning from a high-level position and six-figure salary to student life was no easy feat.

“I’m 49 and hadn’t been in a classroom since high school, so it was intimidating,” said Missy. “I’m definitely one of (the oldest), if not the oldest, in class.”

Missy got her dream job as a bank teller straight out of high school and said because of that she never pursued a college education.

But despite her fears and the challenges she faces as a full-time student, wife and mother, Missy has maintained a 3.9 grade-point average and earned spots on the vice chancellor’s and dean’s lists.

“None of this would be possible without the support of my children and husband,” said Missy. “They have been nothing but encouraging and understanding.”

Missy expects to graduate from Health Information Technology with an associate degree in Spring 2019 and will return to TSTC to apply for the vocational nursing and registered nursing programs.

“I am so proud of my mom and everything she has accomplished,” said Micah. “She’s a go-getter and an inspiration. To watch her get an education to better herself has been a great journey, and I’m glad we get to do college together.”

The 22-year-old is enrolled in Surgical Technology and hopes to graduate with her associate degree in Summer 2019.

She and her mother were no strangers to TSTC before they enrolled.

When Micah was in high school, her father underwent open-heart surgery, and she recalls being mesmerized by the staff who nursed him back to health. Eventually she received a nursing assistant certificate from TSTC as a dual-enrollment student at Harlingen South High School.

“I’ve always been interested in the medical field, but I really began pursuing a career in it after my father became ill,” she said. “I want to be to others what my dad’s medical staff was for him and our family, and TSTC allows me to do this close to home.”

The Harlingen native and her father are like two peas in pod. “We do everything together,” said Micah.

Micah recently began her clinicals at Valley Baptist Medical Center and said she is excited to begin the journey of patient care.

“TSTC provides the perfect space. We have fully functional operating rooms equipped with a mannequin, lights, and all of the tools and instruments we’ll be working with in industry,” said Micah. “For me, this makes learning easy and fun.”

Micah hopes one day to become a surgical nurse.

She said having her mom on campus as a peer has made her experience even better.

“I’m happy to have her on campus. I told all of my friends right away about her coming to TSTC,” said Micah. “We see each other around campus sometimes, and we even study together at home. We help each other out.”

Both women agree that they admire their instructors’ knowledge and experience and enjoy the hands-on training TSTC provides because they know it will help them become the best in their professions.

The one thing they wish they could change: not graduating together.

“It would be great if we were graduating the same semester. That would be a grand celebration. But at least we only have to purchase one cap and gown,” Missy said with a laugh.

For more information on Surgical Technology or Health Information Technology, visit tstc.edu.