Student Success Profile – Alissa Sosa

Alissa Sosa, 19, expects to earn her associate degree this semester from Texas State Technical College.

The Harlingen native is an active member of the TSTC Leadership Academy and the Chemical Technology Club. With her participation in both organizations, Sosa has also been able to complete community service activities such as beach cleanups.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on transferring to the University of Texas at San Antonio to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry.

What’s your dream job?

My ultimate dream is to earn a Ph.D. and work in medical research to find cures for serious illnesses and diseases. I want what I do to make a difference in other’s lives.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishments are one: getting this far in my education. I’m almost graduating and I never thought it was possible. I seriously considered joining the army to afford a valuable education that would lead to success. And two: I’ll be graduating from the Leadership Academy in a couple of months and the lessons I have learned and the experience I have gained have been a great accomplishment for me.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that I am capable of anything. Before coming to TSTC I doubted my abilities and I never saw a future for myself. And being here has helped me realize with hard work and dedication I can achieve what I set my mind to. I now have a direction and I know what I want to do and where I want to go.

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

My Chemical Technology instructor Everardo Villarreal and former department chair Robert Hernandez have had the most influence in my success. They have both really encouraged me and pushed me to keep going when times get tough. They have helped me believe in myself.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to reach out if you need help. TSTC has so many resources that can assist students who are having trouble in class or in life. Also, get involved on campus. Yes, school can be stressful, but TSTC also makes it a priority to make it fun with its different clubs and student activities.

Up, Up and Away: TSTC alum finds career as flight mechanic

Isaiah Arizmendi is about to reach new heights with an associate degree from Texas State Technical College and a new career at World Atlantic Airlines.

The 20-year-old graduated in December 2017 and December 2018 with an associate degree in Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology, respectively.

“Aviation is in his blood,” said TSTC Aviation Maintenance instructor Leo Guajardo. “Arizmendi has a quiet confidence and I have seen him grow into a well-rounded student and professional.”

For the Rio Hondo native, his journey took flight at TSTC while a junior at Rio Hondo High School and a dual enrollment student.

And with an uncle and cousin in the field, a passion for aviation and working with his hands, as well as, a recommendation from his high school counselor, Arizmendi knew aviation maintenance at TSTC was the path he was supposed to follow.

“Never did I imagine I would have a career at 20,” said Arizmendi. “It’s because of dual enrollment and TSTC that I was able to get ahead.”

Arizmendi was bussed to TSTC every day, even with a broken collar bone from a sport injury, until he graduated from high school in 2016.

He said he left high school with confidence and peace of mind because he knew he was off to finish what he started.

“I had already come this far, so I planned on earning my degree,” he said. “And unlike many students in a senior class, I graduated with ease because I knew where I was going and what I was going to do.”

He said the training he received at TSTC fully prepared him to obtain his Federal Aviation Administration airframe and powerplant licenses, both required to work in the industry.

The exams for the licenses are a three-part tests that includes written, oral and application.

Arizmendi said he went into the testing room with assurance and fully prepared thanks to his instructors.

“All of my instructors were great and they made my TSTC experience a positive one,” said Arizmendi. “They’re so full of knowledge and ready to help. They kept me moving forward. Really, they keep all of their students going.”

Going and going, until they snag a position like Arizmendi’s at World Atlantic Airlines in Brownsville, or other aviation facilities across the Rio Grande Valley and statewide.

Arizmendi said he is looking forward to his new-found career as a flight mechanic, meaning he will be accompanying the pilots in the planes he repairs and maintains.

In about one week, he will have the opportunity travel the United States and abroad with this position.

“I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to travel and see new places,” he said. “But with this position comes great responsibility and I’m ready to tackle what comes my way.”

Included with the benefits of travel, he will also receive a full benefits package and competitive salary.

“There is no doubt that Arizmendi will achieve in this position,” said Guajardo. “I’m so proud of the aviation professional he has become and my wish for him is that he continues moving up.”

A wish Guajardo has for all of his students in an industry where the demand for aviation mechanics is increasing at a fast rate.

According to a Boeing pilot and technician outlook report, more than 754,000 new maintenance technicians will be needed to maintain the world fleet over the next 20 years.

“The demand in our field isn’t spoken about a lot. It’s often overlooked,” said Guajardo. “It’s a demanding career, but a rewarding one. Just ask any of our graduates; that number is also increasing.”

As for Arizmendi, he said he recommends the airframe and powerplant programs to anyone with an interest in aviation, and TSTC in general.

“TSTC changed my life drastically,” said Arizmendi. “They connect people to opportunities and provide the resources necessary for success.”  

Aircraft Airframe and Powerplant Technology is also offered at TSTC’s Abilene and Waco campuses, with a certificate and associate degree track.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC students build their way to success

Students in Building Construction Technology at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen are building sheds and gazebos as part of their class project.

In previous years, when the work was complete, the project would be torn down to reuse the materials, but this year things are different.

“Our students feel so accomplished when they finish, that making them tear it down is so disheartening,” said Building Construction Technology instructor Rick Vargas. “So this year, we’re selling their projects to the community.”

The students in Construction Technology 2 and Construction Management courses have been working for nearly two semesters to complete the gazebos and sheds.

“They have built each one from the foundation, up,” said Vargas. “It’s a long process and takes about three semesters to complete, but after this students have a better understanding of the construction process and are pretty much ready to work in industry.”

Each shed and gazebo is built with care and love according to Building Construction Technology student Salvador Hernandez.

“Construction is a passion for us here in this program,” said Hernandez. “We take pride in what we build. It’s been an elaborate process to ensure everything is of the highest quality and workmanship. We ensure that everything is well built.”

Salvador was pursuing a nursing degree at a four-year university prior to withdrawing and transferring to TSTC to pursue his love of construction, and said this particular project has taken his skills to the next level.

“I have been able to get experience in a little bit of everything by doing this project,” he said. “From the foundation and framing to the roofing, I feel better prepared to hit the ground running when I graduate next semester.”

Vargas said the idea behind this project is to give his students a real-world experience that will give them a hands-on approach to practice their skills from construction to management.

“Our overall goal is to create well-rounded students and get them placed in good paying jobs,” said Vargas. “And this project has always played a huge role in that.”

Jaqueline Vidal said this project has taught her a lot about her strengths, especially as a woman in a male-dominated career.

“What I’ve learned is that I can do anything the boys can do,” she said. “There are no limits for me as a woman and this project has taught me that.”

The gazebo that Vidal has been working on has already been sold and she said while she is proud and feels accomplished, she is also sad to see it go.

“It’s rewarding to know that someone liked our work enough to buy this gazebo and I hope they love it as much as we do,” she said.

The sheds and gazebos are not being sold to make a profit, but to merely cover the cost of materials the students use in class.

“We just want our students to gain experience and have their work recognized and appreciated. And take note: these students have produced a good-quality product,” said Vargas.

For information on how to purchase a shed or gazebo, call 956-364-4770.

Building Construction Technology is also offered at TSTC’s Waco campus, to learn more visit tstc.edu.    

New TSTC Scholarship Available for Hutto High School Graduates

(HUTTO) – Members of Hutto High School’s Class of 2019 will be the first to benefit from a new scholarship to attend Texas State Technical College that was created by the city of Hutto, the Hutto Education Foundation and The TSTC Foundation.

The three entities are contributing money to help Hutto graduates pay for pursuing certificates or associate degrees at TSTC.

The city is contributing $25,000, while the Hutto Education Foundation is still determining what it will provide financially. The TSTC Foundation will match both contributions.

“The ultimate goal is to keep building this,” said Michael Smith, associate field development officer for The TSTC Foundation. “We are trying to get a consortium of industry here that will theoretically fund any Hutto student that wants to go to TSTC.”

Hutto Mayor Doug Gaul said the idea of Hutto students graduating from high school, pursuing a technical degree and staying in the city is appealing.

“We are doing the first two semesters, and the Hutto Education Foundation is doing the other two semesters,” Gaul said.

Lizzy Samples, director of the Hutto Education Foundation, said their scholarship contribution will be for Hutto graduates who take at least 24 semester credit hours at TSTC.

“It is our mission that the students receiving this funding also have the drive to want to complete their education,” Samples said.

The three entities are expected to consider in upcoming years how much to contribute for future Hutto graduates to use.

“We feel like this is a really interesting and neat initiative that we hope the high school students get on board with,” Samples said.

Hutto High School students planning to attend TSTC this fall can talk to a TSTC recruitment representative for more information. Current TSTC students who graduated from Hutto High School can contact a TSTC admissions representative for more information.

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

TSTC Student Veteran Uses Education to Fuel Future

(Sweetwater) – How would you define a hero? As a parent? As a soldier? Texas State Technical College student Roy Banda is all of that and more.

Banda, 32, is a former Marine now pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel Equipment Technology at TSTC in Sweetwater while fostering five children at home in Brownwood.

“I was working in a factory, with no way to move up anymore. So I talked to my wife, and now I’m using my GI Bill to create a career,” Banda said.

Banda served four years in the Marine Corps as a rifleman between 2007 and 2011, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

“My time in the Marines helped me a lot with discipline, obedience and work ethic in everyday actions and now school,” Banda said.

One example of Banda’s self-discipline is his dedication to be early for class each day, despite an almost two-hour commute.

“I drive half the distance Roy does every day, and he still manages to get here before me,” Mark Koslan, master instructor for DET, said. “He is dedicated, he’s a family man, he’s a veteran, and I have a lot of respect for him and his initiative to find a career path.”

Even though Banda attends school full time, he and his wife have a houseful of six kids, five of whom are foster children they plan to adopt.

“We decided to foster just to help out, then fell in love with them,” Banda said.

Banda will compete in Diesel Equipment Technology at the SkillsUSA 2019 Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference on April 12-14 at TSTC in Waco.

“I was nervous when I first agreed because I hadn’t really had any mechanical training before TSTC. But, just in the couple semesters I’ve been here I feel much more confident,” Banda said.  “One of the Marine Corps’ mottos is to adapt and overcome, so I’ll use that.”

Banda is expected to graduate in spring 2020 and plans to build a positive reputation so he can open a shop of his own.

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

TSTC in Sweetwater Diesel Equipment Technology student, veteran and parent Roy Banda, will compete at SkillsUSA in April. 

Texas State Technical College Honored at State Capitol

(AUSTIN) – Lawmakers in both chambers of the 86th Texas Legislature honored Texas State Technical College today with resolutions declaring Feb. 27, 2019, as “TSTC Day at the Capitol.”

TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser noted that TSTC is different from all other colleges in Texas.

“TSTC is all tech, all the time,” he said. “At each of our campuses we try to focus on the program mix that the regional employers in that area are seeking most.”

Representing TSTC on each chamber’s dais alongside Reeser were Board of Regents Chairman John K. Hatchel and Electrical Power and Controls instructor Jonathan Bonkoske.

They were joined by TSTC students Iris De La Fuente, an Instrumentation student at the Waco campus, and Victoria Rincones, who is studying Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics in Harlingen.

Adam Hutchison, provost at TSTC in Waco, recognized the importance of the event to educate lawmakers on the value of TSTC to the state.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate who we are as a state agency here at the Texas Capitol, where all the business of the state gets done,” he said.

Cledia Hernandez, provost at TSTC in Harlingen, emphasized the importance of TSTC to the state’s economy.

“Having the opportunity for our students to come and share with our legislators what we are doing and the impact we have in the economic and workforce development in the state of Texas is tremendous,” she said.

The resolutions were sponsored in the House by Rep. Charles “Doc” Anderson, R-Waco, and in the Senate by Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury.

Sen. Birdwell described TSTC’s unique funding formula.

“It’s the only college system in the country that is funded solely on outcomes and performance,” he said. “TSTC doesn’t get paid until students get paid.”

Additionally, about 1,000 legislators and staffers were treated to Amy’s Ice Creams as a way to celebrate TSTC Day at the Capitol.

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Midway, Live Oak Students Win Top Prizes at Science and Engineering Fair at TSTC

(WACO) – A student from Midway High School and a team from a Waco private school were the top winners in the 63rd annual Central Texas Science and Engineering Fair held Tuesday and Wednesday at Texas State Technical College.

Midway High School junior Sophie Kearney, 17, along with Live Oak Classical School sophomores Caleb Chakmakjian, 16, and Wyatt Tyson, 16, are eligible to represent Central Texas in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in May in Phoenix. Remi Labeille, 16, a junior at Midway High School, was named an alternate.

Kearney participated in the regional science fair in seventh, eighth and ninth grades but skipped doing a sophomore project. This year, her project focused on making better prescriptions so antibiotics are more effective. The project combined her love of science and newly discovered interest in computer programming.

“I cried when I got back to my seat,” Kearney said. “I have looked up to Edward Kim (a former science fair winner and Midway High School graduate) and Remi (Labeille). Making first place is a crazy achievement to me.”

Krystle Moos, a chemistry teacher at Midway High School, advised Labeille and Kearney on their projects.

“They put a lot of hard work in their projects,” Moos said. “They are self-driven kids. They are figuring out problems we don’t even know we have and finding solutions for them.”

Chakmakjian was named a top winner for the second year in a row at the regional science fair. He and Labeille, the event’s other top winner in 2018, represented Central Texas at last year’s International Science and Engineering Fair in Pittsburgh.

And, Labeille had a small part in Chakmakjian and Tyson’s project.

“We went through three project ideas,” Chakmakjian said. “Remi gave us the idea to study a hybrid rocket engine. It’s an honor to be part of the science community. I’m really glad Wyatt gets to experience this.”

Tyson said he looked forward to more work with Chakmakjian.

“I thought it was a good project,” Tyson said. “There is room for improvement. The other projects here were really good.”

There were more than 100 projects from area public, private and home schools. Some of the topics the middle and high school students studied include alternative energy, acoustics, caterpillars, essential oils, fidget spinners and robotics.

The first-, second- and third-place winners in each junior and senior division are eligible for the Texas Science and Engineering Fair in March in College Station.

A team from Tennyson Middle School won the Junior Science Bowl held Tuesday at TSTC’s IDEAS Center.

For more information on the Central Texas Science and Engineering Fair, go to ctsef.org.

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


TSTC Diesel Equipment Technology Grads in Demand

(WACO) – As a child, Beau Babineau of Creedmoor enjoyed flipping cars. In high school, he worked as a mechanic and knew he wanted to work with diesel equipment after his dad bought a diesel truck.

“I’ve learned more in two semesters than I had in most of high school,” said Babineau, a Diesel Equipment Technology student at Texas State Technical College.

Job prospects are booming for students studying to become diesel technicians.

“Industry pretty much comes here,” said David Folz, lead instructor for the Diesel Equipment Technology program at TSTC. “They are constantly calling us.”

The program has developed several partnerships with industry leaders such as RDO Equipment Co. and Freightliner. Many of these companies send representatives to TSTC to talk to students about the field.

“We had a job fair and got to talk to a lot of really good people,” said Robert Landry of Cypress. “We’ve got our foot in the door all over the place.”

Landry is excited for the opportunities in the technician field.

“The industry is growing big time,” Landry said. “So there is definitely job security.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas employs the most bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the country with more than 27,400 workers.

Durham School Services provides transportation for schools across the United States. The company is frequently looking for qualified technicians to hire.

“It is very difficult to find good mechanics,” said Enrique Rangel, lead technician for Durham School Services in Waco. “Experience is something I look for.”

Rangel says experience makes candidates stand out more during the hiring process.

“We’ll base it [hiring] on experience,” Rangel said. “What have they done and where can we develop them to become better mechanics?”

Diesel Equipment Technology students at TSTC get a combination of classroom and hands-on learning.

“They prepare us pretty dang good and they’ve got a lot of engines for us to work on,” said Babineau. “The instructors really seem to care about the stuff we’re learning. We have a lot of hands-on work and it’s pretty fast-paced.”

Babineau is excited for the future and for the rest of his time at TSTC.

“Coming out of a school and having two associate degrees, I think I’ll be moving up quickly through the field,” Babineau said. “A lot of people don’t get that opportunity.”

TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program offers students certificates and associate degrees with specialties. In addition to Waco, the program is offered on the Fort Bend County, Marshall, North Texas and Sweetwater campuses.

For more information about Texas State Technical College, visit tstc.edu.

 

TSTC Alumni Visit BCT Students

(WACO) – Texas State Technical College’s Building Construction Technology students recently learned about their career field from five graduates now working at Galaxy Builders Ltd. in San Antonio.

Ramiro Contreras, Joel Doss, Ryan Hutton, Zach McLeskey and Courtney Seelhorst work at the company and told students how their TSTC studies helped them succeed in their careers. The alumni also offered employment advice.

“There were things I learned in the classroom that I didn’t understand at first,” said Seelhorst, an assistant project manager at the company. “But then the links between the classroom and the field come together and it all makes sense.”

Each alumnus spoke individually and then answered questions at the end of their presentations. Students were encouraged to stay later and speak with them.

“Galaxy is a great company and this is a great school,” said Hutton,a junior assistant superintendent at the company. “It’s changed my life.”

Galaxy Builders often sends representatives to TSTC to attend job fairs and speak with students.

“It gives them real life experience,” said John Russell, an instructor in TSTC’s Building Construction Technology program. “Here’s what these guys have done with their lives. It shows students if they put forth the effort, they can be successful too. This company is big on our students and has high regards for them.”

TSTC Building Construction Technology major Luis Diaz, 20, of Georgetown was impressed with what he heard from the group.

“They can relate to us,” he said. “They told us how important it is to show up on time and pay attention in class. I really liked their culture. They take care of their employees.”

For more information about Texas State Technical College, visit tstc.edu.


TSTC Students Able to Find Internships and Job Opportunities in Diesel Equipment Technology

(MARSHALL) – Supervisors at the Sabine Mining Co. in Hallsville see little turnover in its mobile equipment department.

The more than 40 employees, some being graduates of Texas State Technical College, work on bulldozers, forklifts, hydraulic cranes and other heavy equipment for mining operations. The company currently has one full-time diesel equipment mechanic opening.

Matt Hampton, the company’s mobile equipment department maintenance manager, said finding the right employees is a challenge. Hampton said the company looks for employees through online job sites and career fairs. He said the two biggest qualities sought in job candidates are aptitude and attitude.

Hampton said the company uses TSTC Diesel Equipment Technology students as paid interns, and many are hired after graduation.

“We like having the interns around,” Hampton said. “It gives them a chance to do a year to two-year interview. If the timing is right and the person is right, we will hire them.”

The number of bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in East Texas is projected to grow to more than 1,000 up to 2026, according to the Texas Workforce Commission’s Labor Market and Career Information Department.

Hannah Luce, a campus coordinator for TSTC Career Services, said internships are important because students get work experience as they attend classes. And, she said companies are seeking TSTC’s graduates.

“Our Diesel Equipment Technology instructors know the importance of hands-on learning and expose the students to many different projects in the shop to help them be prepared when they graduate,” Luce said.

Some of the projects students work on come from residents who own diesel equipment. Michael Sanders, a TSTC Diesel Equipment Technology instructor, said the labor is free to residents but they have to purchase needed parts. And, they need to be patient.

“They cannot rush us because we teach as we are doing the job,” Sanders said.

Sanders said the experiences the students have can take them wherever they want to work.

“It is up to the student if they want to do well and it is hard on them, but that is the way life is nowadays,” he said. “Most of our students that graduate go into the mechanic profession. I have them working in Midland. I have had some in Kilgore. I have some working in Longview. We do a lot of interning with companies out there.”

TSTC in Marshall’s Diesel Equipment Technology program has more than 60 students this semester studying for certificates or specialized associate degrees.

TSTC also offers Diesel Equipment Technology on the Fort Bend County, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco campuses.

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