Author Archives: Daniel Perry

Physics Courses at TSTC Invite Exploration and Curiosity

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking all had one thing in common: their love for physics. 

Two Texas State Technical College instructors enjoy exploring the complexities that physics has to offer while passing them along to TSTC students.

 Physics department chair Jose Alvarez began working at TSTC in 2011 and initially planned on teaching courses in algebra. Ultimately, physics got the best of him and now he thoroughly enjoys teaching the courses.

 “I’m having a ball,” he said.

 Alvarez has worked in several places around the world, including Brazil and Mexico City, which he credits for adding to his passions as an educator.

 “I think those experiences have definitely made me a better instructor,” he said.

 Jaime Romo joined TSTC as an adjunct physics instructor last year, and he is eager to bring his admiration for the subject to his students.

 “My interests were always in problem-solving,” he said when asked about his particular liking for physical sciences. “Physics is the foundation of this; it encapsulates all sciences into one field.”

 Romo mentioned that taking this course is beneficial for anyone who wonders how an everyday object works.

 “We showcase a lot of different examples and experiments that allow students to understand basic concepts,” he said. “At TSTC, we do a good job in terms of giving a glimpse of problem-solving and thinking outside the box that will propel your sense of curiosity.”

 Alvarez added that these are aspects he utilizes when he is in the classroom.

 “I teach the principles of physics that have been around for a long time,” he explained. “Curiosity is the keyword of this entire subject. Once students learn the explanation behind something, they have their aha! moment and everything starts to make sense.”

While there are several programs at TSTC that do require a physics course, Alvarez said that any student with an interest in the subject is welcome to take a physics class.

“Absolutely, take a course,” he explained. “I have had students with an interest in engineering, computer science, education and so many other areas take my classes. If you want to take the course as an elective, take it.”

 Both instructors assure students that if they have a sense of wonder about the world, then taking a physics course will keep things interesting.

 “If you are just a bit curious about physics, you’ll enjoy a course,” said Romo. “Physics uses math as a language to propel you toward understanding nature. I would definitely suggest taking the course just to see what it is all about.”

 “You need curiosity,” added Alvarez. “You need to want to understand why things work the way they do. If you’re interested in that, it’s a lot of fun.”

 To learn more about courses offered at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

 

 

TSTC Surgical Technology Program Prepares Students for Life-Changing Career

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The ever-growing medical field is more vital than it has ever been. Health care workers are an essential part of our well-being, and the Surgical Technology program at Texas State Technical College not only boasts a high completion rate, but it is also a very hands-on academic journey that prepares students for a career in this crucial field.

Senior instructor Anna San Pedro, a 22-year veteran of the program, discussed her experiences at the forefront of surgical technology at TSTC and the impact that students who complete the program have on their communities.

 “I graduated back in 1995,” she said. “I worked at Valley Baptist Medical Center for a few years right after that.”

 After learning of an opportunity to become a lab assistant, San Pedro joined the TSTC team in 1998 and has been working at the college ever since. 

 “Just recently Mr. (Robert) Sanchez retired after 39 years as program director,” she said. “I took over the program last year. It’s very exciting. I’ve got big shoes to fill!”

 The 2019 graduating class had a program completion rate of 83 percent, which is above the national average, an attribute that San Pedro credits to the leadership of the program.

 “The curriculum that Mr. Sanchez put together, and all the work he put into setting up the affiliations with the surrounding facilities, is part of why we have seen such high success rates,” San Pedro reiterated. “We have affiliations from Brownsville to Mission, which have also given us high success rates with regard to placing our students.”

 The program, which is six semesters long, offers an intricately hands-on approach to learning.

 “It is highly intensive clinically, and they’re learning on the job,” San Pedro added. “Our students are getting hands-on training at these facilities. What sets us apart are our strong affiliations and the fact that our students are receiving such a diversified clinical training before they complete the program.”

 TSTC’s Surgical Technology department is dedicated to student success so much so that students have the opportunity to tour an operating room before they make their final decision to begin their academic journey.

 “We give them a local tour so that they have the chance to see what the operating room is about,” San Pedro said. “It’s about two hours long, and we do the tours because we want to give them as best an inside view into their potential career as we can. We want them to make the best decisions for themselves about the program.”

 While getting into the program is competitive, San Pedro said that students not only grow academically through their coursework, but they also grow as medical professionals.

 “I enjoy seeing that evolution take place,” she said. “Seeing students come in with no understanding of the operating room and then seeing them begin to get to know the industry is really inspiring. It’s a huge step with regard to their professional growth.”

 Despite the challenges that come with any academic feat, and the rigorous coursework that comes with the medical territory, San Pedro stated that the rewarding aspect of being the helping hand for another person is part of what makes the profession worth it.

 “You get to help somebody,” she said. “That’s the most rewarding thing. You can actually change the life of an individual.”

 To learn more about TSTC’s Surgical Technology program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/SurgicalTechnology.

 

 

The Sky’s The Limit for TSTC Aviation Maintenance Graduate

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Ely Monalisa Cortina is ready to bring girl power to the male-dominated field of aviation. The Brownsville native knew that Texas State Technical College was the right college for her after a tour in high school introduced her to aviation maintenance, and it was in that moment that she fell in love with the complexities of an aircraft.

 Cortina graduated from TSTC in December 2019 with associate degrees in Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology.

The 21-year-old is not only well-equipped for her new career intellectually, but she also has the determination needed to help her take flight.

 “There is nothing that can stop that girl,” said aviation maintenance instructor Leo Guajardo. “There is nothing that will get in her way to achieve what she wants, and I was so glad to have her in my class.”

 Cortina discussed her time at TSTC, her new career, and even offered some words of advice for potential students who may walk in her footsteps.

Why did you decide to study aviation maintenance? 

I decided on the aviation maintenance program because I’ve always found myself to be attracted to mechanical work. I’ve always enjoyed taking an object apart, learning how it functions and then putting it back together. Plus, who doesn’t think an aircraft is cool?

What motivated you to choose TSTC? 

During my senior year of high school, I was able to take a tour of the campus and the programs offered. The aviation maintenance program caught my attention as soon as I walked into the hangar. I knew at that moment TSTC was the right school for me.

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

The person who influenced me the most would be my instructor Leo Guajardo. As a female entering a male-dominant field, he reassured me that my success is possible and there are no limitations as to how far I will go in this career. He is a well-rounded instructor who doesn’t mind taking the extra time to help a student understand a subject they are having trouble with, both in the book and hands-on work.

Talk a little bit about your new role. 

My new role will be at the Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio.  It will include engine work and structural work on the Beechcraft T-6 aircraft they use to train military personnel.

How has TSTC prepared you for this career? 

TSTC has prepared me by challenging my critical-thinking skills. I enjoyed how the college provided us with different types of aircraft and engines to prepare us for the real world as much as possible.

Do you have a favorite memory at TSTC? 

I have many favorite memories. Although one that has always stood out was when I was taught how to start a Cessna 175 aircraft during one of our class lectures. Hearing any aircraft always rekindles my love of aviation.

Do you have any advice for future TSTC students? 

My advice would be to push through all the difficult days you will come by. Never lose sight of the finish line; you will be happy with the person you will become. All the knowledge and experience you will acquire will guarantee your success in whatever company you choose to work for.

To learn more about Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Alumnus Designs Career in Central Texas

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Luiz Ramirez of Boerne is motivated by providing for his family and seeing what he has helped create come to life.

Ramirez, a graduate of Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, is a computer-aided design (CAD) technician at Matkin Hoover Engineering in Boerne. He said his job is fast-paced and involves a majority of work being done at his office, with occasional site visits led by the firm’s engineers.

“The company specializes in many aspects of civil engineering,” he said. “We touch on residential and commercial development, federal work, and we work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with municipal, oil and gas, and transportation projects. I work on several projects at a time.”

Ramirez’s advice for pursuing a degree like his is simple: Go for it.

“The field is in need of CAD technicians and designers,” he said. “Not only is this something you can do as a career, but it is a stepping stone if you want to go into engineering.”

Ramirez grew up in Harlingen and is a graduate of Harlingen High School South. 

“I went to work after graduation,” he said. “I didn’t have much of a plan right out of high school. I started working and ended up having a family. A couple of years after raising a child, I realized I had to go back to school.”

Ramirez enrolled in 2015 at TSTC and began as an engineering major before switching to Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology, in which he earned an associate degree.

“I knew it was something I would enjoy and something easy to excel in,” he said.

Ramirez said Mark Rosas, an instructor in the program, was a mentor who guided him in every step of college.

“I am very happy to see how far Luiz has come, given the short time period he has been in the industry,” Rosas said. “It proves how hard he has worked, and his ability to progress and strive for his goals. Luiz had to overcome many roadblocks throughout his time here with us. However, he was still able to overcome and surpass expectations as he made his way through the program.”

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

TSTC Student Builds on Work Ethic in Welding

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Dakota Smith of Gladewater learned early on the importance of a good work ethic, especially in a welding booth.

“Once I have something to do, that’s all I focus on until it is completed, and I do it to the best of my abilities,” she said.

Smith is scheduled to receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology this spring from Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus. She already has a structural welding certificate from TSTC’s Marshall campus.

“I was the only girl in my Certificate 1 class for welding,” she said. “I went above and beyond in a class of guys.”

Smith said TSTC Welding Technology instructors Rusty Hutcherson, Philip Miller and Patrick Reed, all of whom teach at the Marshall campus, are the best at what they do.

“She was probably the best student I have had, as far as the bookwork  goes, and one of the best welders too,” Miller said. “She once got every online objective — quizzes and tests — done for every class during the first week of classes.”

At first, Smith’s father did not like the idea of her becoming a welder. 

“I loved working outside with my dad growing up, and that (welding) was the one thing he never wanted me to do,” she said. “I am great at it, and he is very proud of me.”

Smith is a graduate of Gladewater High School. After graduation, she started as a nursing major at another college before changing her career path and making the switch to TSTC. 

“I picked TSTC because it is the best of the best in technical schools,” Smith said.

After finishing her associate degree, Smith wants to do welding or underwater welding as a member of the U.S. Navy.

“After being in at least four years, my plan is to go back to TSTC’s Marshall campus and get my structural and pipe welding certificate and work for Eastman Chemical Co. in Longview,” she said.

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

TSTC Program Loans Ventilators to Waco Hospital

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Biomedical Equipment Technology program has loaned ventilators to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest in Waco to use, if needed, during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Terry Whitworth, a program instructor, said the Puritan Bennett 840 ventilators that students use in classes are the same kind used by hospital staff. Whitworth facilitated the loan, having worked at the hospital for several years before coming to TSTC.

The ventilators are being adapted for patient use with preventive maintenance kits, Whitworth said. He said ventilators typically require this after every 10,000 hours of use.

Mark Plough, TSTC’s statewide chair of the Biomedical Equipment Technology department, said this is the first time he remembers the program loaning equipment for medical use.

“It was just natural for us to say, ‘Sure, we are willing to help out,’” he said. “That is what biomedical equipment technicians do. When confronted with a problem, they jump in to solve it.”

Plough said the equipment loan signifies the willingness of TSTC and the hospital to work together for the greater good. He said other TSTC faculty have formerly worked at the Waco hospital, and some of the program’s alumni are employed at the health care provider’s facilities in central Texas.

Students taking Physiological Instruments II during the program’s fourth semester use ventilators, along with other respiratory and anesthesia equipment, as part of their training.  

“It shows the students the type of equipment they will see in a hospital environment,” Whitworth said.

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

TSTC Employees in Marshall Recognized With Statewide Award

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Three employees at Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus have been honored for their work and skills.

Angela Bross, Carol O’Reilly and Josh Stampley have received TSTC’s Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

“Josh is not just a top-notch instructor, but the backbone of Marshall’s SkillsUSA efforts,” said Bart Day, provost of TSTC’s Marshall campus. “Carol does so much of the behind-the-scenes heavy lifting. She possesses an absolute wealth of knowledge and epitomizes our core values every day. Angela’s approachability and genuine nature make such a difference for our students.”

The Chancellor’s Excellence Award began in 2001 and has been given to more than 300 TSTC employees statewide. Recipients are nominated by their peers for their work toward advancing the technical college’s mission.

“The teammates who win this award model excellence for us all and are recognized for both their sound character and for advancing TSTC’s mission,” said TSTC Chancellor & CEO Mike Reeser. “Due to their caring and dedicated efforts, TSTC continues to make a difference in the employment success of our students.” 

Bross lives in Avinger and began working at TSTC in April 2019 as the campus counselor.

“My motivation for my work is the students,” she said. “For me, it’s all about the students. I am also fortunate to have a wonderful team of people that I work with that continue to motivate me daily.”

Bross said she was surprised by her recognition.

“I feel so honored and privileged to be working with the staff and faculty not only on the Marshall campus, but with those I have the good fortune to work with.”

O’Reilly lives in Linden and is a campus senior administrative assistant. She has worked at TSTC for more than six years.

“I support up to 13 programs within Student Learning, as well as many faculty and staff on the Marshall campus, including a statewide department chair and associate provost,” O’Reilly said.

O’Reilly said she was happy to be nominated for the award by her co-workers.

Stampley lives in Marshall and has taught in the Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology program for more than three years. He said he enjoys teaching because he gets to experience students craving the knowledge their instructors have.

He said he is thankful and appreciative for the recognition.

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

TSTC Alumnus Builds Career in Brownsville

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Joshua Robles enjoys challenging himself as much as possible in his career and life.

“When it comes to work, I am highly motivated in construction because it allows me to be part of something that I can always look back on,” he said. “I feel as if I am leaving a mark by being part of its growth.”

Robles was raised in Brownsville and still calls the city home. He graduated in 2019 from Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Building Construction Technology.

Robles worked part-time at Origoworks in Brownsville before graduation and then worked his way up to become a project superintendent.

“A typical day usually consists of arriving at the job site about 7 a.m.,” he said. “I begin the walk-around of my site to make sure everything is in order to begin the day.”

Robles consults with subcontractors to make sure they have their materials for the day. He also reviews construction drawings to ensure the project is being built as it should and deals with site issues as they come up.

Construction superintendents are classified as first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers by www.onetonline.org, which predicts 79,400 new jobs will be created nationwide by 2028.

Texas had more than 75,000 first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction earning an annual mean wage of $68,900 in May 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“The Valley is constantly growing, so with that being said, there is always room for more workers,” he said. “I have had the privilege of working with many workers, and I have learned that the Valley is home to some of the hardest workers.”

Robles is a graduate of Homer Hanna High School in Brownsville.

He chose to attend TSTC because he has worked in the past in the construction industry.

“Due to this experience, it made me want to pursue an education in construction to learn about the career in a more formal and technical way,” he said.

Rick Vargas, an instructor in TSTC’s Building Construction Technology program in Harlingen, said Robles was always dedicated and focused in his classes.

“He understood the importance of the skills he was learning and how much it would help him in the future,” Vargas said. “I knew he was management material from the start. It was great seeing him coming into the program and learning so much for two years, and using his own experience to earn a job and come back saying that it was worth every sacrifice to be where he is now.”

Robles said people who choose to major in TSTC’s Building Construction Technology program will have made a great decision.

“It is an excellent program that allowed me to take things I was taught right into the field,” he said. “It is a hands-on program that allowed me to feel as if I was in the actual work setting, so you know what type of career is ahead of you. The instructors became amazing mentors for me and never failed me in guiding me throughout my education process.”

Robles’ goals are to learn as much as he can about the construction industry and go back to college to further his education.

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

TSTC Employees in Williamson County Recognized With Statewide Award

(HUTTO, Texas) – Two employees at Texas State Technical College’s Williamson County campus have been honored for their work and skills.

Nelson Adams, an instructor in the Culinary Arts program, and Chemese Armstrong, a campus enrollment executive, have received the TSTC Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

The Chancellor’s Excellence Award began in 2001 and has been given to more than 300 TSTC employees statewide. Recipients are nominated by their peers for their work toward advancing the college’s mission.

“The teammates who win this award model excellence for us all and are recognized for both their sound character and for advancing TSTC’s mission,” said TSTC Chancellor & CEO Mike Reeser. “Due to their caring and dedicated efforts, TSTC continues to make a difference in the employment success of our students.”

Adams lives in Walburg and began work in 2018 at TSTC.

“I have the great fortune of working with our students on a daily basis in the classroom,” he said. “My day revolves around not only what they are learning and how it is applied in the workplace, but showing our students all of the different facets of making a living in the culinary industry.”

Adams said he enjoys working at TSTC because of its dedication in placing students in high-paying jobs in Texas, and the experiences the faculty and staff share regarding instruction and pedagogy.

“Knowing that my work is recognized by my peers, that I am valued as a contributor and that they hold me in the same esteem that I hold all of them is a humbling experience, to say the least,” he said.

Lissa Adams, associate provost at TSTC’s Williamson County campus, said Adams holds himself and those around him to a high standard of excellence.

“He is a constant beacon of hope, support and encouragement,” she said. “Nelson’s positive, passionate, can-do attitude, integrity and focus on student success are contagious, and we are fortunate to have him as part of the TSTC team.”

Armstrong resides in Hutto and has worked for 11 years at TSTC. She enjoys her job because she can watch how TSTC changes students’ lives. Armstrong said she is honored to receive the recognition.

“Chemese is a pillar of our TSTC community,” said Lissa Adams. “She exemplifies our core values of excellence, integrity, accountability and service in all that she does. Chemese is a fierce advocate for every student and is widely respected for her compassion, dedication and consistent servant-leadership.”

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

TSTC Counselors Take Their Work Online

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s counselors are embracing telecounseling to help students through the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

TSTC counselors Courtney Moltzer, Colby Walters and Shanta Williams began video conferencing earlier this month to keep in touch with students they would normally see in-person on campus. All the counselors and students need is a secure internet connection and a smartphone, iPad or laptop to communicate.

Walters said the key for students is to find a place where they feel comfortable talking to the counselors during sessions. She said the biggest concern for her students is anxiety.

“Right now, it is grounding them and keeping them in the here and now,” she said.

Williams is using telecounseling for the first time to talk to her students.

“So far, it’s been good,” she said. “I have had a few keep their regular weekly appointments and have emailed to some of them with resources.”

Williams said her students have expressed concerns about their classes. During discussions, she has emphasized self-care and social distancing.

Students in need of counseling must contact TSTC’s counselors before being scheduled for visits, Moltzer said.

“We can never turn a student away,” she said.

The American Psychological Association supports telepsychology, with guidelines covering privacy and HIPAA compliance.

Walters said the current health situation could signal a change in how the counselors do their work in the future, and video could be a part of it.

For more information on Texas State Technical College’s counseling services, go to tstc.edu/student_life/counseling2.