Author Archives: Ben Barkley

Trying experience leads O’Byrne to TSTC Nursing program

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – The compassionate voice of a nurse led Blaine O’Byrne into the health care field.

O’Byrne is studying to become a licensed vocational nurse at Texas State Technical College and plans to become a registered nurse. For now, she is excited that she is able to complete clinical sessions while remembering why she wanted to become a nurse.

“I struggled with my pregnancies. But when God sent me our baby, I remembered all of the nurses who helped me during the pregnancy and delivery,” she said.

One nurse in particular stood out, according to O’Byrne. A nurse she met during a walk happened to be working on the day O’Byrne learned she would need an emergency cesarean section to deliver her first child.

“I was so scared because I was a first-time mom. She held my hand, telling me everything would be fine,” she said. “That just touched my heart. I knew then what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to be a person who would comfort my patients and help them through the tough situations.”

Helping others has come easy to O’Byrne.

“I consider myself a people person. I love hearing other people’s stories,” she said. “I wanted to be able to share God’s love through nursing.”

She is considering the obstetrics and gynecology field because of her own life experiences.

“I know there are a lot of young moms out there that will need help,” O’Byrne said.

The TSTC campus in Breckenridge is a perfect fit for O’Byrne. She said it is the midway point between her family and her husband’s family.

“I was looking at different nursing schools and knew it would be halfway between our families,” she said. “My husband got a job, and I started school.”

Stephens County is seeing an increase in the number of LVNs being hired. According to the Texas Board of Nursing, the county had 94 LVNs employed in 2017, and by 2020 that number had increased to 100.

“There is always a need for nurses, and I am happy to be part of the growing field here,” O’Byrne said.

She said the instructors show the same passion as nurses in the field.

“I love the school. I have a good relationship with all of my instructors,” she said. “The pace is fast, but I think that is a challenge. I always have something to do. I think that will make for better students and eventually better nurses.”

O’Byrne still remembers the nurse who visited her five years ago before her first child was born. They have become friends, and she was able to thank her for the career choice.

“I saw her during Christmas, and she was able to see my son. I told her I was going to start nursing school, and she cried,” O’Byrne said. “She means the world to me.”

During the month of March, TSTC wants to honor women in history and right on our campuses who work to make strides in STEM fields every day. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC student travels unique path to Paramedic program

(ABILENE, Texas) – Erik Duenes was asked a simple question while working in his hometown of Ozona.

“I was working in maintenance at a nursing home, and the director of the EMS (emergency medical services) asked me if I wanted to drive an ambulance,” said the Texas State Technical College student. “I knew it was a chance to make some extra money.”

What Duenes, who is studying to become a paramedic, did not expect was for a career to unfold.

“I took my first emergency medical technician class at the local service, and I was hooked. I went on to earn advanced EMT certification, and now I am studying to be a paramedic. I never thought I would fall in love with the medical field.”

Duenes said he is working to become a paramedic to support his wife and two children.

“I wanted to be able to provide for them. They are the fire that drives me to succeed,” he said.

In his first semester, Duenes has been impressed with the lab sessions and clinical work.

“Everything has been really good,” he said. “I knew becoming a paramedic would be more demanding. I understood that there would be more studying and work, and prepared myself for it.”

Duenes said his experience at TSTC has been more than he expected, especially during the Wednesday lab sessions.

“I did not realize we would have so much one-on-one time and be able to work with each other,” he said. “I knew there would be studying, but to come here on Wednesdays and execute what we have learned is the best part of the week.”

Duenes also likes learning from experienced instructors.

“They know how everything is supposed to be done. They want everyone to work together to succeed,” he said.

TSTC was the perfect choice for Duenes, and he hopes more people study Emergency Medical Services at the TSTC campuses in Abilene, Brownwood or Harlingen.

“My EMS director in Ozona graduated from TSTC. So I am kind of following in his footsteps,” he said. “I have told other EMTs I know that they need to come to TSTC and study.”

The state of Texas has more than 20,600 EMT-paramedics employed statewide, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Duenes wants to be part of that group.

“I am ready to get back out there and work with the new skills I am learning,” he said.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Wind Energy Technology instructor wants students to climb high

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Billie Jones takes pride in watching her students succeed, both in college and in the workforce.

The Texas State Technical College Wind Energy Technology instructor and statewide division chair works daily to make sure that students will be ready to work on day one.

“I want our students to have the best education and college experience they can. I want them to go to work and excel at what they do,” she said.

Jones, who has taught at TSTC since 2017, does not ask her students to do anything that she would not do herself.

“I love climbing the turbines with them, and I still do the workouts with our students,” she said. “I like to give the students a hard time when I beat them up the tower. I always look back at them and tell them they need to keep up.”

Jones’ teaching style is something that she learned from her father while growing up on a ranch.

“My dad always told me to prove to the boys how to do things right,” she said. “That is what I am showing our students.”

Student Rebecca Fortuna knows that having Jones as an instructor is helping her plan a career.

“She will get in there and help you with anything,” Fortuna said. “I have told girls that they need to talk to her if they are interested in the program.”

When Jones gets the chance, she enjoys talking to prospective students and their parents.

“I love doing the recruiting events and talking to students when they come on campus,” she said.

She also enjoys hearing from WInd Energy Technology program alumni who have been working in the field.

“I love it when our former students come back and talk to the class,” Jones said. “They can give them more of a perspective of what to expect in the field. Many of our former students tell the classes to work toward an associate degree because they know that is where the money is going to be.”

Jones and her fellow instructors work together to promote and improve the program.

“We want to give our students more of an advantage in the workforce. We want them to be the best for their company,” she said.

Jones hopes to continue improving the program in order to accomplish the ultimate goal.

“I want to make our wind program the best in the country and the world,” she said.

During the month of March, TSTC wants to honor women in history and right on our campuses who work to make strides in STEM fields every day. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Female TSTC Automotive Technology students building confidence

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Working on a car most of the week is building confidence in two women at Texas State Technical College.

Kelsey Rice, of Abilene, and Nianica Dorado, of Wichita Falls, had different reasons for studying Automotive Technology, but they have similar goals.

“I wanted to learn for myself all of the ins and outs of a car,” Rice said. “I did not want to take my car somewhere and they told me one thing was wrong and I knew it was something else.”

Dorado began the program after being injured in an automobile accident in 2019.

“It took six months to fix my car. I decided then I wanted to learn more about what to do if something happened,” she said.

Both students plan to complete their certification and enroll in TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program.

Rice said working with her classmates has helped her build confidence in herself.

“It is a good feeling, knowing you have done something right,” she said.

Dorado and Rice both like the hands-on approach that TSTC provides.

“I love the hands-on work we do. It offers a person great experience in the shop,” Dorado said.

They agreed that working in a male-dominated field is not a concern for them, but they acknowledged that there can be some disadvantages. Rice said loosening or tightening bolts has been challenging for her, but she is working to correct it.

“I have been working out a lot to increase my strength,” she said. “Some of the guys like to jump in on my work, but I tell them I have it, and they step back.”

Dorado said she has to overcome her height limitations when vehicles are on the rack.

“I know I am short, but I work hard to make sure I get the work done correctly,” she said.

Both students said they have one advantage over the men in the program.

“Sometimes the guys ask us for some help in those tiny spaces. It pays to have tiny hands in that situation,” Rice said.

The two students hope to continue working together.

“When I see Kelsey walking into the shop, it brightens up my day,” Dorado said. “We are showing people this is not just a man’s job.”

During the month of March, TSTC wants to honor women in history and right on our campuses who work to make strides in STEM fields every day. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Vess likes pace of TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Working on vehicles is not new to Snyder’s Kaden Vess.

Vess wanted to expand his knowledge by enrolling in Texas State Technical College’s Diesel Equipment Technology program. Now nearing the end of his first semester studying for a certificate, Vess has not been disappointed.

“I have learned a lot really quick,” Vess said. “Some of the work is hard at first. But I know once I study what to do, it will be easier for me to complete.”

Instructor Keith Aguirri said Vess is showing promise in his first semester.

“He has come a long way in a few weeks. He is showing a good work ethic,” he said.

One aspect of lab sessions that Vess appreciates is how instructors treat it like a job setting.

“They like to throw a curveball at you. I know if I am not right, I will be thinking about it to make sure it is done correctly,” he said.

Vess’ interest in engines comes naturally. His father was a mechanic, and his stepfather ran derby cars.

“I have worked on vehicles with my family for a long time,” he said. “I took a mechanics class in high school and decided I wanted to learn more options and make it a career.”

He chose the diesel profession because of its flexibility.

“Anywhere you go, there is going to be a diesel,” he said.

Vess was drawn to the TSTC program because of its recognition.

“I knew TSTC had a good diesel program, and I read several good reviews,” he said. “The reviews showed me that it would set me up for a good-paying job. TSTC’s program has good name representation in our area.”

Vess said there is an added bonus that he did not know about before enrolling in the program.

“TSTC is going to help prepare me for my job with interview skills and resume writing,” he said.

When he is not in class or studying, Vess likes to show his father the different things he has learned during his first semester.

“I talk to my dad every day. My dad likes to learn things from me now, and that is great,” he said. 

 For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Welding Technology student eyes oil fields

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – James Martin, of Mason, has always liked to work with his hands.

After four years of welding classes in high school, Martin is furthering his education in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program. He is planning to obtain a certificate of completion in order to work in the West Texas oil fields.

“I have always liked the feeling of working with my hands,” he said. “I like to do that more than sitting at a desk.”

Martin said studying welding at TSTC is easier than his high school welding classes were.

“It is easier because of the amount of time you can spend on a project. We also get more one-on-one time with our instructors,” he said. “It is easier to learn when you can talk to the instructors about what you are doing right and wrong.”

Instructor Taylor Elston said Martin is a hardworking student.

“He completes most of his projects first and takes a lot of pride in his work,” he said. “He will probably be one of the first students to complete all of his projects this semester and will do them well.”

The reason that Martin chose to attend TSTC was simple.

“I knew how TSTC was known to produce good welders. I wanted to learn to be the best I can,” he said.

One portion of the program that Martin enjoys the most is working in the lab, but he also said it is the most difficult.

“We have to get used to the moment that we are doing our profession all day. That is the way our labs are set up,” he said.

He also likes working with his classmates.

“We are very comfortable in class. We are respectful of each other’s work and want to make sure we succeed,” he said. “While it is like a work environment, it is easygoing for all of us.”

Martin also appreciates TSTC’s pledge to help graduates with job searches.

“That is a very good thing, and I am looking forward to working with the staff in helping me find my career,” he said.

Martin said he plans to buy his own welding equipment, knowing that TSTC will prepare him for work. He tells his friends about his experience anytime he can.

“I let people know what a great opportunity they can have by studying at TSTC,” he said.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Nursing student follows childhood dream

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Jadin Casto’s interest in nursing was sparked when she was a child.

The Texas State Technical College Nursing student personally saw how nurses helped her injured sister recover. She also observed family members who were nurses, and it became her dream to make nursing a career.

“My aunts and my mom were nurses, so I have always been interested in the field,” she said.

Casto enrolled in TSTC’s Nursing program in Breckenridge to become a licensed vocational nurse.

“TSTC has some great instructors and a really good support system,” she said. “Everyone at the campus goes above and beyond to help us.”

Casto said Breckenridge’s program is a “hidden treasure” in Texas, and she hopes more people will take advantage of the opportunity.

“The staff is one of the best you could ask for,” she said. “They want to make sure we have everything available to be successful.”

Instructor Jenny Wingate is seeing Casto grow into the profession.

“Even though she is in the beginning stages of the program, she is already growing her professional nursing skills in both the classroom and clinical setting,” Wingate said.

Wingate also noted Casto’s admirable work ethic and willingness to help others.

“She recently gave back to her community by participating in a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Breckenridge, serving a large number of patients,” she said. “Her hard work and dedication to serving others are just a few top qualities that ensure her future success as a nurse.”

Casto said Wingate helps her with any situation.

“She goes above and beyond by spending time making sure we are told the best way to do things,” she said. “All of the instructors show us what we could be doing, and that helps build my confidence. The teaching styles they all possess motivate me to work hard.”

Casto said the fast pace of the program is sometimes challenging, but with constant communication, students can succeed.

“If we do have a question, the instructors make sure to take the time to answer it. All they want is for all of us to succeed,” she said.

During the month of March, TSTC wants to honor women in history and right on our campus who work to make strides in STEM fields every day. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC opened design doors for Rockwell

(WACO, Texas) – An associate degree from Texas State Technical College has opened many doors for Mark Rockwell.

Rockwell graduated in 2007 with a degree in Advertising Design, now Visual Communication Technology, and since then has overseen designs for a professional athlete, a celebrity chef, and a company featured on “Shark Tank.”

“I was a kid looking for guidance when I was thinking about my future. Now I am living in Boston, where they take their higher education seriously,” Rockwell said. “I have a two-year degree, and TSTC set me up for all the success I have had over the years.”

Rockwell’s journey did not start immediately after high school. He admitted he was not sure what he wanted to do with his life. But a trip to TSTC’s Waco campus with a friend led him to instructor Michael Lewis.

“I peeked into the multimedia building and saw a few classes. I really liked what they were doing, so I decided to enroll,” he said.

Rockwell started with very little design experience but enjoyed Lewis’ teaching style, and they quickly connected.

“Mr. Lewis could identify students who were serious about the class. He would spend more time and attention on them to help foster their development,” Rockwell said. “I was able to form a bond with Mr. Lewis that I still appreciate today.”

Lewis saw potential in Rockwell, calling him one of his most promising graduates.

“I always expected him to achieve a lot of success in our industry because of his passion for design and his high level of skill sets developed while in our program,” Lewis said. “He demonstrated strong leadership skills through the graphic design club student organization. He displayed innovative and creative design skills in his coursework and participation in state and national competitions.”

Rockwell has designed work for former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman and Food Network host Guy Fieri.

“People tell me that I graduated from TSTC and designed stuff for Guy Fieri. They say that is really cool,” Rockwell said. “For me, designing things for them was a huge source of pride.”

After working with Edelman’s company, Rockwell was approached by Fieri’s manager.

“I was asked to work with his manager and Guy’s ideas to try to flesh them out. I was able to add what I thought was best for his brand as well,” Rockwell said.

Today Rockwell is helping with efforts to promote the Rocketbook Smart Notebook. The product was featured in a 2017 episode of “Shark Tank” but did not receive an offer.

“I am working to help Rocketbook get to the next step of their growth,” Rockwell said. “I also manage a few other aspects of the company’s creative work.”

Lewis is not surprised at Rockwell’s success.

“It comes as no surprise to me that he would excel professionally,” Lewis said. “Along with that, Mr. Rockwell has been a very hardworking, cooperative and caring person who is able to work with anyone.”

Rockwell said his time at TSTC provided him with a career that has led to work he did not dream of while in high school.

“TSTC prepared me for each project I have worked on. The skills I developed at TSTC gave me the drive to get my clients,” he said.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Fallbeck uses knowledge learned at TSTC at new job

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College graduate Anthony Fallbeck is now giving computer advice.

Fallbeck, who received an associate degree in Computer Networking and Systems Administration in 2020, recently started working in the information technology department at Hendrick Health System in Abilene.

“I have learned a lot in the few days I have been here. I learned that not everyone knows how to work a computer,” he said. “The best advice I give people is to always ask questions. You are not going to figure everything out on your own.”

Fallbeck plans to use the teaching style of TSTC instructor Leo Chavez while helping Hendrick employees.

“Leo would always push us in the right direction. He would not give us the answer but would make us search for it,” he said. “He would also give us hints to find the answers.”

Chavez said Fallbeck will be a valuable addition to the Hendrick staff.

“If he doesn’t know something or just needs a nudge in the right direction, you can be sure that he’ll work at learning whatever it is until he understands it fully,” Chavez said. “This is the trait he’s used most to get through his classes, and it’ll be the trait he uses to be even more successful in the future.”

Fallbeck said he was looking for a career change when he chose to go back to school. He decided to leave his job with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison system and applied to TSTC.

“Honestly, I was looking for a new career field. I had piddled on computers all of my life,” he said. “I would work to see how they worked and decided to earn a degree in the field.”

Fallbeck has been one of the program’s biggest promoters since he graduated.

“I tell people anytime I can that TSTC is the place to be,” he said. “If you want to learn to work on computers, I tell people to check out the course.”

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Students adjust to new way of dorm life

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – For many students at Texas State Technical College, the adjustment to campus living has taken on an additional aspect with COVID-19 safety measures.

Living in the Sweetwater dorms with the protocols in place is not what students wanted to experience, but they are making the most of what is available.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, students could make their way to the Student Center and enjoy a meal, workout or basketball game. With the gym area closed, students have become more resourceful with their time away from class.

“I was an athlete in high school before an injury in football,” said Tanner Tankersley, of Rotan, who is also a resident assistant in the dorms. “I had put on a little weight, but I knew the Student Center would not be open. It was not a big deal for me because I learned to do other things.”

Tankersley said if he is not in his Automotive Technology classes, he spends time in his room watching videos or television, playing games or doing homework.

He said being isolated is nothing new for him, but he hopes the protocols in place are eventually lifted.

“This is not how I expected my college life to be, but it is not that big of an issue,” he said. “There is another RA that I talk to, and we hang out and observe social distancing. The way we are having to communicate with people is different.”

Fellow RA Ricardo Pacheco, a student in the Electromechanical Technology program, said the housing department has been helpful to students.

“They are doing the best they can to provide all of us with a better college experience,” he said. “It could be worse, but they are allowing us to do some stuff, like get together and visit.”

Pacheco said students living in the dorm are following all safety protocols.

“I have noticed a lot more people around campus wearing masks, even when they are alone,” he said.

The one question Pacheco hears the most is when the gym is going to open.

“Until it does, we all find different ways to work out,” he said. 

Housing director Jose Navarrette said safety is the most important thing he stresses to students.

“Safety is the key for us,” he said. “We want students to know that we have things in place for their safety and the safety of everyone on campus.”

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