Author Archives: Ben Barkley

TSTC Diesel Equipment Technology student working toward career

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Andres Garza, of Ballinger, knows the key to finding a good-paying job is working on his education.

Garza began his second semester in Texas State Technical College’s Diesel Equipment Technology program with a goal of graduating and getting a job. He knows it will take time to earn his degree, but he is enjoying his time in the lab.

“I learned a lot about how the truck works,” Garza said of his first semester in the program. “I am looking forward to what will come this semester.”

During the first week of the spring semester, Garza and other students were working on a diesel transmission system.

“Right now, it is a bit challenging learning about the transmission,” he said. “I know that by doing the work during the lab sessions I will be able to master working on the engine.”

One of the reasons Garza enjoys the lab sessions is that it is easier for him to pick up what is being taught. Garza said he suffers from dyslexia and struggles with the online portion of the class. He said the instructors have helped him navigate the course.

“I like the hands-on work we do. It is fast-paced and easier for me to pick up,” he said. “Once I learn something, it sticks in my head and I can do it.”

Garza said attending TSTC was always a goal for him. Before enrolling, he wanted to work toward a commercial driver’s license, which would take two years to complete.

“I decided if it was going to take me two years to get my CDL, I might as well go to school and learn even more,” he said. “I have not had one regret making that decision.”

The love for diesel trucks came naturally for Garza. Some members of his family have driven trucks and have mechanic backgrounds.

“Over time, I started to enjoy working on vehicles. I told myself I should work on the bigger trucks,” he said. “I knew I would be able to make more money that way.”

Instructor Lane White said students can expect well-paying jobs after graduation.

“Once the pandemic is under control, more companies are going to be hiring people,” he said. “We are here to help our students get ready for work. Because no matter what the economy looks like, trucks are going to be rolling on the roads.”  

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Veterans work toward second career at TSTC

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Texas State Technical College has a goal of helping military veterans transition into the workforce.

Two such veterans are completing their final semester in TSTC’s Wind Energy Technology program this semester and are ready to get into the field.

U.S. Navy veteran Curtis Kelley, of Austin, worked as an electrician while serving our country and is working toward an associate degree. He found TSTC’s program while searching online for colleges with wind energy programs.

“I was looking at different trade schools and came across TSTC, and it hit me to look at it even more,” he said. “I have really enjoyed the program, and I am really excited to be back in the lab.”

Kelley said veterans should look into the programs at TSTC.

“TSTC is a great school if veterans are looking to follow a similar path they had in the service,” he said. “If it is not something you may not know about, TSTC has programs worth looking at.”

While Kelley has not put out job feelers at this time, he knows the instructors are the best contacts to have.

“They know this industry and will help us when the time comes to find a job,” he said.

U.S. Air Force veteran Lawrence Bowman said he always had an interest in how wind turbines work. He also found TSTC through an internet search.

“I picked TSTC because of the hands-on approach it offered,” he said. “I knew there would be a lot of online work, but it was the work in the labs that grabbed my attention.”

Like Kelley, Bowman, who is originally from Pennsylvania, said he would recommend TSTC to fellow veterans.

“TSTC is a fast-track school and will get you back in the field,” he said. “I know some veterans do not want to spend four years in school, so this is perfect.”

Bowman also said many veterans with mechanical backgrounds would benefit from TSTC’s programs.

“People who work in this field will find a program that fits their style,” he said.

Bowman said he does not have a preference of where he finds a job after earning his associate degree.

“Being in the Air Force, I am used to moving around. I could end up overseas, but we have to see what happens,” he said.

For more information on how TSTC can help veterans, visit https://tstc.edu/veterans.

TSTC Emergency Medical Services student one year away from achieving goal

(ABILENE Texas) – Texas State Technical College Emergency Medical Services student Laura Jungling is close to achieving a major milestone in her life.

“I began the paramedic program this week, and I am one year from my goal of becoming a paramedic,” she said.

Like many people, Jungling enrolled in the EMS program with a specific purpose.

“It might sound cliche, but my reason for becoming an EMT was my desire to help people,” she said. “I also wanted to give back to the community.”

Jungling, who recently passed the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certification exam, said she looks forward to the variety of experiences she will encounter in the field.

“I know that not one day will be the same,” she said. “I know that every call will be different.”

Jungling said she considered other options for a medical career, but nursing was not something she wanted to pursue.

“A lot of the schools I looked at offered nursing, but I wanted something fast-paced,” she said.

The more Jungling explored TSTC’s program, the more impressed she became. Once she started taking classes and participating in lab sessions, she knew it was the right decision.

“I really appreciate the instructors. They push us on a daily basis not to fail,” she said. “They really want every student to succeed.”

Jungling said instructors prepared students in every aspect of becoming an EMT from the first day of class.

“They have been through this in the field. They would not let us do anything that they have not done first,” she said.

She also chose TSTC because of the program’s success rate. Instructor Richard Sharp said students who recently completed the program had a 100 percent passing rate on the certification exam, and each graduate found employment.

Jungling knows once she completes the paramedic program, she will be able to find a job that pays well.

“An entry-level paramedic can expect to make in excess of $45,000 to $50,000 a year,” Sharp said.

With a new group of EMS students beginning this month, Jungling said they should not get discouraged.

“There can be some times of uncertainty during the program,” she said. “Just remember that the instructors will give you every single tool you need to be successful.” 

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC’s Business Management Technology program offers job opportunities, resources

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Business Management Technology program can provide graduates with job opportunities and resources.

For 2020 graduate Sarah Smith, now a student recruiter at TSTC, she is using what she learned to promote the college while improving her organizational skills.

“I gained a lot of sales skills and organizational skills in the program,” she said. “I have modeled my work style from what I learned in the program.”

Smith is also able to tell students how studying online will benefit them and how instructors are always available.

“The instructors are very easy to work with,” she said. “They are consistently in contact with their students.”

One key area in which Smith said she saw improvement in herself was time management.

“I learned that to do things online, you do not need to get overwhelmed,” she said. “Our instructors are going to be checking on you. The program showed me the importance of time management.”

Instructor Duston Brooks said students of all ages and backgrounds have registered for the program. He said one student who worked as a truck driver completed the program while on the road.

“He could not attend a class on campus, so he took his laptop with him,” Brooks said. “And whenever he had time off the road, he would work on his online classes. So we were able to serve his needs. With the COVID situation now and the aftermath, I think the demand for online education will only grow.”

Smith said having completed online courses herself helps her while recruiting students to TSTC.

“For people who have to work or have children, completing the programs online was perfect for me,” she said.

In addition to organization and time management skills, students can expect to learn other skills needed in a business office. These skills include word processing, presentation graphics, accounting and business ethics, principles of accounting, computerized accounting, principles of management, small business operations and payroll accounting. 

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC spring semester begins with winter blast

(ABILENE, Texas) – Mother Nature delayed the beginning of Texas State Technical College’s in-person spring semester classes this week.

With more than seven inches of snow recorded in West Texas, the college’s administration closed the campus on Monday to keep faculty, staff and students from driving on hazardous roads. TSTC’s online and remote learning began Monday as scheduled.

When students arrived on Tuesday for in-person classes, they completed orientation of what to expect and the proper coronavirus safety procedures that are in place.

Everyone on campus must follow the same protocol to protect themselves and others to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This includes wearing a face covering at all times, maintaining a social distance of six feet, washing hands frequently, using hand sanitizer regularly, and following directional signs in buildings.

Welding Technology student Bryan Mendez, of Sweetwater, said he is glad to be back on campus.

“I like to be around people, and I was ready to further my education,” said the second-semester student. “I could not wait to continue learning.”

Automotive Technology student Brady Kennemur, of Big Spring, was ready for orientation to end this week.

“I could not wait to get back into the shop and get to work,” he said. “There is nothing better than getting your hands on an engine.”

Wind Energy Technology student Curtis Kelley, of Austin, also was ready to get back to work. He is beginning his final semester of the program.

“I have enjoyed every aspect of this program. I am glad to be back in the lab and looking forward to the final semester,” he said.

TSTC’s spring semester is scheduled to run through April 23.

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

With Nursing degree, TSTC grad fulfills dream

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Shannon Powell is now working in a field she fell in love with at the age of 19.

Powell, who received an associate degree in Nursing at Texas State Technical College in 2020, passed the National Council Licensure Examination earlier this year. Today, she is a registered nurse in the medical-surgical department at Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital in Sweetwater.

Her interest in health care started in that department, even though the medical field was not her first career choice.

“I had a job at Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital as a ward clerk. I really wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “I watched the nurses working with the patients, and that lit something inside of me.”

Powell decided to enroll in TSTC’s Nursing program and graduated from the Vocational Nursing program. During her time at TSTC, she said the hospital’s staff was always supportive.

“I received a scholarship from the hospital. Rolling Plains really supported me,” she said. “Anytime I needed to take off for school, they would let me. The staff wanted me to succeed.”

Powell’s dream of becoming a registered nurse was put on hold while her family took precedence.

“I wanted to focus on my husband Britt’s career and our children,” she said. “Once the kids were older, Britt pushed me to focus on me. He told me I should go back to school. I told him, ‘Let’s do it.’”

Powell knew her first choice would be TSTC because of her experiences while studying to become an LVN. She knew things would be different, especially when COVID-19 forced more of her courses online.

“I knew there would be a lot less of the in-person classes. I had to adapt to that,” she said. “The instructors told us from the beginning that this was not going to be easy. They gave us all of the tools in order for us to succeed.”

Nursing instructor Lisa Van Cleave said Powell was an excellent student and will be a nurse people can depend on.

“She demonstrates the highest level of professionalism, compassion and care with everyone,” she said. “Shannon seeks to deliver excellent care and promote the nursing profession.”

With a degree in hand and officially being a registered nurse, Powell, a lifelong resident of Sweetwater, is glad to be working in her hometown where her medical career began.

“It is just amazing that I was able to go to school and work in my hometown,” she said.

Van Cleave said the Sweetwater community should be proud of Powell’s accomplishments.

“(Her) patients and peers are very fortunate to have her as a nurse and a teammate,” she said.

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Nursing graduate sets sights on RN degree

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Jesse Mendez is not taking any time off.

After graduating from Texas State Technical College’s Vocational Nursing program this fall, Mendez will begin studying for his Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing (ADN) at the Sweetwater campus next semester.

“My goal is to work in a metro area,” he said of the reason to obtain his nursing degree.

Mendez has always wanted to help others and has a passion for studying human physiology. His sister inspired him to go into the nursing profession.

“The beauty is I have always liked to help people,” he said. “I have always tried to be a Christian, and the best thing about being a Christian is you want to serve others.”

TSTC Nursing instructor Marchelle Taylor said Mendez remained focused during class.

“His dedication and focus has set a perfect example for classmates and future students to follow,” she said. “I look forward to seeing his accomplishments in the nursing field as he moves forward to the ADN program and beyond. He sets his standards high and will be a great addition to the nursing field.”

In nursing, Mendez said his Christian attitude will pay off on a daily basis.

“I know I will have to put others above myself. That is what we have to do to help others,” he said. “I know I have a long way to go because I have only scratched the surface of helping others.”

It took Mendez some time to get started on his nursing path, but he is not looking back.

“I had a few hiccups in my life. I did not like the job I was at and decided to pursue nursing,” he said. “I knew I needed to have a job that was meaningful to me.”

He was led to TSTC because he lived near the Abilene campus and saw it on a daily basis. He also knew the nursing program was only an hour away in Breckenridge.

“One of the guys who took classes at TSTC told me about the program. He said I should give it a shot,” Mendez said. “I took his advice and have not regretted that decision.”

He has been able to experience different areas of hospitals for clinical sessions.

“Working clinicals in the ICU was my favorite part,” he said. “To see doctors and nurses working to save people was inspirational.”

Mendez said he has also seen a change in himself over the past year.

“One of the highlights for me is to see where I was as a person in January to now,” he said. “I have seen how much I have grown not only as a student, but as a person.”

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Spicer motivated to complete TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Richard Spicer did not have to look far to find his motivation.

“I wanted to provide a better life for my daughter,” said Spicer, who just received an Associate of Applied Science degree from Texas State Technical College in Diesel Equipment Technology.

Spicer said his daughter was by his side when he was completing class assignments on his computer, as well as during the recent fall semester virtual graduation ceremony.

“I think she was trying to learn what I was having to learn right next to me,” he said. “She was my whole inspiration for going to school and earning a degree.”

Spicer said his wife also helped him during school.

“She always kept me going anytime I was down,” he said.

Spicer has already begun his career as a mechanic for Crane Service in Sweetwater. Crane Service provides crane and other equipment for the wind industry in West Texas.

It is common for TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology graduates to find jobs in West Texas either in the wind sector or oil field, according to instructor Shannon Weir.

“People trust our graduates,” Weir said.

Spicer has been using the knowledge he gained at TSTC in his hometown, something he wanted to do for his family.

“I am glad I found a job in my hometown,” he said. “I wanted to be able to work in Sweetwater so my family could be close.”

Spicer previously had worked for Love’s Travel Stop as a mechanic and wanted to expand his knowledge of engines.

“I always liked working on things,” he said. “Working on mechanical things at Love’s was a good way to start my career.”

Spicer was drawn to TSTC because of its hands-on approach.

“That gives you more a feeling of what you are doing,” he said. “It actually helped me out a lot. Attending TSTC was the best experience I have had in my life. TSTC is definitely a great school and with great instructors. They helped me reach my goal of graduating and providing my daughter with a better life.”

He knows his daughter has seen him doing his best, which has had a positive effect on her.

“She loves going to school,” he said. “The message I wanted to give her is that it is good to go to school and reach your goals.”

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC student wants to travel country as welder

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College student Quincy Butler has set a goal for himself.

Butler, who completed his first semester in Welding Technology this fall, wants to be a traveling welder. He is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in order to achieve his goal.

“I have seen most of Texas and decided I wanted to see the rest of the country,” he said. “I wanted to do that by doing something I liked, which is welding.”

Instructor Anthony Lewis is encouraged by his story, saying Butler has shown promising welding skills.

“I was very intrigued by his story and know he will do a good job,” Lewis said.

“I was always interested in welding,” Butler said, adding that he did not pick up a torch much before beginning classes in August. “Once I picked it up, I think I took to it like a duck to water.”

He wanted to pursue an associate degree for one reason.

“Having an associate degree in hand will give me job security,” he said. “It will lead me down a career path as far as employers. I know that will help me when applying for a job.”

Butler said a friend talked to him about taking welding classes at TSTC.

“He graduated from the welding program last year and has given me a lot of advice,” he said. “He is working in the field right now, and I know I can always call him.”

Butler said he is using some of the techniques he learned during his first semester on outside projects.

“I knew the TSTC instructors would be able to help. The program is laid out great for people to learn,” he said.

When it comes to traveling the country to work, Butler said he did not have a preference on what type of work he wants to do.

“Whether it is an oil pipeline, wind turbines or the big buildings in larger cities, I want to be able to see the rest of the country and make this my career,” he said.

His path is just beginning at TSTC, and he knows it was a good choice.

“I know with an education from TSTC I will be set for the rest of my life,” he said. “This will be something that one day I will be able to teach my children and then to their children.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, welding jobs will increase by nearly 4 percent in the United States by 2028.

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC student reaches goal of completing Nursing program

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Gabrianna Pena had her goal in sight, only it took longer than she expected to reach it.

The 2014 graduate of Winter High School is a candidate for graduation from Texas State Technical College’s Nursing program. She expects to receive a certificate in vocational nursing this month.

“After I graduated high school, I did not go straight to college,” she said. “I had to work in order to pay for my classes.”

After starting a nursing program, Pena hit another roadblock.

“I got discouraged when I failed. I knew that at some point I would go back to school,” she said. “I didn’t want to be able to tell myself that I did not succeed.”

In 2019, a friend offered Pena some advice and an application packet for TSTC’s nursing program. That was two days prior to the registration deadline. Pena scrambled to complete the paperwork and was accepted into the program.

“I was iffy if I really wanted to go back to school. Having to choose between going to school and working to pay the bills was a hard decision,” she said. “I got the acceptance letter and started classes.”

Pena said attending TSTC allowed her to continue to work at a nursing home. That helped pay the bills, and her family helped by watching her daughter while she was in school.

“Going to TSTC really worked well with my schedule,” she said.

Pena’s goal was to work in a field where she could help others.

“My mom worked as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) for a long time,” she said. “I always was interested in what she was doing. I wanted to help others.”

In 2012, Pena’s grandfather needed medical attention, and Pena and her mother helped watch him and take him to doctor’s appointments.

“Having to take my grandfather to the doctor each week, I was able to see the nurses working with him,” she said. “That gave me the motivation to help people. My grandfather was my inspiration for going into the health care field.”

Pena has also seen the effects of COVID-19 while working in the nursing home.

“All the residents see on a daily basis is you. There is no visitation,” she said. “I like working there because you may not feel that what you are doing is important, but you are making a big difference to the residents.”

Pena said she is proud of her journey in becoming a licensed vocational nurse, but it may not end there.

“I do have plans to someday go back and study to become a registered nurse,” she said. “It takes a lot for people to go through bad situations, but you eventually bounce back. I want to show people they do not need to give up on their dreams.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas leads the country in the number of LVNs employed, with more than 70,000. Of that total, more than 1,600 are employed in the West Texas region.

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.