(HARLINGEN) – From serving as president of the Texas State Technical College Student Government Association to being president and chief executive officer of her own coffee and food catering business, Café Canasto, Johanna Lozano has come a long way.

Lozano recently catered the SGA Open House for TSTC’s Spring 2019 Welcome Week and provided specialty Colombian coffees, hot chocolate and cuisine to the delight of visitors, students, faculty and staff.

“It feels so surreal being back as a business owner,” said Lozano. “All my dreams are coming true, and I credit the education I got at TSTC for a large part of my accomplishments.”

The 33-year-old, with a background in bilingual education, came to the United States from Colombia and settled in Massachusetts in 2004.

With an entrepreneurial spirit and a dream, Lozano earned an associate degree in marketing and business analytics from Johnson & Wales University in 2012.

“A coffee shop is something I’ve always wanted,” said Lozano. “Management and business for me is a passion.”

Having grown up in Colombia on a coffee farm, opening a specialty coffee shop just made sense to Lozano.

When she and her husband relocated to Harlingen, Lozano enrolled in TSTC’s Business Management Technology program. She ended up getting a lot more than she bargained for.

“TSTC not only taught me business, but also leadership,” she said. “I was given so many opportunities to get involved on campus and in my community that it all laid a foundation for what I’m doing now.”

As a student at TSTC, Lozano served as secretary and president of the SGA; served in the TSTC Service Squad, earning a President’s Volunteer Service Award for more than 500 hours of community service; and served in the TSTC Leadership Academy and in Leadership Harlingen.

“I am so grateful for the support I continue to receive from TSTC,” she said. “All of these experiences allowed me to meet new people and make new friends. It has all opened so many doors for me.”

Lozano graduated from TSTC with an associate degree in 2015, and because of her leadership roles on campus, she had the opportunity to sit on the boards of Keep Harlingen Beautiful and the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation.

Shortly after graduating and saving up some money, Lozano took her education and leadership experience to begin the planning phase of opening Café Canasto with the help of the Women’s Business Center in Brownsville, the Small Business Administration in Harlingen, and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Adopt a Startup program.

“It still feels like I’m dreaming,” said Lozano. “All of the research, planning, every business trip to Colombia, and blood, sweat and tears are beginning to pay off.”

Lozano said she is proud of her Colombian heritage, which is the reason her business is named Café Canasto.

“Canasto is the basket the coffee farmers put the coffee beans in when they’re picked. And since I’m importing my coffee from Colombia, I want my business to pay homage to their hard work,” said Lozano.

Lozano’s catering business is gaining popularity among folks in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.

Besides the specialty coffees Lozano serves, she also has a menu of Colombian cuisine consisting of chicken and beef empanadas, chorizo and beef arepas, and desserts.  

“We want to offer our customers more than just a menu — we want to offer them a Colombian experience,” said Lozano. “We want them to feel, if even just for a moment, like they’re in Colombia.”

Although starting a business hasn’t been without its challenges, Lozano said it is her support system that keeps her going.

“I have received so much support from my community, family and husband in this endeavor that even when I come upon challenges, they’re not so bad because of the people I have by my side,” said Lozano. “And I hope to continue catering at TSTC because I’m so proud that it’s my alma mater, and I hope that my story can help other students.”

(HARLINGEN) – Jennie Remington is an Education and Training student at Texas State Technical College. She expects to earn her associate degree in Spring 2020.

The 28-year-old is a student volunteer for TSTC Student Life and Engagement and is the TSTC Leadership Academy lead for 2019.

When the Harlingen native is not on campus, she can be found volunteering with her church as the youth leader mentoring girls and women and at the Harlingen Community Theater acting and helping with play productions.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I will transfer to Texas A&M-Kingsville to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Early Education. I will then return to the University of North Texas (UNT) to complete what I started there – my bachelor’s degree in Theater.

What’s your dream job?

I have a passion for children and for the theater, so my dream job is to become a theater teacher and introduce young children into the profession.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment is returning to school. After I moved back home from UNT, not sure about my future I had a lot of fear because I was getting older. But I didn’t let that get in the way, I married my two passions and here I am.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is to remember to give yourself grace. You’re never too old to learn, and we should never stop learning.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

The two people at TSTC who have had the most influence are Student Life Executive Director Adele Clinton and Student Life Coordinator Belinda Palomino. College can get stressful and the weight can get heavy, but these two ladies have been such a blessing and breath of fresh air for me. They are my safe place.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to take your time – college is not a race, ask plenty of questions and learn a lot – this is the place to make mistakes and if you do make mistakes remember that it’s not the end of the world.

(HARLINGEN) – Eduardo Patiño is starting the New Year with a new title after being promoted and recently named Texas State Technical College’s newest police chief.

Patiño, who will celebrate 10 years at TSTC in June, served as sergeant for the force for the past six years, and beat out a competitive group of applicants and a few law enforcement officials with supervisory experience in cities with more than 50,000 people during the national search and rigorous interview process.

“I found out right before Christmas. It was the greatest gift I could have received,” said the 34-year-old. “Never in a million years did I think I would be in this position.”

TSTC Police Commissioner Aurelio Torres said Patiño was one of six candidates selected and interviewed on competences identified as critical for a college police chief.

“Patiño has made an impact since day one,” said Torres. “His experience in college law enforcement and familiarity to unique college safety and security requirements set him apart from the rest.”

Torres added that Patiño has the ability to train and direct staff and ensure that they live up to TSTC’s core values of excellence, accountability, integrity and service.

Patiño, a San Benito native, was one of eight children and said it was his eldest brother who instilled a hard working nature in him after losing his mother at only 4-years-old.

“My brother took us all under his wing and made sure we didn’t take the wrong path,” he said. “He always stressed the importance of working hard and getting an education. He’s one of my greatest supporters.”

It was during Patiño’s time with Bekins Gulf Transport and Storage as a truck driver that he began to gain an interest in law enforcement.

“Truck drivers get stopped for random checks. So, I would get to talking to the police officer or state trooper and my interest for the field began to grow,” said Patiño. “After one of my trips I told my wife that I was thinking of pursuing law enforcement and she supported me wholeheartedly.”

In 2008 Patiño graduated from the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council Police Academy at TSTC second in his class for his academic achievement.

“This career has been so rewarding for me and my family,” he said. “It has been life changing and only possible thanks to the support from my wife, family, TSTC colleagues and leadership.”

After the police academy, Patiño went on to earn an associate degree from Texas Southmost College in Criminal Justice and will complete his bachelor’s degree in the same field this spring.

He has also completed professional training in leadership, criminal investigations, mental health, sexual assault, family violence, active shooter and FBI interview and interrogation.

Patiño said he has found a home at TSTC – a place he can see himself for the next 20 or more years.

“I’ve had so much opportunity and growth thanks to TSTC and my team,” said Patiño. “We all work hard to make sure that TSTC is not only a great place to work, but also a great place to study and a. A safe place.”

Patiño is known to be self-driven among colleagues for the short-term and long-term goals he sets for himself and the department, and he said it’ll be no different in his new leadership position.

“It’s these goals that allow me to continue pushing forward,” he said. “And I hope to not only continue serving and protecting our TSTC community, but to find new innovative technology that can help us do this.”

He added that he hopes to uphold the high standards of professionalism that Commissioner Torres held for his officers as chief.

“I’ve learned so much from him. He is a true leader, role model and a great supervisor. I have big shoes to fill,” said Patiño. “I’m excited to see what the future holds for me, our department and my colleagues. It’ll be hard work, but for now the best thing is knowing that my 6-year-old thinks I’m cool.”

(HARLINGEN) – He started from the bottom, now he’s here at Texas State Technical College as the Harlingen campus’ newest counselor.

Alex Galan has already been at TSTC for about one month, but said it actually took him 18 years of hard work and perseverance to get to where he is today – at his dream job.

“College was never discussed in my family,” said the first-generation college graduate. “Graduating from high school was always enough, but I always felt like I wanted more.”

The 35-year-old grew up in Mercedes as a migrant worker traveling annually to Ohio with his parents to harvest cucumbers and drive tractors. They had moved to the U.S. from Mexico for a chance at a better education for their children.

“My dad always told us that if we didn’t get an education, then field work is what we would do for the rest of our lives,” said Galan. “But I didn’t want to do this the rest of my life, so I had to make the decision to leave home.”

Had Galan not left home, he would have to have continued working in the fields – house rule.

But by leaving, he was in for, what he calls, the adventure of a lifetime.

Galan began his college career at San Antonio College, where he earned an associate degree in sociology in 2003.

During this time he was a full-time student with a full-time job, not able to make ends meet.  

“I spent countless days and holidays alone in a dark apartment,” said Galan. “And only thanks to friends, I had food to eat. It was a difficult time, but I’m proud that I did it. I wouldn’t change a thing if I could go back. I have no regrets.”

Galan went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2005 from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling with a licensed professional counselor concentration in 2014 from the University of Texas-Pan American, now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

It was a job at  San Antonio College as a work study in the counseling center that kick started  his career path.

“It has definitely been quite a journey and as the only college student and graduate in my family, I was under a lot of pressure to prove that I could do it,” he said. “But it was these trials and tribulations that made me who I am today and it has made all of the difference in my life.”

Now almost two decades later, armed with extensive experience, Galan is at TSTC doing what he first set out to do.

For more than 10 years Galan has worked as a substance abuse, drug and alcohol counselor for the Valley AIDS Council, federal prisons, adult and juvenile detention centers, Cameron County boot camp for probation and parole facilities and as a support service coordinator for Mid Valley Academy.  

Currently, he also works as needed at Palms Behavioral Hospital in Harlingen as a clinical therapist.

“This was God’s journey for me and I feel that I have come full circle,” said Galan. “And because of the experience I have gained throughout my career I am ready to be the best counselor I can be for our TSTC students and better prepared to handle different situations.”

Galan said his goal is to help students toward a better life.

“Whether it’s helping students with mental illness or helping handle the everyday stresses of college and life, I hope that the help they receive will allow them to finish school and graduate,” said Galan.

He added that he is excited to be at TSTC and can’t wait for the start of the new semester.

“I know I finally reached my goal, but I know my journey doesn’t end here,” he said. “I started from the bottom, now I’m here, where I’m supposed to be.”  

Ashley Perez, Career Services Associate – “My wish for the New Year is to receive my bachelor’s degree and begin working toward a master’s degree.”

Celina Escamilla, Welding Technology and Precision Machining Technology Department Secretary – “I wish for joy in everyone’s lives.”

Mark Rosas, Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Lead Instructor – “I wish for a Dallas Cowboys vs. Houston Texans super bowl; and that I would be there.”

Nancy Duran, Vocational Nursing Instructor – “Our classes are growing so I wish for larger labs and classrooms and for a Florence Nightingale statue for our nursing center.”

(HARLINGEN) – Lorrayne Gonzalez from Mercedes is studying at Texas State Technical College to become a dental assistant. The 22-year-old expects to earn her certificate in Summer 2019 and said her passion for helping people was the deciding factor in pursuing a job in the medical field.

The single mom also finds time, in addition to studying, to be active on campus. She is an active member of the TSTC Service Squad and Leadership Academy.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I will begin working as a dental assistant to save up money to return to school and pursue either dental hygiene or vocational nursing.

What’s your dream job?

My ultimate dream is to receive a bachelor’s degree in nursing and be able to put my passion for helping people to good use and helping nurse others back to good health.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment at TSTC has been getting involved on campus and working closely with Student Life and Student Government Association. When I first enrolled at TSTC I was pregnant with my daughter, who is now 2-years-old, so I never thought I’d have the opportunity to do something like this.

What greatest lesson you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is to always push yourself and go that extra mile even when you feel like giving up. Everything will always be worth it in the end. There were times I had to bring my daughter to school with me just so I could make it to class; so if I can do it, anyone can.

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

My English instructor Yvonne Browning and TSTC student life coordinator Belinda Palomino have had the greatest influence on my success. Browning was there for me while I was pregnant, always making sure I was feeling okay and not falling behind in class. She was so understanding. And Palomino is easy to talk to and has taught me that it’s better to give than to receive.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to not be afraid. TSTC is the place to learn, study hard and remain focused on your goal. The people at the college really do become a second family.

(HARLINGEN) – To protect and serve is what the newest Texas State Technical College police officers will do to keep the college community safe.

Officers Juan Munoz and David Sarabia were recently sworn in by Judge Eloy Cano Jr. during a ceremony hosted on campus to celebrate their new positions with their families, TSTC administration, faculty and staff.

“Hosting these ceremonies are an important part of welcoming officers into our family,” said TSTC Police Commissioner Aurelio Torres. “This is a way to introduce them to our community and also honor their families who sacrifice when they have a loved one in law enforcement.”

Torres said Sarabia and Munoz exemplify the qualities that TSTC looks for when hiring officers for the force.

He added that on top of skills and experience officers must also possess TSTC’s core values of excellence, integrity, accountability and service.

“As law enforcement, we not only support our policing principles, but also support TSTC’s mission and goals,” said Torres. “We’re excited to have these men join our team. They will provide excellent service and we’re proud to have them on board.”

Munoz graduated from the TSTC Police Academy in 2017. During his time as a cadet, he fell in love with the campus and the community.

“Everyone is like family here,” he said. “When I applied I thought it was a long shot, but I figured I had to take the opportunity. And with God’s will, here I am.”

Munoz said he hopes to continue growing with the department and his goal is to not only protect the college community, but also maintain the department’s positive image.”

David Sarabia is also a graduate of the police academy on campus and said working with the college’s police department has by far exceeded his expectations.

“After I completed the academy I was pointed in the right direction toward TSTC,” said Sarabia. “I’m glad to be here and to have been given this opportunity. My goal is to serve and protect and be all-around helpful.”

After both men took their oath, they were presented their badges, which were pinned by their wives. They agree having their families present made the occasion much more special.

TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez addressed the new officers and prayed for God’s protection over their lives.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to all law enforcement personnel and agencies,” she said. “Thank you for taking an oath to lay your life on the line to protect and to serve. And I want to especially thank you for choosing TSTC as the community where you exercise that oath on a daily basis.”

TSTC prides itself on being a great place to work and offers competitive pay and full benefits package. To search or apply visit tstc.jobs.

Belinda Munoz, Career Services Associate – “I wish for happiness for everyone.”

Hilda Holland, Instructional Accreditation Senior Staff Assistant – “I wish for togetherness and peace for the world.”

Odelia Garcia, Vocational Nursing Instructor – “I wish for a fully-loaded 2019 Chevy, Ford or Dodge truck.

Sara Sanchez, Instructional Operations Manager – “My wish is that everyone be blessed with love of family and good health.”

(HARLINGEN) – McAllen native Clarissa Marquez is a Dental Hygiene Student at Texas State Technical College. The 31-year-old expects to graduate with an associate degree in Spring 2020. She currently boasts a 3.7 grade-point average.

When the single mom is not studying, she serves as the historian for the Student Chapter of the American Dental Hygiene Association at TSTC and assists with organizing fundraisers to raise money for dental hygiene board exams.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate my family and I will probably move to North Texas and explore my career options there. I know there are a lot opportunities in the area in my field.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to be an on-call dental hygienist for a zoo and clean the teeth of exotic animals such as primates.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment has been being accepted in the Dental Hygiene program. I didn’t get in on my first try, it took two applications and a whole year of waiting. It’s a competitive program, but I never gave up.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that every decision I have made and later regretted, has brought me to where I am today. They say everything happens for a reason, and I truly believe that. What was meant to happen has led me to a great life with amazing family and soon-to-be career as a dental hygienist.

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

The people who have influenced my success the most are my classmates. They have become my support system and second family; 30 brains are better than one after all.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to be confident, create goals and be with the people who bring the best out in you.

(HARLINGEN) – After four semesters of blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice, Texas State Technical College Vocational Nursing students celebrated the completion of their program with a pinning ceremony held Saturday, Dec. 8.

All thirteen nursing students earned certificates in Vocational Nursing during TSTC’s commencement ceremony at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium on Dec. 14.

The pinning ceremony was described by TSTC Vocational Nursing program director Heather Sauceda as the rite of passage into the nursing profession.

“I am so proud of each and every one of my students,” Sauceda said tearfully. “They have worked so hard and put in countless hours to achieve everything they have. And they deserve to be celebrated.”

The pinning ceremony stems from a tradition that dates back to the 19^th century, when Florence Nightingale, a trailblazing figure in the nursing profession and the founder of modern-day nursing, trained nurses to care for wounded soldiers.

The Dec. 8 ceremony included a capping ceremony, presentation of pins, candle-lighting ceremony that signified the light of knowledge, reciting of the Nightingale Pledge, and blessing of hands and benediction led by Pastor Danny Anderson of the Bridge-Rio Hondo Baptist Church.

“These graduates are confident, passionate, and I know they will be the best nurses they can be,” said Sauceda. “Today marks the beginning for them.”

The program’s valedictorian, Ivette Cruz, and salutatorian, Julie Villarreal, were also honored at the ceremony for their academic achievements.

“I never imagined I would be valedictorian,” said Cruz. “In fact, in the beginning I felt like quitting. I didn’t start strong and failed some exams, but here we are.  I’ve come a long way, and I have my entire family to thank for this.”

“This is God’s purpose for us, and today we’re fulfilling his purpose,” said Villarreal through tears of joy. “But our success doesn’t only belong to us, it also belongs to everyone who has supported us and guided us along the way.”

Villarreal also left her fellow graduates with some words of wisdom: “Never doubt your ability to make a difference in someone’s life.”

The ceremony also included addresses from TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez, Associate Provost Jean Lashbrook, and guest speaker and Director of Nursing Operations at South Texas Rehabilitation Hospital Gabriela Garza.

“You are now part of someone’s life journey and walking alongside people during their greatest time of need,” said Garza. “The key to being a great nurse is knowing yourself. So, always remember the hard work it has taken to get to where you are, and hold it close to your heart and always remember why nursing chose you.”

The nursing graduates join an alumni network of more than 100,000 TSTC graduates.

The Vocational Nursing pinning ceremony is held twice a year during the Summer and Fall semesters.

For more information on Vocational Nursing at TSTC or to apply, visit tstc.edu/programs/Nursing.