(HARLINGEN) – Born and raised in Cuba, Texas State Technical College Physics Instructor Jose A. Alvarez came to the United States in 1960 and is now sharing his immigration experiences through his writing during TSTC’s annual Humanities Week.

“I love teaching and my students inspire me to tell my story,” said Alvarez. “We are all so different, yet so alike in many ways. And when you’re transplanted into someplace new we have to learn to adapt, deal with the ups and downs and persevere. So I want to show my students that they’re not alone.”

That is why, when Alvarez was invited to be part of an author’s forum during Humanities Week, he felt compelled to accept and tell his story.

Now settled at Rancho Viejo, the 75-year-old began teaching Physics at TSTC in 2011 and brought with him extensive experience in the telecommunications and physics fields.

In 1965, Alvarez earned his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Detroit and went on to earn a master’s degree in Physics in 1967. Later, in 2002, he received a second master’s degree in management from Pace University in New York.

“I was only supposed to come to the U.S. for college. I expected to return, but plans changed,” said Alvarez.

Alvarez said he came to the U.S. alone, but when U.S. and Cuba broke diplomatic relations in the 60’s it became difficult to return to his island country.

“There were no direct flights back home and the process for just a visit was a long one,” he said. “And my family tried joining me, but due to legalities they had to move to Spain first, which is where my father was from.”

Eventually, his family settled in New Jersey in the late 1960’s, but by then Alvarez had established his life.

Alvarez worked at AT&T as an internal consultant for technical issues and in management for most of his career.

He also did independent contract work with start-up companies as a telecommunications contractor.

His career and consultant work led him to countries as close as Mexico and Brazil and as far away as the Netherlands and Israel.

“I loved my career. It took me all over the world, which sparked my love for travel,” said Alvarez.

During one of his business trips to Mexico City, Alvarez met his wife who was from Matamoros, that’s when he decided it was time to settle in the Rio Grande Valley.

At this time Alvarez had already begun writing. He wrote about his transition from Cuba to the U.S., his struggle returning home, his family’s struggle joining him in the states and his first trip back to Cuba in 2000.

“After nearly 40 years, I returned to Cuba and it was very emotional for me,” said Alvarez. “I knew I had to write about it and share my journey.”

Though he enjoys writing his vignettes, Alvarez wanted to do more, so as a former algebra teacher, he decided to return to the classroom – which led him to TSTC.

“I heard about TSTC from my morning coffee group at Starbucks,” he said. “I had never heard about TSTC, but here I am. It’s my second home, second family now.”

Alvarez said he enjoys getting paid for doing what he loves and said teaching, for him, is the most rewarding career.

“I love teaching young minds. I love being in the classroom and answering questions,” Alvarez said. “And as long as my health holds up, I’ll be here. I love TSTC, it’s a great place to work and I’ve enjoyed every minute.”

He hopes to one day turn the vignettes he shared with students during Humanities Week into a book, so he can continue telling his story for many years to come.

For more information on TSTC and the programs offered, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Eduardo Perez is a Computer Maintenance Technology student at Texas State Technical College. The 23-year-old expects to earn his associate degree next Fall Semester 2019 and holds a 3.6 grade-point average.

The Los Fresnos native also serves as the vice president of his program’s Computer Tech Club and does community service work such as beach clean ups, beautification projects and serves at the Ronald McDonald House.

What are you plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on getting a second associate degree in Computer Networking and moving to Houston to begin my career and continue my education until I receive a master’s degree in computer science.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to work with a Los Angeles-based company building computers and medical supplies. I know I’ll eventually make it to the West Coast.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been maintaining high grades and getting on the dean’s list and president’s list and organizing fundraisers with the Computer Tech Club to help other students raise money for additional certifications.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that no matter what, you have to continue forward. I was stuck for a long time, working menial jobs before I enrolled at TSTC. Now I feel like I’m finally moving forward again.

Who at TSTC has influence your success the most?

My classmates at TSTC have had the biggest influence on my success. We help each other out and support each other. There’s always teamwork. It would be really hard getting through this program without them.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to focus on school, don’t allow anything to distract you from your goal and don’t quit.

(HARLINGEN) – Monica Sanchez hammered, nailed and stained her very own wooden toolbox and planter during Texas State Technical College’s third annual Diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Day.

“I definitely like creating things, and I’m excited to take home my creations,” said Sanchez, a sophomore at Mercedes High School. “This by far has been my favorite part of the day.”

Sanchez got a firsthand look into TSTC’s Building Construction Technology and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technology programs.

She was among 63 high school students from across the Rio Grande Valley who participated in the event that is focused on encouraging girls and women to pursue male-dominated careers and vice versa.

“I think this is a great opportunity that opens doors for us,” said Sanchez. “I’ve learned a lot today about the different careers that are available to us here at TSTC and how I could turn my hobby of building things into a career.”

The event, which was hosted by TSTC’s Enrollment Management, Support Services and Student Recruitment departments, included information booths on admissions, financial aid and other student services.

Attendees heard from keynote speaker Stacey Perales, a TSTC Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology lab assistant, and Marty Capetillo, a TSTC Dental Hygiene student.

Program tours were offered in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics, Agricultural Technology, Automotive Technology, Building Construction Technology, Chemical Technology, HVAC Technology and Precision Machining Technology.

TSTC enrollment coach Anna Cortez said Diversity in STEM Day is about exposing both girls and boys to nontraditional careers.

“Introducing them to programs early on is important because there is always a fear factor,” said Cortez. “The firsthand look can help ease nerves and allows them see for themselves what the program is about and hopefully find a mentor.”

Each program tour was approximately one hour and included hands-on activities such as building toolboxes and planters, creating dice using machine shop equipment, and changing a tire and the oil of a car.

Weslaco East High School junior Mia Ramos made a pair of dice while touring Precision Machining Technology. She said she has always been interested in designing and would consider either machining or architectural design as a career.

“Today’s event has opened my eyes to program options I can pursue when I graduate from high school,” said Ramos. “It’s been a great experience getting insight into TSTC and hearing from different speakers. But my favorite part was learning how to use new machines.”

The 16-year-old said that although she has a dream of graduating as a Texas Longhorn, she will begin her college career at TSTC to get a head start and gain experience in either architecture or machining.

Cortez said overall the event was successful and it was great watching students excitedly share their experiences with one another.

She also said she hopes the program continues to grow and the collaboration between departments, programs and school districts remains strong.

“TSTC students have told us that it’s because of events like this that they were encouraged to enroll, so we know that they have a huge impact,” said Cortez. “We hope that students will feel empowered after completing this event and will realize that they are capable of achieving everything they put their minds to.”

Spring registration for new students begins Nov. 12. There will be a Registration Rally, a one-stop registration event, on Tuesday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information on the programs offered at TSTC or to apply, go to www.tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – The Veterans Center at Texas State Technical College hosted its annual Veterans Day Celebration in honor of employee and student veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

But this year, TSTC and the Veterans Center also posthumously honored U.S. military veteran Troy Davis, a TSTC Biology graduate and former Veterans Center work-study program employee who passed away only a few weeks ago.

Davis earned his associate degree in Spring 2018 and was working on completing his academic core.

In his work-study position at the Veterans Center, he made it his mission to help those transitioning into civilian life and back into college.

“We’re all saddened by his loss,” said Steve Guevara, TSTC Veterans Center director. “He was working hard and on the path to success. We lost him too soon, but his memory lives on.”

To continue Davis’ legacy and honor his military service, Guevara announced during the ceremony that the veteran scholarship created by the Veteran Students Alliance Club in 2013 will now be called the Troy E. Davis Memorial Scholarship.

The funds for the scholarship are raised annually by the club and awarded to three student veterans. The individual scholarships are valued at $300.

“We want our students and employees to know that we support them every day of the year,” said Guevara. “The Veterans Day Celebration and lunch is a token of our appreciation to show them how thankful we are for their service and sacrifice to this country.”

TSTC serves 500 veterans statewide and 139 in Harlingen, in addition to the number of veterans who work at TSTC.

One of those veterans is Erica Gonzalez, a student recruitment coordinator at the college, who shared her story during the ceremony.

Gonzalez was a migrant worker and an avid athlete when September 11, 2001, set her path.

“I walked into the locker room after cross-country, and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. But I knew this would be a day we would never forget,” she said. “This is when I became driven to join the armed forces.”

After attending one semester at the University of Texas-Pan American on a full athletic scholarship, Gonzalez enlisted.

She served four years in the Army under the Military Police Corps, stationed in Germany.

“It is an honor to serve in the military, to answer the call of duty, and to raise your right hand and vow to protect this beautiful nation,” she said. “It taught me integrity and how to stand strong for all of our brothers and sisters who we know, who we don’t know, and the ones we may never know.”

The program also included remarks from master of ceremonies and TSTC Computer Networking and Security Technology student Johnny Rivera, the presentation and retiring of colors by Harlingen High School South JROTC, a Prisoner of War and Missing in Action presentation by the American Legion 15^th District Drill team, and recognitions by TSTC veterans program officer Jose Villegas.

“We are so blessed to live in a country with so many opportunities and freedoms because of the sacrifice and service from these brave men and women. Freedom comes with a price,” said TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez. “TSTC is dedicated to helping veterans transition not only into college, but into civilian life. It is an honor to be able to help them.”

TSTC in Harlingen has been recognized as a Military-Friendly School for eight straight years, and the college has been recognized statewide as a Military-Friendly School for three years.

The TSTC Veterans Center serves as a centralized, one-stop shop for prospective and current students who are veterans, as well as their dependents. The center assists with admission, financial aid, GI Bill and Hazlewood applications. There is also a variety of services, such as internal and external referrals, that veteran students can benefit from.

In addition to the Veterans Center, TSTC also offers competency-based learning for veterans who have gained applicable skills through their service in the military.

For more information on the Veterans Center, call 956-364-4387 or visit tstc.edu/veterans.

(HARLINGEN) – Tristan Leal is pursuing an associate degree in Biology at Texas State Technical College. The 18-year-old expects to graduate in Fall 2019.

When the Mercedes native is not in the classroom or at the library, he participates in community service events and fundraisers as an active member of the TSTC Intramural Sports Club and Veteran Students Alliance Club.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate with my associate degree in Biology, I plan on returning to TSTC to pursue a certificate in Dental Assistant and a second associate degree in Dental Hygiene.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become a dental hygienist so I can teach proper oral health care and help people be proud of their smiles. But I do have the long-term goal of becoming a bioengineer to design and manufacture human organs such as hearts.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

I’ve been homeschooled my entire life, so I’ve grown up to be very introverted. Being able to step foot on campus and have social interactions has been very good for me. It has helped me break out of my shell and be more outgoing. For me, this is a huge accomplishment.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that it’s better to try something than to live with the “What if.”

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

My Anatomy and Physiology Instructor Paul Leonard has had the greatest influence on my success. He has always made me feel welcomed in class and at TSTC. He also eases my anxiety about speaking up in class and working in groups, along with encouraging me to get involved in campus activities.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to always ask for assistance. TSTC has so many resources to help students succeed; take advantage of them.

(HARLINGEN) – She was only 26-years-old when she came to Texas State Technical College as a counselor in Student Services. Now 30 years later, Liz Silva is closing this career chapter in her life to become Dr. Liz Silva.

“TSTC was my first job out of college,” she said. “It has been my entire professional career. So leaving a place that means so much is tough, but it’s time to devote my efforts toward completing my education.”

Silva retired last month from TSTC and her dedication and service to the college was celebrated this week with her colleagues and many of her past students.

“I grew up at TSTC,” said Silva. “I always knew I wanted to be a counselor in higher education. I come from a family of educators and TSTC was my dream job.”

The Mercedes native grew up in a migrant family. Her mother, father and six older siblings worked the fields, and in their family it was never the question of “If you go to college,” it was “Where are you going to college?”

“I was the youngest child so compared to my siblings I didn’t do much migrant work,” she said. “But I definitely had people to look up to when it came to college and careers.”

With the death of her father at 14, and her mother at 19, Silva was raised by her siblings. By this time they had careers and had completed undergrad and graduate degrees.

Silva followed in their footsteps and earned a bachelor’s degree from Pan American University in 1984 in psychology and a master’s in 1987 in guidance and counseling from the University of Texas-Pan American. She is now working on a doctorate degree in educational leadership at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

“We have all seen success and put education at the forefront of everything. We have seen first-hand how it can change a life,” said Silva. “And my brothers and sisters have been a big influence on my success.”

Within the next year Silva will earn her doctoral degree and said this is what sparked her decision to retire.

“My brother, who was one of my biggest supporters, passed away last year. It’s been hard, he practically raised me,” said Silva. “And his dream was to see me become Dr. Liz Silva, so I’m finishing this for him. I want to make him proud.”

Silva said the decision to retire was not considered lightly. She has enjoyed being a part of the TSTC family and making a difference in students’ lives.

And although she climbed the ladder at TSTC from counselor, director of Student Life, director of Counseling, director of Support Services to her latest role as executive director of Student Support Services, Silva said her heart has always taken her back to counseling.

“Everything I do is for the students,” she said. “I have dedicated my career to helping them achieve success and build their careers because that is what’s most important to me. And seeing them succeed makes everything worthwhile.”

She said she has always made it a point to interact with students outside of an office setting because that’s how she is able to earn their trust and confidence to seek her when they have an issue.

“I’ve always believed as a counselor that sitting in my office was not helping students,” she said. “It’s putting your boots to the ground and working among them that makes all the difference.”

Silva discovered this by not only serving as the TSTC Student Government Association advisor for most of her career, but also with the help of her mentors and former TSTC employees Cathy Maples, Roy Cavazos and Servando Villarreal, who all served as either directors or vice presidents during their tenure at the college.

“These are the people who taught me what I know. They are the ones who also dedicated their lives to their students,” she said. “They taught me patience and professionalism and helped guide me.”

The highlights of Silva’s career were exposing students to new experiences whether through student leadership on campus or through out-of-town conferences, and every commencement ceremony where she would see her students cross the finish line at TSTC.

Veronica Sanchez, a 2009 graduate from TSTC’s Dental Hygiene program, worked closely with Silva during her time as Student Government Association president and said that it was Silva’s positive influence that gave her the confidence she needed.

“Liz always has a smile for you. Her persistent drive to provide an excellent experience for students is inspiring,” said Sanchez. “She understands how much hard work it takes to be a student. Without her my professional life may have never been ignited. And I thank her for always serving and leading the way for students.”

Thirty years is a long time and while she will miss her colleagues, Silva said she will miss the students the most, and not so much the impact she made on them, but the impact they made on her.

“I learned a lot from my students,” she said. “They taught me a lot about myself and life in general. They have made my career a rewarding one.”

Silva hopes that once she completes her doctoral degree she can return to working in higher education, but this time in a classroom setting as a professor in her field to continue making a difference and inspiring students’ lives.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College Registered Nursing student Michael Ortiz swapped his nursing tools for gardening tools during National Make a Difference Day, an annual community service event which is held the fourth Saturday in October.

On this day, thousands across the United States volunteer in their local communities and TSTC is no different.

Ortiz was one of more than 100 student leaders who gathered to plant more than 200 trees along the expressway at the corner of Lincoln Ave. and Frontage Rd. in Harlingen.

“As a nursing club we feel it is important to give back to our community,” said Ortiz. “This is our biggest project every year. We take pride in Harlingen and our surrounding communities and we want to give people something they can enjoy when they drive past this intersection and help make a difference.”

TSTC Student Life Coordinator Belinda Palomino said students at TSTC have participated in National Make a Difference Day for more than a decade and she is proud to see that every year the anticipation and participation for the event continues to increase.

“It’s so crucial to give our students these type of experiences,” she said. “It makes me proud to see them so engaged and involved in their communities. This is an important life lesson.”

In addition to giving back to their communities, Palomino said doing community service teaches students teamwork, team building, adaptability, critical thinking and problem solving.

“By participating in National Make a Difference Day and other community service projects throughout the year, they get to learn soft skills, professional skills, they may otherwise not learn in a classroom,” she said.

Which is also why TSTC Director of Student Services Griselda Sanchez and Human Resources Senior Specialist Lupe Deloera from TSTC in Sweetwater decided to travel seven hours south for National Make a Difference Day with their Student Government Association officers Javier Rocha, vice president; Joshlyn Tovar, secretary; Elizabeth Guevara, treasurer; and Brett Paniagua, senator.

“This was a great experience for all of us,” said Sanchez. “I’m so proud of the work everyone did and the difference they have made in the community. We will be taking what we learned back to Sweetwater so that we can begin implementing programs like this in our community. It’s been a great learning experience.”

Although the students will do a similar community service project in Sweetwater and will work to beautify the TSTC campus with plants and flowers, they wanted to experience the large-scale event hosted by TSTC in Harlingen.

“We’ve always heard this is a huge event for TSTC in Harlingen and we were excited to join them this year. And although planting trees is tiring, we’re proud to know we’ve made a difference,” said Rocha. “This particular group has really been helpful in growing our SGA in Sweetwater and it’s been great sharing ideas and advice.”

Palomino said the success of this year’s event is credited to the partnership and help from Keep Harlingen Beautiful and the City of Harlingen.

“They donate shirts and provide shovels, supplies and their time,” said Palomino. “TSTC and our students have a great working relationship with them and our partnership is strong.”

Executive Director of Keep Harlingen Beautiful Melissa Boykin said she is amazed at the number of volunteers that participated in National Make a Difference Day.

“TSTC always comes through for us,” said Boykin. “The work they do all year long has a profound impact on our community. They are our biggest recyclers, they beautify our community and enhance Harlingen’s image. We love our TSTC.”

For Harlingen and TSTC, National Make a Difference Day allows them to get one step close to completing the beautification process along the entire expressway in Harlingen. It will take several more years to finish.

TSTC’s volunteer hours during National Make a Difference Day were valued at $14,814, a hefty cost savings for the city.

For more information on TSTC and the programs it offers, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – More than 50 employers from across the state gathered at Texas State Technical College’s Cultural Arts Center for the Fall 2018 Industry Job Fair, ready to hire TSTC students and graduates for good-paying, in-demand positions.

“This has been one of our most-attended job fairs yet,” said Viviana Espinosa, TSTC director of Talent Management and Career Services. “Employers said they are excited to have been able to reach so many students to help fill the gaps in their workforce.”

More than 500 TSTC students and alumni were dressed to impress at the fair, many with resumes in hand, applying for positions and completing on-site interviews.

Espinosa said the main objective during Industry Job Fair is to connect students and employers.

“Industry representatives are looking to fill positions with skilled employees, and many look at our students first because of the training they receive in the classroom. They’re ready to work,” said Espinosa. “And for our students, it’s about graduating with that dream job in hand. And at Industry Job Fair, we’re able to meet both student and industry needs.”

Carlos Gomez, a regional human resources manager with Martin Sprocket & Gear, said they have seen a lot of success from hiring graduates of TSTC’s Precision Machining Technology program.

“The machinists and machine programmers we’re able to hire from TSTC help us meet the needs of our customers,” said Gomez. “Every TSTC student we have hired is now filling key roles within our company. We have even created new positions for TSTC graduates because of the impressive skill sets they have acquired through TSTC.”

Gomez also said partnering with technical colleges like TSTC helps them fill a shortage in their workforce, especially with an increased number of similar companies opening and competing for skilled workers.

“Utilizing technical schools like TSTC has been a major factor in being able to hire more skilled employees. Everything is tied back to the bottom line, and being able to keep our machine shops filled helps us meet our customers’ demands,” said Gomez. “TSTC, to me, is the most valuable technical school in the state, and that opinion is shared by many on our executive management team at Martin Sprocket & Gear.”

Many of the other prospective employers at the event shared the same sentiment.

Samuel Saldana, building services manager for SpawGlass Contractors, said many of the TSTC graduates they have hired have performed above expectations.

“The individuals we hire from TSTC are well-rounded and are trained in more than one area and know several trades within the construction industry,” said Saldana. “Hiring skilled workers from TSTC brings our company value.”

Saldana added that the longtime partnership between SpawGlass and TSTC has been very successful and helpful.

“There is a shortage of professionals in our industry, and the support that TSTC gives us is invaluable,” said Saldana. “We’re looking for individuals who have a basic understanding of our industry, who have been trained in various aspects of our field and display professionalism, and the graduates from TSTC’s Building Construction program are the perfect fit.”

TSTC’s Talent Management and Career Services office connects students and employers statewide by hosting employee spotlights, interview practicums and industry job fairs.

It also assists TSTC students and alumni with resume writing, interview preparation, career research, job searches and networking.

For more information about TSTC’s Talent Management and Career Services office, visit tstc.edu/student_life/careerservices or call 956-364-4940.