(HARLINGEN) – Agriculture was a way of life for Daniel Agado, but he lost sight of it growing up. Years later, he has returned to his roots and is celebrating one month as the Agricultural Technology lab assistant at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen.

“This month has been great. I can honestly say I have found a career move that is permanent,” said Agado. “I love TSTC, agriculture, and helping students pursue their dreams in this field. To me, this is the next best thing to being a farmer.”

The San Benito native said he always wanted to be a farmer as a young boy. Some of his earliest memories include driving a tractor when he was 8 years old; helping his grandparents and uncle plant and harvest crops such as sorghum, corn and cotton; repairing fences; and helping with animals.

But after high school, feeling pressure to attend a four-year university, he enrolled at the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA), now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and pursued a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

“I wasn’t in the right mindset. I was young, and the transition from high school to college was a difficult one for me,” he said. “I ended up dropping out.”

For a few years after UTPA, Agado worked odd jobs, none of which he considered lifelong careers. So he enrolled at a local community college to study biology.

He ended up earning his associate degree from South Texas College in 2009, and later he transferred back to UTPA to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology.

“Once again, life got in the way. I had a family to support, and college was no longer a priority,” said Agado, who is married and has three children. “I had to work full time and make a living.”

With his bachelor’s degree nearly completed, Agado left UTPA and worked for nearly six years at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Center just north of Edinburg. He had worked part time at this location as a student.

At the USDA, Agado served as a biology researcher studying beneficial insects and managing research farms in Weslaco.

“I truly enjoyed this job, but I felt stuck. I had plateaued and had nowhere to grow,” he said. “But it was these years of experience that led me to TSTC and my current position, so I appreciate it now.”

Agado enrolled in the Wind Energy Technology program at TSTC in 2016. Little did he know that not only was a degree waiting for him, but also a job-offer-turned-career.

“When I first arrived at TSTC, I was offered the position I have now, but I turned it down because I wanted to finish my program,” he said. “But I guess sometimes things are just meant to be, because here I am.”

Agado earned his associate degree in Wind Energy Technology in Spring 2018 as a TSTC Board of Regents honors graduate with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

“I chose wind energy to begin with because it’s a booming career. I knew there would be financial stability,” he said. “I got some great job offers, but I couldn’t relocate my family.”

Agado now assists TSTC Agricultural Technology department chairman and instructor Sammy Gavito and instructor Sheren Farag with their classes and labs.

“Daniel has extensive experience and broad knowledge about the agriculture industry,” said Gavito. “He brings a lot of expertise to different areas of our curriculum and has already shown us that teaching comes naturally to him and is his calling.”

“We are so excited to have Daniel on our team. And I see him growing with TSTC and within our industry. The sky’s the limit for Daniel,” Gavito added.

Come Spring 2019, not only will Agado continue his work as a lab assistant, but he will also be enrolled as a student in the TSTC Agricultural Technology program.

He plans on pursuing an associate degree and later transferring to Texas A&M-Kingsville for a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification in Agriculture Science.

Agado’s goal: “I hope to someday become a full-time instructor with TSTC’s Agricultural Technology program.”

For more information on Agricultural Technology, visit tstc.edu/programs/AgriculturalTechnology.

(HARLINGEN) – The Workforce Development and Continuing Education department at Texas State Technical College, in partnership with Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, recently received a Skills Development Fund grant for customized job training.

The check, in the amount of $301,238, was presented by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) during a ceremony hosted at TSTC’s Cultural Arts Center this week.

The training provided by this grant is already in session and will last one year.

TSTC Workforce Development Executive Director Isidro Ramos said it is an honor to partner with TWC and industry to provide technical skills training.

“TSTC plays a vital role in ensuring that our local communities have a skilled workforce so that we may all grow and prosper,” said Ramos. “This grant makes it possible for employees to stay current in their specialty, increase career mobility and salary, and service our area with the best health care possible.”

The grant provides customized job training for 155 Valley Baptist Medical Center employees such as certified nursing assistants, registered nurses and nurse managers.

The training will focus on health care and social assistance topics, including personal leadership, quality management, trauma care, pediatric care and nurse’s aide skills.

Valley Baptist Chief Nursing Officer Steven Hill calls this grant a blessing to his staff and the community they serve.

“We are excited to have received the funds that will help us train our frontline staff,” said Hill. “TSTC’s training is invaluable and, although classes have only begun, we can already see how it’s benefiting our staff and our department. We will reap the benefits of this grant for years to come.”

Additionally, Valley Baptist employees who successfully complete the trauma and pediatric care after resuscitation, trauma nursing core course and emergency pediatric training will receive professional board certifications.

“These additional certifications not only give our health care professionals an enhanced skill set, but also give our community a higher level of care,” said Hill.

Valley Baptist Medical Center is the only level-two trauma facility south of San Antonio. It already partners with TSTC’s Allied Health division, serving as a practicum site for the college’s vocational nursing and registered nursing students.

“The longtime partnership we have with Valley Baptist is tremendous,” said TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez. “It is a privilege to be able to work closely with them in this and other endeavors. The support we have for each other benefits our campus, our students and our community.”

TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez said the economic impact these types of grants have on the state is large.

“This particular grant has a $307,000 economic impact,” he said. “And because of training like this, our unemployment rate is decreasing and partnerships are growing because we all understand what it takes to improve our workforce.”

“I want to let everyone know that the stars are aligning for the South Texas region because of the support and representation you have in Austin. And TSTC, we thank you for always providing innovative training and understanding industry needs,” Alvarez added.

For more information on training provided by TSTC’s Workforce Development and Continuing Education, call 956-364-4590 or visit tstc.edu/continuingeducation.

(HARLINGEN) – Amanda Jimenez, 21, registered to vote this week for only the second time since her eighteenth birthday because of the encouragement she received from student leaders at Texas State Technical College during an event for National Voter Registration Day.

“Voting is important. It impacts the people in our communities, our families and us individually,” said Jimenez. “I needed to be reminded about this. I haven’t voted in a while because I haven’t liked the political landscape, but they (student leaders) explained to me that to see change I must vote.”

Jimenez said she will exercise her right to vote in the upcoming midterm elections on November 6.

There are more than 20 TSTC student leaders from campus organizations such as Student Government Association, TSTC Service Squad and TSTC Leadership Academy, who have completed the required country training to become Volunteer Deputy Registrars for the state of Texas.

Volunteer Deputy Registrars are trained to officially register voters in the state of Texas. They are appointed by the county voter registrars and charged with helping increase voter registration in the state.

TSTC Student Orientation and Activities Coordinator Larissa Moreno said this project is part of many civic engagement and community service projects the students participate in.

Increasing student voter registration has been an initiative set in place by TSTC and its student leaders for at least a decade.

“Students respond to their peers and engage more freely with them,” said Moreno. “Voting is an important subject that impacts many people, so we want students to ask questions and start conversations with those they are comfortable with.”

Moreno said every student appointed as a Volunteer Deputy Registrar has been well educated and trained on voter registration, the voting process and political race and candidate information.

As Volunteer Deputy Registrars, the students are able to help with voter registration across the state.

“Our mission is to educate people and encourage them to vote,” said Moreno. “We want people to recognize the importance of voting and its impact.”

Iris Juarez, TSTC Business Management Technology graduate, returned this semester to complete her Academic Core and took on the lead role in this initiative.

“I’m excited about this opportunity. I have a passion for this kind of work,” Juarez said. “Our vote is our voice. People fought to give us this right and we have to take full advantage of it. It’s our responsibility to educate others about this.”

TSTC partnered with the Advocacy Alliance Center of Texas (AACT), a non-profit, nonpartisan entity that serves as a uniting “table” for all nonpartisan, charitable voter registration turnout efforts in the community, since South Texas sits below the state average for voter turnout.

According to AACT, six out of 10 people in Texas vote, but in the Rio Grande Valley only two out of 10 people exercise their right to vote.

“The amount of people voting in elections needs to increase,” said Juarez. “We have students at TSTC turning 18 nearly every day and they are part of the future of tomorrow. We need to educate them.”

TSTC’s voter registration initiative is year-round and, for students, it begins during their New Student Orientation.

The students so far have registered more than 200 people.

Voter registration at TSTC is open to faculty, staff, students and the Cameron County community.

The last day to register to vote is October 6, early voting at TSTC is October 22-26 in the Student Center VIP Room from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To register to vote or for more information on voter registration, call 956-364-4117.

(HARLINGEN) – Iris Juarez graduated in Summer 2018 from Texas State Technical College with an associate degree in Business Management Technology.

The 21-year-old returned to TSTC to complete her Academic Core, where she also holds a 3.3 grade-point average and is a student orientation leader with TSTC’s New Student Orientation office.

The San Benito native also serves on the TSTC Service Squad, Leadership Academy and has taken on the responsibility of leading TSTC’s voter registration initiative.

What are your plans after graduation?

After finishing my classes at TSTC I will transfer to the University of Texas at San Antonio to pursue a bachelor’s degree in General Business Administration with a minor in Communications.

What’s your dream job?

I currently work part time at my parents’ air conditioning business. This is giving me the experience I need to one day make my dream of managing a cosmetic or logistics business or even opening a business of my own.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC was applying and getting the student worker position with the New Student Orientation office. It is because of this job that I am now involved in several on campus organizations, I’ve grown personally and professionally and I’ve created long-lasting friendships.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is to not underestimate myself and to always pursue the challenges that scare me. If something doesn’t scare me, then I’m not growing.

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

There are two people on campus who have had a great influence on my success. First it’s my Business Management Technology Instructor Steve Szymoniak. He has taught me to be bold and not be afraid of a challenge. He’s a go-getter and he aspires his students to be go-getters also. Next is Student Orientation and Student Activities Coordinator Larissa Moreno. She has helped me grow and reach out of my comfort zone. She challenges me and teaches me confidence.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to get involved and join campus organizations. Doing this can change your entire college experience, you meet a great network of people and try new things. Also, take advantage of the resources and services TSTC offers its students. There is so much available.

(HARLINGEN) – Michael Durant, a mechatronics tool and die maker at AdTech Plastic Technology in Harlingen has not been in a classroom since the 1980’s, but thanks to a partnership between Texas State Technical College and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) he is back and ready to learn.

“I love learning. You’re never too old to learn,” said the 49-year-old sitting in industrial math. “It feels great to be back and I’m excited for this opportunity.”

Durant and others from Fox Valley Molding and Aloe Laboratories in Harlingen and Sauceda’s Precision Grinding in San Benito make up a Harlingen Consortium that was recently awarded a $155,721 Skills Development Fund Grant for a full year of training.

TSTC’s Workforce Development and Continuing Education Executive Director Isidro Ramos said training provided by the TWC is crucial for companies, especially those with less than 100 employees.

“Technology is constantly evolving and it’s important for companies to keep their employees up to date,” said Ramos. “It’s a competitive industry and to remain competitive and keep production high, training is a priority.”

David Blackburn, Fox Valley Molding general manager, who has participated in other TSTC trainings in the past, said continual training is crucial. He will be sending various employees from the tool shop and maintenance to TSTC.

“We’ve always had a great experience with TSTC. It’s always a great learning experience for my employees,” said Blackburn. “So when this opportunity became available, we couldn’t pass it up.”

“I’ve personally seen skill sets improve, employees gain a better scope and understanding of their work and our production increase,” he added. “So I’m looking forward to seeing what we’ll gain at the end of this training.”

Employees from the four companies that make up the consortium began training this month and will take classes such as basic blueprint reading, industrial math, basic supervision, programmable logic controls and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10.

All training is customized to the companies’ needs and will be performed at TSTC and on-site.

Nathan Hernandez, a toolmaker apprentice at Fox Valley Molding, sat in Industrial Math with Durant, and as a TSTC Precision Machining Technology grad, being in the classroom was déjà vu.

“Knowing that my professional development is important and being given this opportunity is appreciated,” said the TSTC alum. “I’m hoping to learn as much as I can and I look forward to implementing what I learn into my daily work.”

As for Durant, who has been in the industry nearly three decades, he is excited to learn about new technologies and techniques.

“I’m just hoping to come out smarter than I came in,” he said with a laugh. “But in all seriousness, a lot has changed in our field, and new technology is introduced constantly, so I’m hoping to get myself up to speed on a lot of it with this training.”

TSTC has hosted other consortium trainings in the past thanks to Skill Development Fund Grants from the TWC with local manufacturing companies such as Saint-Gobain, Prism, Rich Products and Portage Plastics.

“Employers look forward to these trainings,” said Ramos. “This partnership is way for us to enhance our manufacturing industry and economic development, while providing quality training, which is our forte.”

For more information on the courses and services offered by TSTC’s Workforce Development and Continuing Education, call 956-364-4590 or visit tstc.edu/workforce/ce.

(HARLINGEN) – Christopher Martinez is pursuing a certificate from Texas State Technical College in Vocational Nursing. The Harlingen native, who holds a 3.5 grade-point average, expects to graduate in Summer 2019.

The 26-year-old said nursing is something he has wanted to do since he was a child because it allows him to help others and                                                                                                   make a difference in lives.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I hope to find a job in my field and return to TSTC to pursue registered nursing and earn my associate degree.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become a traveling nurse, working in different hospitals in different parts of the country, and working in either an emergency room or cardiology department.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been maintaining my GPA in a program well known for its challenging and competitive nature.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that I am my own worst critic. I’ve learned to not be so hard on myself and be more confident in what I do.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

I cannot just name one person, everyone in advisement and the vocational nursing program has influenced my success. Advisement was my stepping stone into this college and advisors have never led me wrong and I admire the experience and knowledge of the faculty in my program.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to be dedicated to your chosen career and path. This will take you a long way.

(HARLINGEN) – Growing up in Egypt, Dr. Sheren Elsayed Farag remembers she dreamt of being a plant scientist and she was determined, no matter what, to make it happen.

Today, Farag is the newest Agricultural Technology instructor at Texas State Technical College and brings more than a decade of agriculture engineering and technology experience to the classroom.

“I was inspired by a teacher I had when I was small. He would take us to fields around our school to study the crops and soil,” said Farag. “And now I want to inspire other students who also want to pursue the same career path.”

The 32-year-old said she is excited to be at TSTC and cannot wait to begin implementing technologies used in agriculture.

“There are so many new technologies in agriculture that help make the job faster and more efficient,” said Farag, as she set up the program’s latest drone. “And to make our students more marketable and competitive when looking for jobs, they need to have knowledge and training in this technology.”

Farag’s first step in her mission is to implement drones in her curriculum.

The program has a total of five drones, four are consumer standard easy-to-fly drones for aerial photography and the other is a Multispectral Imaging Drone, popular to the agriculture field, to manage crops, soil, fertilizing and irrigation more effectively.

“Drones are the most utilized and popular technology in our field. And not many people are trained to use them,” she said. “So our students will be ahead of the game and this specialized training will improve their job outlook.”

Farag knows all too well the competitive nature of the industry and the types of opportunities students can have access to with this type of training.

Farag earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Alexandria University in Egypt in Soil and Water Science and Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition in 2006 and 2008 respectively.

She went on to earn her second master’s degree and doctoral degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Seville in Spain in 2011 and 2014.

Farag also holds a post graduate diploma in Integrated Planning for Rural Development and Environmental Management from the International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies.

“I have faced a lot of bias as a woman entering a male-dominated career,” said Farag. “It hasn’t always been easy, I’m proud of what I have been able to accomplish and I hope to get more women interested in pursuing a career in agriculture.”

And Farag should be very proud. She received a couple of prestigious fellowships in her field from the Spanish National Research Council in partnership with Junta para la Ampliación de Estudios and from the International Fellowship from American Association of University Women, she was the only doctoral candidate selected.

It was the American Association of University Women that helped her get to the United States in 2016 and work as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Weslaco, beginning her extended stay in the states.

Sammy Gavito, TSTC state lead and instructor for Agricultural Technology, said Farag’s knowledge in agriculture, soils, soil fertility and irrigation is impressive.

“She brings great knowledge in precision agriculture,” said Gavito. “In particular, she brings great knowledge in global positioning systems (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS) and the ability to teach drone technology to our students. And new technology is the direction our agriculture program is going.”

Before coming to the U.S., Farag also worked with a fertilization company developing new fertilizers, as a researcher monitoring irrigation, fruit trees, soil, water and managing plant development in Egypt and Spain.

And for four months, Farag spent time at Texas A&M-Kingsville as a plant physiologist controlling irrigation using meters and sensors.

“I’ve had so many great opportunities throughout my career,” said Farag. “And although bias, beliefs and prejudice in my home country were big obstacles for me, I’ve always kept my eye on my goals and focused on positivity to overcome it.”

Farag who knows multiple languages,  English, French, Arabic and Spanish, enjoys travelling, especially back to Egypt where her family stayed and said although she misses them she’s ready for her new adventure at TSTC.

“All I want is to help make a big difference in students’ lives and make them aware of the research, opportunities and growth that the agriculture industry has to offer,” she said.

For more information on TSTC’s Agricultural Technology, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Julyssa Balderas, 19, is a Business Management Technology student at Texas State Technical College and expects to earn her associate degree in Fall 2019.

When not in the classroom or the library studying, the Harlingen native is a work study at the TSTC Advisement Center and said it has been a very rewarding job being able to help fellow students.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate with my associate degree I plan on transferring to the University of Texas at San Antonio to pursue a bachelor’s degree in General Business.

What’s your dream job?

TSTC has helped me find my passion and my dream career. I hope to someday work in and manage the finance department of a large company in a big city.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been being hired at the TSTC Advisement Center. I love having the opportunity of helping other students and the way the team here motivates me to put myself out there and not be shy.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is to always face your challenges head on. No matter how tough life gets, we have to keep moving forward.

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

Everyone at the advisement center is great, but my supervisor Alysse Prepejchal has helped me the most. She has helped me grow professionally and personally. She is always there to give sound advice and to motivate me to try something new outside of my comfort zone.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to enjoy every moment spent at TSTC because the college offers students every opportunity possible to achieve academic success and make new friends.