Author Archives: Kristina Campos-Davis

Making History: TSTC’s First State Representative Office Interns

(HARLINGEN) – Arelynn England and Montserrat Esquivel are making history as the first Texas State Technical College students to intern at a state representative’s office.

Within the next couple of months, both women will begin their internship with Texas State Representative Oscar Longoria in La Feria.

“This is a big deal,” said Esquivel. “Never in a million years did I expect to get this type of internship. It’s a great opportunity.”

England added, “I’m so excited to have been given a chance to do something like this. TSTC has given me nothing but great experiences and opportunities.”

Esquivel, an Agricultural Technology student and England a Biology student were recommended for this pilot internship program by TSTC Executive Director of Student Life and Engagement Adele Clinton for their leadership skills and active participation on campus and in their communities.

“We have so many outstanding students at TSTC and it was so difficult to only choose two,” said Clinton. “But there’s something really special about these two ladies and I knew they would be perfect for this internship.TSTC State Representative Interns

Clinton went on to mention that Esquivel has volunteered countless hours, even earning a  President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama and participated in numerous leadership trainings, while England is an articulate and professional leader who has done a fantastic job as a student orientation leader.

Not only will this internship look good on England’s and Esquivel’s resumes, but they will have the chance to build upon and practice their leadership, communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills they have learned at TSTC. They will also get to learn about community advocacy and public policy, gain real-world experience and establish networking connections.

“I someday want to work for an agricultural government sector, maybe the USDA,” said Esquivel. “So this internship is going to teach me what I need to be successful in my future career.”

This internship pilot program is spearheaded by TSTC’s Executive Vice President of Governmental Affairs Javier Deleon.

“This is the first time something like this has ever been done at TSTC,” said Deleon. “These types of internships usually go to university-level students, but we have high-caliber students right here who deserve these types of opportunities also.”

Deleon explained that this program is the vision of TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser and Senior Vice Chancellor Roger Miller to build better relationships among the legislators in the Rio Grande Valley and throughout the state and to show how TSTC, technical students also possess the skills to succeed in these types of internships.

“When this program takes off, our goal is to have interns in legislator’s offices across the state from our 10 campuses,” said Deleon. “This will help us showcase our students and the importance of a technical education. After all, it’s our students that are graduating and filling the skills gap in Texas and nationwide.”

Both women, who went through an interview process for this internship, know that they are opening doors for other students as the first to be selected for this program and said they will work hard to represent TSTC and Longoria’s office positively.

“Our goal is to make a great impression so that other students can also have the same opportunity,” said England.

Esquivel added, “Our bar has been set high. We have a lot to prove and I’m confident that we can make it happen.”

Esquivel and England look forward to learning what it takes to run a state representative’s office and being there for its constituents.

As for Deleon, he said he is looking forward to seeing these students flourish as leaders and seeing these partnerships grow.

“I want to thank those at TSTC who support this initiative and Representative Longoria and his office for welcoming our students,” said Deleon. “I look forward to the future of this program and all it has to offer.”

 

TSTC Welding Instructor Honored for 25 Years of Teaching

(HUTTO) – The American Welding Society honored Texas State Technical College welding instructor A. Keith Wojcik for 25 years of service in the welding industry and in higher education at its annual FABTECH conference in Chicago.

Wojcik said the award is a personal milestone.

 

“It means that I didn’t give up,” Wojcik said. “It’s 25 years of persistence, 25 years of plugging away. The reason my students got to see that is because I wanted them to understand the importance of being a professional and I did that by my actions, not by my words.”

 

Wojcik was inspired to become a welder by his college professor Roy Hulfachor.

 

“He told me, didn’t ask, but told me I was going to be his lab assistant and I was going to teach an introductory class,” Wojcik said. “He was a great man. He became my professor, my boss, my mentor, my guidance counselor and, probably the biggest thing, is he was a friend of mine. So I didn’t get to choose welding, it chose me.”

 

Early after graduating from college, Wojcik began both welding and teaching.

 

“I’ve done both for virtually my entire career,” Wojcik said. “I would weld during the day and I would teach at night. It started one week after I had graduated. I was told by Roy that the local community college needed a welding instructor, so I became the welding department at Kishwaukee Community College in Malta, Illinois. I was a department of one.”

 

Later, Wojcik went on to work at Caterpillar Inc. in Aurora, Illinois.

 

“I started as a welder and got into management training at that point, at the ripe old age of 23,” Wojcik said. “I became the youngest supervisor ever in that plant. And I taught school at night. I taught continuing education for the Aurora school district.”

 

Later, Wojcik moved to Houston where he worked for Airco Technical, and started the Research and Development department at CRC Automatic Welding with his Airco co-workers. After getting married and having a daughter, the family moved to the Austin area, where he taught welding at Austin Community College for 13 years. He began teaching at TSTC in April of 2012.

 

Wojcik, currently a Round Rock resident, said his proudest moment as a teacher came at the FABTECH conference, when he saw a former student speak.

 

“I was so proud when I heard the words uttered ‘My name is Alejandro Alvarez and I’m a doctoral candidate in Welding Engineering at Ohio State University,’” Wojcik said. “I met his advisor and he said ‘Alex speaks very highly of you because you pushed him in that direction.’ That is the pinnacle of my teaching career: that I inspired somebody so much that he would get a doctorate in Welding Engineering. It doesn’t get better than that.”

 

Three of Wojcik’s welding students attended the conference in Chicago as well.

 

“I know I’m making an impact because I have three students that showed up in Chicago just to see what was going on,” he said. “The only draw was this show and the fact that I was getting an award. They all came back excited. I’m passing on the torch, if you will.”

 

Wojcik credits his mentors with helping him in his career and is glad to show his students that way as well.

 

“I’ve had many great mentors who never really gave me a straight answer; instead they gave me a path to follow,” Wojcik said. “I try to do the same. It’s not about the end, it’s about the career.”

 

The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919, as a nonprofit organization with a global mission to advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes. AWS strives to move the industry forward in both thought and action, as well as inspire new generations to see the exciting career opportunities available today.

 

For more information on Texas State Technical College and the welding program, visit tstc.edu.

Texas State Representative Visits TSTC Campus

(WACO) – State Rep. and House Appropriations Committee Chairman John Zerwas, R-Richmond, along with officials from Educate Texas and the Texas Association of Manufacturers, visited the Texas State Technical College campus Monday, November 27.

Educate Texas, a catalyst for large-scale education systems change, has partnered with public and private educational entities to improve public and higher education systems in Texas. The goal of the visit was for the groups involved to shine a light on the types of education being offered at TSTC.

 

“These organizations asked if they could host a tour on our campus for Rep. John Zerwas so that he could get a firsthand experience with the type of education and opportunities that TSTC produces,” said Roger Miller, TSTC vice chancellor and chief government affairs officer. “We were somewhat of a co-host, but this was actually the idea of Educate Texas, the Texas Association of Manufacturers and the Texas Business Leadership Council.”

 

Zerwas serves the citizens of Texas House District 28, which includes Fort Bend County, where TSTC operates its newest campus. In the 84th Legislative Session, he also served as Chairman of the House Committee on Higher Education. Zerwas said the visit to Waco helped him realize the breadth of opportunities TSTC can offer.

 

“This is where it all began, so this is a great opportunity to see where the program was born and to see what it’s become since then,” Zerwas said. “The Fort Bend campus, since it just started, has a limited number of programs they can offer. Here at the oldest campus, they have an enormous number of job skills training opportunities. I found each one of them interesting.”

 

TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser said it’s important that people see the value of the programs offered at TSTC.

 

“A lot of times technical education is seen as a consolation prize,” Reeser said. “The programs we offer here are more than that. Who wouldn’t want to be an air traffic controller? Corporate America is finally beginning to talk to students about job opportunities in careers like these.”

 

The tour showed visitors a look at the Aerospace, Instrumentation, Electrical Power & Controls, Precision Machining and Welding programs. Several instructors pressed the significance of the skills gap, a shortage of middle-skilled workers to fill open positions.

 

“We’re seeing the greatest shortage of commercial pilots since the 1950s,” said TSTC Transportation Division Director Carson Pearce. “There are 617,000 jobs available, and that doesn’t include aviation maintenance technicians. We can get a student in and season them in two years, but as fast as we can do that isn’t fast enough to fill the positions.”

 

TSTC Precision Machining instructor George Love shared the same sentiments.

 

“My biggest burden right now is that I’m letting 60 to 70 jobs go unfilled every semester,” Love said. “It’s a weight on my shoulders. If I can provide an extra 60 to 70 students, I could meet the needs I know about in the state of Texas right now.”

 

Zerwas hopes TSTC’s high-quality graduates can help beat the stigma around technical education and lessen the skills gap.

 

“More of these graduates being percolated through communities will get people asking, ‘How did you get there?’ And they’ll say, ‘Well I started at TSTC,’ and it gave them a great start. There are lots of ways and efforts to communicate this down to the high schools, and it’s very important. Our future is highly vested in cranking out that highly skilled workforce.”

 

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Not Enough: TSTC Staff Senate Fights Hunger on Campus

(HARLINGEN) – One snack-size Ziploc bag with ramen or canned corn is a usual meal for Texas State Technical College Biology student Veronica Lopez.

“I have to divide my food and ration to make a small meal last for several days,” she said. “But a little of something is better than nothing.”

It is for students like Lopez that TSTC Staff Senate is hosting an annual food drive to benefit TSTC’s Charlie’s Pantry, which serves students living on campus, and the Student Center Pantry, which serves commuting students.

Lopez is a first-generation college student and comes from a low-income family and receives most, if not all, of her meals from TSTC’s Charlie’s Pantry.

The 19-year-old said at times she has lived solely on water, needing to drink plenty to feel full and never knowing what to say when people comment on her thin body.

“If not for the pantry, there would be days I wouldn’t eat at all,” said Lopez. “Right now I have nothing in my fridge.”

Lopez is nervous though because the pantry is running low on food and she is not the only one who relies on it.TSTC Food Pantry

TSTC Interim Housing Director Andrea Salas said this semester alone she has helped nearly 60 students with food.

“Our students rely heavily on this pantry,” she said. “And this semester the need seems to have increased. We can’t let our students go hungry.”

Both pantries run exclusively on donations and depend on the food and monetary donations received during this annual drive.

Fortunately, for Charlie’s Pantry, a community member generously donated $500 during last year’s food drive. The donation, to date, is still supplying frozen foods such as TV dinners for TSTC students.

Sharon Foster, TSTC Staff Senate president, said their goal is to alleviate students’ hunger and the stress of not knowing where their next meal will come from.

“Between tuition, books and housing, food most of the time doesn’t fit in the budget,” said Foster.

The hunger problem is not unique to colleges in South Texas. In a study done by Wisconsin Hope Lab and Feeding America, 50 percent of college students nationwide struggle with not having enough food, with the majority clustered in the low-income, first-generation group.

“Having to decide between food and an education should not be a decision they have to make,” Foster added.

The TSTC Staff Senate Food Drive runs through December 21, with boxes in nearly every building on campus including the Student Services Center, Engineering Center and the Nursing Education Center.

“In past years students, faculty, staff and the community have really come through for our students,” said Foster. “I’m positive we will get the pantries fully stocked again.”

As for Lopez, she said her goal is to graduate as a dental hygienist so she can help provide for her little brother and mother and get out of their current situation of never having enough.

TSTC’s Staff Senate is accepting both food and monetary donations. To help, call 956-364-4023.

 

Tree Decorating Contest

Education and Training Tree - First Place

(HARLINGEN) – The Human Resources Department at Texas State Technical College recently hosted its 12th Annual Tree Decorating Contest to kick off the holiday season.

The contest brings faculty and staff together for an afternoon of decorating, followed by a friendly competition with trees being judged by invited community leaders.

This year, each tree needed to represent one of the different programs offered at TSTC and the tree that took the top honors belonged to Financial and Facilities Services with their tree representing Education and Training.

The trees will line the lobby of the J. Gilbert Leal Learning Resource Center for the remainder of the year. The TSTC and local communities are encouraged to visit and enjoy the lights and decorations.

Happy Holidays from TSTC!

Student Success Profile – Damian Cisneros

(HARLINGEN) – Damian CisnerosDamian Cisneros, 18, is completing his Academic Core at Texas State Technical College. The Mercedes native holds a 3.0 grade-point average and is an active member of the Pool Sharks Club.

Cisneros said he hopes to complete his core classes in the spring and apply for TSTC’s nursing program.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate from TSTC, I hope to continue my education and pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and begin working as a nurse in a hospital setting.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to combine my passion of music and love for helping people and become a music therapist.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment so far has been getting a job with the Helping a TSTC Student Succeed (HATSS) program and tutoring students. To be offered a position where I get to make an impact in a student’s life and to be told I was perfect for the job is a huge compliment and honor.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is to never judge a book by its cover. It’s important for me to get to know a person and understand their situation and not make assumptions. I work daily to bring out the best in people and see the good in everyone I meet.

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

The person who has influenced my success the most while at TSTC is my friend Estefany Ruiz. She is also a tutor where I work. In fact, she is the one who recommended me for the job. She helped me through the application process and with my resume. Without her I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I did.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is do not procrastinate. Get your assignments and projects done by the deadline; this will make college less stressful. Also, enjoy your college experience, it should be a fun moment in your life.

TSTC Inaugurates First SGA President at Fort Bend Campus

(FORT BEND) – Texas State Technical College student Madison Ellis was recently named the first Student Government Association (SGA) President for TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus.

It is the 19-year-old’s first semester at TSTC as an Electrical Lineworker Technology student and said he never expected anything like this to happen.

“I’m excited that I have been given this opportunity,” he said. “I wasn’t looking for it, it found me. But I’m ready to serve our students.”

The Missouri City native closed his first week on the job by adding additional companies to TSTC’s student discount list: Brewingz, Panda Express, Bush’s Chicken and Bullritos – Burritos and Tacos.

He is also working on building a partnership with a local recycling center to raise money for either an end-of-semester pizza party for the students or a new foosball table or basketball hoop system to beautify the campus and/or community.

“Everything I’m doing is for the students,” he said. “They’re trusting me to be their voice.”

Ellis added that he conducted student surveys and will work on the things most important to his fellow peers.Madison Ellis TSTC SGA President

Other goals on Ellis’ list include creating an intramural sports program and encouraging students to do more community service projects.

His supervisor and Director of Student Services Georgeann Calzada said it is Ellis’ leadership, ambition and determination that made him a great candidate for president.

“He’s jumped right into his position and has wasted no time in talking with students and finding out what they need and want,” said Calzada. “He is very excited about being an advocate for our students and his confidence will take him far in this position. He’s definitely a great addition to our team and a great asset to TSTC.”

Ellis is active in his community by volunteering with the Special Olympics and organizing toy and food drives and fundraisers for those less fortunate and most recently volunteering during National Make a Difference Day.

Leading up to Ellis’ Summer 2018 graduation, he said he wants to make positive changes for students and encourage others to work with him as part of SGA to continue the work he has started once he leaves TSTC.

“I’m still soaking it all in. This is such a new role for me to have,” said Ellis. “But I’m looking forward to everything that’s to come.”

Though Ellis will remain busy as SGA President, he said he will remain focused on his education. He plans on working hard to hopefully receive job offers before graduating and be set once he flips his tassel to the left and receives his certificate.

He has his eye on starting his career with CenterPoint Energy or AEP Energy.

“Everything about TSTC has exceeded my expectations,” he said. “It is opening doors of opportunity every day for me and preparing me for a successful career.”

For more information on the programs offered at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus, visit tstc.edu.

Mark Your Calendar: TSTC Registration Rally on Nov. 29

(ABILENE) – Texas State Technical College in Abilene will host a Registration Rally on Wednesday, Nov. 29 – all part of an effort to make the registration process as easy as possible for incoming students.

 

Recruiting and Admissions staff will be on standby to walk students through the registration process. They will also offer tours and help with applications.

 

The Registration Rally will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the main campus. Attendees will be able to meet with faculty, learn more about the different technologies offered at the Abilene campus and tour the facilities.

 

In addition to Recruiting and Admissions; personnel from Financial Aid, Testing, Student Success and Veteran Services will be available to answer questions and lend a helping hand. Prospective students will be able to learn all about resources available to them.

 

Students who need help finalizing their registration are encouraged to bring the following: copy of driver’s license, high school transcript or GED, any college transcripts, proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination and TSI scores.

 

For more information on the Registration Rally, go to www.tstc.edu/rally.

Mark Your Calendar: TSTC Registration Rally on Nov. 28

(SWEETWATER) – Texas State Technical College in Sweetwater will host a Registration Rally on Tuesday, Nov. 28 – all part of an effort to make the registration process as easy as possible for incoming students.   

Recruiting and Admissions staff will be on standby to walk students through the registration process. They will also offer tours and help with applications.

The Registration Rally will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Sears Building. Attendees will be able to meet with faculty, learn more about the different technologies offered at the Sweetwater campus and tour the facilities.

In addition to Recruiting and Admissions; personnel from Financial Aid, Testing, Student Success and Veteran Services will be available to answer questions and lend a helping hand. Prospective students will be able to learn all about resources available to them.

Prospective students who need help finalizing their registration are encouraged to bring the following: copy of driver’s license, high school transcript or GED, any college transcripts, proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination, housing application and TSI scores.

For more information on the Registration Rally, go to www.tstc.edu/rally.

 

Student Success Profile – Melissa Lerma

(HARLINGEN) – Melissa LermaMelissa Lerma is a Surgical Technology student at Texas State Technical College and will receive her associate degree Summer 2018. She already has an associate degree from TSTC in Biology, which she earned in 2016.

The 20-year-old is also active on campus and with her church. Despite her demanding class schedule, she volunteers with her church delivering food and hosting food drives, in addition to fundraising with the TSTC Surgical Technology Club in order to attend the Association of Surgical Technologists annual conference.  She is currently the club’s secretary.

The Weslaco native said she has always been fascinated with the human anatomy and how it works so she is glad that TSTC had just the right program for her.

What are your plans after graduation?

My goal is to get hired at a Valley hospital before even graduating and being able to start my career. I will also continue my education to become a Certified Surgical First Assistant and a Licensed Surgical Assistant.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become a Licensed Surgical Assistant and be the surgeon second hand in the operating room.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishments while at TSTC were earning my first associate degree in Biology and being admitted into the Surgical Technology program. It’s very competitive and I was one of only 19 who got accepted.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is to always have a positive attitude. I can honestly say that when I started looking at things positively and ignoring negativity, my life changed for the better.

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

My Psychology Instructor Frank Coronado is the person who helped me see life from a different perspective. I was unsure of my path or passion before his class, but then I had an ‘aha’ moment and I started being more positive, getting A’s in my classes, building  stronger relationships and finding my passion.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to always maintain a positive and good attitude, look on the bright side of things and never give up.