(HARLINGEN) – Alandra Avelar is pursuing classes in engineering and physics at Texas State Technical College. She earned her associate degree in Mechatronics Technology from the college in 2016 and currently boasts a 3.7 grade-point average.

The Brownsville native said she remembers being four or five years old and wondering how all of her toys work and breaking them to inspect the inside gears. Although her interest in engineering began at a young age, the 21-year-old added that the thought of pursuing engineering as a career did not begin until she was in high school.

“My entire life, since elementary, I can recall teachers never believing I’d amount to anything but high school changed that,” she said. “So this is my chance to prove them wrong.”

What are your plans after graduating from TSTC?

I will be completing my courses here at TSTC this summer and in the fall I will begin pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University.

What’s your dream job?

After graduating I would like to experience work and life on an oil rig and positions in the industrial arena. Ultimately, though, I would like to be a mechanical engineer for corporate companies managing system controls.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

Besides graduating with my associate degree, – I would have to say my other great accomplishment was being able to balance a full-time course load and two part-time jobs I needed to pay for college.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

These past three years have been quite a journey, there have been a lot tears. I have learned that as long as I apply myself, stay focused on my goal and continue doing my best, I will succeed and can get through anything. It may be a crazy ride but I am pursuing my dream.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

The person at TSTC that has influenced my success the most is Financial Aid Assistant Director Tillie Flores. College is expensive and I knew my family could not afford it but she helped me find scholarships and grants that have left me debt-free. I have no words on how her help has shaped my life.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

Focus on your goal and do not let what is going on distract you from that. People will try to get you down, but do not let them, be strong minded. And always remember that everything you do will be worth it in the end.

(HARLINGEN) – The Texas State Technical College Police Department recently hosted the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events Train the Trainer course. More than 100 local law enforcement officers from across the Rio Grande Valley were presented strategies and guidance for surviving an active shooter incident. The trainings were presented by Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) instructors and addressed topics such as the history and prevalence of active shooter events, the role of the professional guardians, civilian response options, medical issues and drills.

(HARLINGEN) – With resumes in hand, Auto Collision Technology student Victoria Ramirez explored the aisles of employers at the Texas State Technical College Industry Job Fair searching for a certain employer.

“My heart is set on Service King,” said Ramirez. “There is a lot of growth opportunity with this company. I already spoke one-on-one with the recruiter and left my resume. They seemed interested, so I’m staying positive.”

The 27-year-old will graduate Summer 2017 with a Certificate II and she said the recruiter told her to call before she graduates to begin the interview process.

Ramirez already holds a certificate in Automotive Technology from TSTC and she said she hopes this makes her more marketable to employers such as Service King, a collision repair center serving 24 states with 318 locations.

The Talent Management and Career Services department at TSTC hosts this job fair every April to help the large number of students, like Ramirez, who are graduating either in the spring or the summer and looking for job placement.

TSTC Director of Talent Management and Career Services Viviana Espinoza said for many of the students in attendance this is their opportunity to network with recruiters and apply with companies that are already hiring or looking to hire TSTC graduates.

“Our goal is to help our students increase their confidence when it comes to speaking with employers,” said Espinoza. “Ultimately, the confidence gain will lead to job placement and a career.”

More than 40 employers were on hand accepting resumes and conducting on-site interviews.

Matt Granderson, Los Vientos site manager for Duke Energy, a leading energy company focused on electric power, gas distribution operations and renewable energy assets, said they already hire TSTC graduates and are always impressed with their skill and work ethic.

“The students coming out of TSTC graduate with the fundamental foundation and understanding in safety and technology,” said Granderson. “They graduate with the skills that make them marketable and ready to work.”

Granderson added that he had collected numerous resumes from prospects he hopes will work for Duke Energy.

Espinoza said overall this year’s job fair was a success with nothing but positive feedback from employers and students.

“Employer satisfaction was high. They were especially impressed with our students,” she said. “Many of the employers present will be returning for program tours and recruitment. This is great news for our students.”

For more information on student, alumni and industry services offered by TSTC’s Talent Management and Career Services, call 956-364-4940.

Techsan Day is a long-standing tradition at Texas State Technical College. It is held every spring semester before final exams to give administration, faculty, staff and students a chance to network and relieve the semester’s stress through games, contests and food. From mechanical bull riding and dunking booths to eating contests and obstacle courses, there is fun for all.

(HARLINGEN) – Eva Gonzalez is a student at Texas State Technical College pursuing an associate degree in Wind Energy and Turbine Technology.

The 32-year-old expects to graduate in Summer 2017 and currently boasts a 3.7 grade-point average.

The Raymondville native said she first became interested in the industrial arena when she worked as an insulation and metal installer and asbestos remover at refineries in Corpus Christi and Victoria. Gonzalez said although she loved what she did, she is ready for a career, not just a job.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’m hoping to have a job position in place upon graduating. Although I’m keeping an open mind about where I may end up, I am ultimately hoping to get a job with Siemens USA, a global company that provides services such as Energy, Industrial Automation and Drive Technology.

What’s your dream job?

My dream is to become a supervisor or some type of leader either at Siemens or whichever company I end up at. I would like oversee a region, especially the South Texas region. It’s home.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC was being able to balance school and maintain a high GPA while working. Until recently I worked at O’Reilly Auto Parts but my school schedule has changed and I want to focus on school and starting my career.  I’m proud that I was able to handle both work and school through the majority of my program.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

Several years ago my dad passed away and I went through a depression. I was living in California at the time and that’s when I decided to come home. I learned that it was important to not take anything for granted, especially an education. So I took a continuing education class at TSTC and earned a certificate in Industrial Safety and I never left the college. I hope to make my dad proud of who I’m becoming because I had an unsure path before. And coming from a background of migrant workers I have also learned the value of hard work and determination.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

It’s hard to name only one person because all three of my instructors: David Gomez, Juan Alferez and Alfredo Rodriguez have influenced my success. All three have different experiences and lessons to share. They are always there encouraging us to succeed.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want to tell future and current students to stick with their goals and dreams and not to get discouraged. Education is the key and it will get you far in life.

(HARLINGEN) – Michael Foster was a dual-credit high school student the last time he attended Texas State Technical College, but it was at the college where he found the support that got him where he is today.

The Harlingen native finished his general academic core at TSTC in 2009, the same year he graduated from Harlingen Early College High School.

“Honestly, TSTC was the best thing to have happened to me,” said Foster. “During my hardest time, they were there for me and pushing me to go forward.”

The 19-year-old is now a student at St. Edward’s University in Austin, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in history and economics, and he also works at the Texas State Capitol as a senate messenger, hand-delivering documents to various departments within the Capitol. With this nonpartisan position, he has the chance to witness the happenings of the legislative session.

However, before finding his way upstate he suffered a great loss.

“My dad passed away from lung cancer during my senior year in high school,” Foster said. “Only one month later, I was diagnosed with a life-threatening autoimmune disease.”

Foster has what is called pemphigus vulgaris, an autoimmune disorder of the skin that causes blistering and sores. With treatment, his disease is now under control.

“I felt like my life was chaos,” he said. “I was so discouraged, but my TSTC instructors were so understanding and were there for me every step of the way, helping in any way they could so I could finish and graduate.”

TSTC instructors like Elizabeth Bryant, who teaches state and federal government, and William Taliancich, who teaches English, would constantly call to check on him.

In fact, it was Bryant who helped Foster discover his love for government and helped him find job opportunities when he moved to Austin.

“Without Bryant, I would have never known about this position,” said Foster. “It was her constant reassurance and guidance that got me through the hiring process. And here I am.”

Foster said TSTC acted as his stepping stone and he is so grateful for the experience.

“Everything I learned at TSTC is conducive to my long-term goals in how it prepared me,” he said. “Stepping into these advanced courses as a high school student was challenging, but it definitely prepared me for everything that was to come.”

Bryant, who has worked with the Texas senate, said she could tell from the beginning that Foster had a true interest in government, but just needed a little push.

“Michael was a great student. He was always reaching out, wanting to learn more,” said Bryant. “Like him, all of my students are special, and I work hard to encourage each of them to have confidence and be proud of their education. Michael was a little hesitant to meet senators and assert himself, but with encouragement he did it. I know he has a bright future.”

As of now, Foster’s long-term goals are to attend law school and become active in politics, including running for public office someday.

“A lot of things for me are still up in the air. There’s a lot I want to do,” said Foster. “But I couldn’t have done it without my support system at TSTC and my mom. And that’s what I want to advise future students: always reach out to instructors or family when you need guidance. You can go far with their help.”