(HARLINGEN) – Brandy Garza is a Dental Hygiene student at Texas State Technical College. This is the 46-year-old’s first time back at the college since pursuing her academic courses in 1995.

Garza already holds a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management. She worked in the hospitality industry for 17 years. An immune deficiency diagnosis forced her to take a leave and make her health a priority, but she is now getting a second chance at a new career.

The Harlingen native holds a 3.4 grade-point average and is active with Student Government Association and the Veteran Students Alliance Club paying homage to her father who is a retired Marine and her brother and sister-in-law who are active Marines.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I will focus all of my efforts on gaining more experience as a registered dental hygienist in a dental office or community clinic.

What’s your dream job?

I chose a career in dental hygiene because it allows me to provide a valuable service to my community, especially children, elderly and the disabled. I will also have the flexibility to better balance my career and personal life.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment has been being able to use my life experience to motivate my classmates, especially the younger students just starting out. However, I’ve learned a lot from them as well.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that kindness matters. I have found that even the smallest expression of kindness can have an enormous impact on others. It does not take much to be kind. So I practice every day to be kinder and to make a difference in someone’s life.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

My dad, who is a Building Construction Technology student at TSTC, has definitely been the biggest influence. Since graduating from the University of Houston in 1997, I have not been back in a classroom. I was apprehensive about going back to school but seeing how much my 65-year-old father enjoyed it and how well he was doing in his classes, I saw I had nothing to fear. He and my mother continue to encourage me and it is their never ending support that gets me through my toughest challenges.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want to advice students to find the thing they love to do with all of their hearts because then every day will be a gift. And, if they have not found their passion then make it a mission to find it. The joy it brings will spill over into all aspects of their lives.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College recently hosted its second Allied Health SkillsUSA competition for nursing assistant and medical assistant students.

SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives serving middle school, high school and college students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations, including health professions.

At TSTC, a total of eight students competed in areas such as phlebotomy, electrocardiogram (EKG) and vital sign readings, perineal care, patient transfers, CPR, first aid and medical terminology.

“SkillsUSA has been a great way for students to reinforce what they’re learning in the classroom,” said Cinthya Valdez, TSTC medical assistant instructor. “It also gives them a notable confidence in their skills.”

Valdez said the students spent a couple of months leading up to the competition preparing outside of class spending every Tuesday and Friday afternoon studying and getting ready.

“Students are motivated to do well and advance to the state and national levels,” she said. “Once they compete nationally they also become eligible for scholarships, equipment necessary for their field and internships.”

The eight students who competed at the Allied Health SkillsUSA competition all advanced to the state competition at TSTC in Waco at the end of the month earning first, second and third place awards in their categories.

For Medical Assistant student Melissa Serrato, who is only in her second semester in the program, this was her first SkillsUSA competition and she said she was shocked to learn she had received first place and second place in two categories –  Medical Assisting and Medical Terminology, respectively.

“I participated not thinking I was going to win, but on the thought that I would get ahead on my skills and be ready when they came up in class,” said Serrato. “But now I’m going to state and I’m so excited.”

Serrato she has her eye on national competition and a scholarship that would help with tuition and books.

“I’m already studying and preparing for state competition, especially because I added a new competition category,” she said. “This has been a great experience and I hope to get far.”

Nursing Assistant student Maria Gonzalez also placed in two categories. She got first place in Nurse Assisting and second place in CPR.

“All of the extra studying and preparation was worth it,” said Gonzalez. “I was so nervous, but relieved when I learned I was going to state. I can’t wait to see our Waco campus and compete for a spot at nationals. Kentucky here I come!”

The SkillsUSA national competition will be in Louisville, Kentucky in June.

Valdez said she is happy with the results and is excited to see her students advance.

“I’m so proud of our students. They all showed the judges what they are made of and how skilled they are,” said Valdez.

Judges for SkillsUSA are industry professionals who have worked in the field and understand the demands and skills needed to be successful.

“We had judges from as far as Houston,” she said. “I just want to give a special thanks to them (judges) and to everyone who has supported us. This has a huge impact on our students.”

According to Valdez, SkillsUSA also prepares students with resume building and mock interviewing, which gives participating students an advantage when searching for a job.

“Thanks to SkillsUSA and the training they receive in class, our students are prepared and many get hired before they even graduate,” she said.

(HARLINGEN) – Faculty and staff at Texas State Technical College do more than provide technical training for students, they also help prepare them for the interviews that get them jobs in industry.

The Interview Practicum started back in 2009 and is hosted three times a year by TSTC’s Industry Relations and Talent Management Office. The two-day event consists of mock job interviews and resume building. To prepare, students attend resume and interview skills workshops.

Director of TSTC’s Industry Relations and Talent Management Office Viviana Espinoza said that in the month leading up to practicum she and her colleague conducted 22 classrooms workshops to prepare students for the mock interviews.

“Our goal is to help every student who participates gain the confidence needed to have a successful interview,” said Espinoza.

More than 120 volunteers from the local business community and TSTC gathered to coach and lead mock interviews for more than 150 students from nine different programs who will soon be graduating.

The students participate in three rounds of interviews, each 30 minutes long, and are provided constructive feedback from their coach on how to improve their resumes and interview skills.

“For some of our students this will be their very first interview,” said Espinoza. “It’s important they practice talking about themselves and their skills because that is one of the hardest things to do.”

Long-time volunteer and retired Harlingen educator Diane Dizayee said she loves what the program stands for and enjoys helping students gain the skills they need to receive the jobs they deserve.

“I love the program. It is such a blessing for students to have this teachable moment,” she said. “These students are going to be great employees and I’m glad to have a little part in that.”

Telecommunications Technology student Monica Palomo said the experience she received at practicum has given her an insight on what she needs to improve to have an effective job interview.

“I got a lot of positive feedback,” she said. “The two big things I’m taking with me today are that first impressions are made immediately and I have to get better at talking about my skills.”

Palomo said she is going to keep practicing so she can get better and she is happy that TSTC holds events like this to give her the opportunity to improve and prepare.

For more information on Interview Practicum or to become a volunteer coach call the Talent Management Office at 956-364-4940.

(HARLINGEN) – San Benito native Lonnie Martinez is completing her General Academic Core at Texas State Technical College. The 27-year-old holds a perfect 4.0 grade-point average despite the fear she had of returning to the classroom after being away for nine years.

The mother of five said she was nervous setting foot inside a college but knew she had to do it for her children.

“I want to be a good example and I want them to see me as a role model,” she said. “I want them to see success and also aim for it.”

Martinez currently works part-time as a provider, but she looks forward to the day she can say she has a career.

What are your plans after graduating?

After completing my academic core at TSTC, I hope to transfer to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is to become a police officer and advance my career in the field. I want to help the citizens of my community by preventing crime and getting criminals off the street. I also want to dedicate my time to helping less fortunate children and their families.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is about fear. Fear held me back for so many years, and I am becoming stronger everyday by facing it. Coming to TSTC has motivated me to keep trying by best; it has given me confidence and has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone.

Who at TSTC has most influenced your success?

The person at TSTC who has influenced my success the most is Student Life Supervisor Belinda Palomino. She is an amazing person full of motivation and she always gives me that extra push I need to believe in myself.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to remember that education is the key to success. Also, do not be afraid to ask for help. I see many students afraid to ask questions, but the more questions asked the better chance we have at getting help from instructors and advisors to succeed.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College recently held its annual Tech Day, hosting more than 1,000 high school students from Zapata to Brownsville.

“This is an excellent opportunity to expose these students to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers,” said TSTC Director for Recruitment Dora Colvin. “This is the one day that students get to explore college and the school districts count on it.”

Students at Tech Day got a first-hand look at the nearly 40 programs at TSTC and the type of technical certificates and degrees they can pursue, while learning about the possible career opportunities available to them as college graduates. They also had the opportunity to tour TSTC classrooms and labs and get a look into college life.

TSTC faculty and staff likewise were on hand to discuss and answer questions about programs and admission and financial aid processes, while TSTC students had the opportunity to speak one-on-one and share their college experiences with high school students on the tours.

Colvin said many of the students attending Tech Day have already submitted applications to attend TSTC.

“A lot of these students have already shown an interest in pursuing a program here at the college. We’re hosting our future students,” said Colvin. “This is a great way for us to showcase what we offer and help many of them (students) make an educated decision on where they want to continue their higher education.”

Harlingen High School South senior Kent Largo said he is excited and impressed about everything he saw during his tour. He hopes to attend TSTC in the fall to pursue an associate degree in Dental Hygiene.

“I already know what I want to do but seeing everything that TSTC offers was an eye opener,” he said. “I can’t wait to attend TSTC.”

To end the day, students were treated to lunch, door prizes and a scholarship raffle for two $250 scholarships to help students with tuition, books or other college expenses.

Evelyn Reyna a senior from La Grulla High School and Mariela Guerrero also a senior from Edinburg North High School were the scholarship recipients and said this money came at the right time.

“I’m speechless and excited. I can’t wait to tell my family,” said Guerrero. “This helps out financially, and takes a bit of stress off of my shoulders. Thank you so much TSTC for this help.”

Guerrero said she hopes to attend TSTC in the fall and although undecided on what career path she wants to pursue, she now knows she has many options to choose from at the college.

Reyna is also interested in attending TSTC in the fall to pursue education.

“I’m in shock, I never expected to win. There’s so many students here,” she said. “This is going to help get what I need for college and I want to thank TSTC for giving me this opportunity.”

Colvin said every year Tech Day is a success and she cannot believe how much it has grown as evidenced by the fact that two lunch sessions were needed this year to accommodate the number of students in attendance.

“Every year we grow and get bigger offering more and more high school students the opportunity to tour our campus and allowing us to showcase everything we have to offer,” she said.

For more information on Tech Day, or to apply to TSTC call 956-364-4119 or visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College was recently honored with a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Award for interior renovations completed in what is now the Health Information Technology building, bringing to four the number of green building awards the college has received.

TSTC, SpawGlass Contractors Inc. and PBK Architects, worked on the project and showed its commitment to green building and sustainability by using recycled woods and installing energy efficient features.

“This is a big honor for our campus and it’s all thanks to the support and optimism we received from our administration and everyone who worked on this project,” said TSTC Facilities Department Project Manager Adan Alvarez, AIA.

The Health Information Technology Building is the third building on campus to earn a LEED Gold Award, but the fourth building to receive a LEED honor. The first two LEED Gold Awards were given to the TSTC University Center and the Engineering Technology Center. The third LEED Award was silver and went to the Student Services building.

Cliff Whittingstall, AIA, partner at PBK Architects, the firm which completed drawings and design for Building D, said they were very excited to hear about the award.

“We’re honored to have been a part of this project and working with a college that has a strong belief in LEED,” he said. “TSTC has done a great job at making the campus sustainable.”

PBK Architects Sustainability Specialist Robert Bruce said that using an existing building and recycled materials, which was done for this renovation, is the ultimate way to show sustainability efforts.

“The main sustainable feature of the project was the reclaimed wood we worked hard to incorporate throughout the building,” said Bruce. “We believe so strongly in LEED and sustainability, and giving a building a new life and character that will last a long time while having a minimal impact on the carbon footprint of our planet.”

Alvarez said in addition to the reclaimed wood from the old military barracks that dotted the campus built on a former military base, TSTC earned the gold award because of the design used for the renovation and other materials such as asbestos free elements, LED lighting systems, new and more efficient air conditioning units, recycled doors and door frames and an open-ceiling structure.

“We’re a technical college that teaches sustainability, so earning these awards allows us to talk the talk and walk the walk,” he said. “By receiving these certifications and awards we show we’re doing our part for the environment and becoming a symbol for green building.”

SpawGlass Contractors Inc. South Texas Division President Eric Kennedy said they work with clients like TSTC that are placing an effort on sustainability and earning LEED certifications, in making sure that all construction meets LEED expectations and standards.

“We consider ourselves partners with TSTC and this award is a great team effort,” said Kennedy. “We’ve done a lot of work for TSTC in the past and we’re glad to have had the opportunity of being a part of this award-winning, energy-efficient, LEED-certified building.”

The TSTC campus in Harlingen is the only campus in the TSTC System to have LEED-certified buildings, and has the most LEED-certified buildings among higher education institutions in its region.

The recently renovated TSTC Nursing Center is the fifth building to be on track for a LEED Certification, and the campus’ new chiller plant is also designed to be energy efficient and meet LEED standards.