(HARLINGEN) – With a knack for adventure and a love for education, Texas State Technical College student Robert Craig McWhinney enrolled in Wind Energy Technology and Engineering to pursue a new career.

The Pittsburg, Pennsylvania native said he and his brother were avid rock climbers, seeking adventure throughout their home state. It is this hobby that McWhinney parlayed into Wind Energy Technology, an industry that requires employees to climb up four-story turbines.

“I’m 55 years young and ready for a new degree and new career,” said McWhinney. “This is a new chapter in my life and I’m excited for it.”

McWhinney earned his bachelor’s degree in 1987 and shortly after his master’s degree, both in English Literature.

“I only worked for a short time teaching basic composition as a graduate assistant,” he said. “Music was my primary passion and I’m still doing that today.”

His band, “Pelican West,” has been together for 30 years, performing throughout the states and calling South Padre Island its new stage.

In addition to his music, McWhinney has been the Ministry Coordinator at Christ’s Harbour Church in Laguna Vista for the past six years. So why the drastic career change?

“It started with a brochure on wind energy and I thought I want to climb those,” said McWhinney. “But as I did research I found that wind energy is a growing industry and technicians are in demand. So I started researching programs and it led me directly to TSTC.”

McWhinney said although he looked at this new career with trepidation because of math, he knew he was up for the challenge and a fresh start.

“I was an English major. I avoided math,” he said. “But the instructors here at TSTC have really helped me eliminate my fear of math and become successful. I’m entering a career where students like me are in high demand, and TSTC is the place to start.”

McWhinney, who today holds a perfect 4.0 grade-point average, credits his Wind Energy Technology Instructor David Gomez, Math Instructor Mehrdad Hosseinpour and Engineering Instructor Abdulhakim Agll for his current success.

“TSTC is set up to help their students succeed,” said McWhinney. “Everyone is a canon of knowledge, helpful and supportive. I’ve been in my fair share of colleges, and none of them compare to TSTC.”

Lead Instructor for Wind Energy Technology David Gomez said the department works hard to prepare students like McWhinney for the high demand jobs in the industry.

“We place students in not only wind energy, but also in construction and utilities,” said Gomez. “The doors of opportunity are open for our students if they’re willing to work for it.”

Gomez said he knows that McWhinney will be a great asset to any company.

“He (McWhinney) is highly intelligent, knowledgeable, engaged in his studies and overall a great person to work with,” he said. “He has many aspirations in this field and he will be successful.”

McWhinney is one of 135 students enrolled in Wind Energy Technology this semester, which has increased from the 60 students enrolled in Fall 2016.

“Word of mouth and our wind turbine skyline is attracting people to our program,” said Gomez. “I get 3 to 4 prospects a week in my office interested in discussing their future in Wind Energy Technology and opportunities available in the industry.”

TSTC’s Wind Energy Technology is backed by the American Wind Energy Association, and according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wind Energy is the fastest growing profession in the U.S. with a starting salary around $50,000 per year.

“Students who graduate from our program have opportunities to work locally, across the state, through the U.S. and even overseas,” said Gomez.

Since the initiation of Wind Energy Technology in 2010, 200 students have graduated from the program which holds a 100 percent placement rate.

Wind Energy Technology is also offered at TSTC’s Sweetwater campus.

For more information on Wind Energy Technology call 956-364-4729.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College Building Construction Technology students Robert Piña and Isaac Saldaña have recently been awarded scholarships by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Rio Grande Valley Chapter.

Each student was awarded $500 to use toward tuition, books and other college expenses. This scholarship is awarded yearly by the organization to students pursuing a certificate or associate degree in Building Construction Technology.

Piña, a husband and father from San Benito, said receiving this scholarship was a sigh of relief for him and his family.

“I’m so thankful for this money. I was so fortunate to have been selected,” said Piña. “It feels like a huge burden has been taken off my shoulders.”

The 41-year-old worked numerous years in the customer service industry, mainly restaurants, and changing careers for hopes of a more stable job and better benefits has taken a toll on his family’s finances.

“I’m a full-time student, trying to finish,” said Piña. “Working full-time for me is out of the equation, but I still have to support my family, so any kind of scholarship is a great big help.”

Piña is currently employed through TSTC as a part-time work study in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, the program he earned his first associate degree from in 2016.

The San Benito native said he hopes having two associate degrees will make him more marketable when searching for a job. He hopes to work as a handyman in maintenance for either a hospital, hotel or even TSTC.

As for Piña’s classmate, Saldaña, also from San Benito, enrolled at TSTC following in his children’s footsteps.

“All of my children have attended and graduated from TSTC,” said Saldaña. “I am here because of their college advisors’ perseverance to get me enrolled.”

The scholarship recipient said he moved to Texas after losing his job of 19 years in a California fencing company.

“I had nothing but a high school diploma when I lost my job,” said Saldaña. “It was a real eye opener for me on how important an education is, and scholarships, like the one I just received, make working toward my degree a whole lot easier.”

Although the 48-year-old has had to work the graveyard shift at a McAllen security company throughout his time at TSTC, he said he is sharing his story to show his children and future college students that it’s never too late to get an education and pursue your dreams.

“Education is something that can never be taken away from you,” said Saldaña. “And AGC has made it possible for me to continue on and graduate this semester.”

AGC of the Rio Grande Valley Executive Director Perry A. Vaughn spoke to the Building Construction Technology students during the scholarship presentation about the latest industry survey which says the construction business has never been better.

“The building industry is in dire need of educated, trained and qualified employees,” he said. “We anticipate a pretty big bump in the year ahead nationwide, but Texas and the Valley are doing great. The market has never looked better.”

Vaughn went on to explain that hiring is so competitive that companies are increasing salaries and offering overtime, bonuses and benefits to lure employees.

“We have firms that are turning down work because they can’t find qualified employees,” Vaughn said.

TSTC Building Construction Technology instructor Rolando Cuellar said learning what they have about the recent survey, and talking with their industry partners, scholarships like the ones received by Piña and Saldaña, make it easier to retain the students who are the future of the construction business.

“Many of these students pay for college out of pocket, putting a financial strain on them and their families,” said Cuellar. “But for students like Robert and Isaac, this scholarship is a huge financial relief, allowing them to concentrate on the training we provide and successfully fulfilling the requirements needed to earn a certificate or associate degree, and fill the industry need.”

Building Construction Technology is also offered at TSTC’s Waco campus.

For more information on the program call 956-364-4770.

(HARLINGEN) – La Feria native Amber Dutton is pursuing her General Academic Core at Texas State Technical College and expected to complete the program by 2018.

What are your plans after graduation?

After completing my basics at TSTC, I hope to transfer to Del Mar College in Corpus Christi to pursue a bachelor’s degree and career in Radiologic Technology. With this degree I will be able to work toward becoming certified to perform ultrasounds, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and CAT Scans.

What’s your dream job?

I have always been fascinated with X-rays, so just being able to work in the field is a dream come true.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

I would have to say my accomplishment has been passing all of my classes. I’m so proud to have been able to achieve this.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that I am capable of doing more things than I thought. I’ve learned to juggle work and school, while keeping up my grades. I can say I have taught myself time management.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

My TSTC 1101 Instructors Richard Kirk and Anneliese White, had a huge impact on my academic success. They constantly worked with us on improving our homework assignments before they were due, and they were always available to answer questions or discuss concerns. They were always there for us.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want to tell future TSTC students to make sure they stay on task and always look at the big picture. Never give up, because everything you go through is worth it at the end.

(HARLINGEN) – Have some pink champagne left over from your New Year’s celebrations? If so, here is a simple, yet delicious recipe from the students at Texas State Technical College Culinary Arts that you can enjoy with family and friends.

Cake

Butter and flour for preparing the pans

3 cups cake flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

5 large egg whites, at room temperature

1 cup pink Champagne, at room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

Tiny amount of pink food coloring

Pink Champagne Buttercream Frosting

1 ¾ cups (3 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

8 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

4 to 5 tablespoons pink Champagne

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tiny amount of pink food coloring

White chocolate shavings, sliced strawberries, coconut, or edible rose petals for garnish

1. For the cake, place a rack in the center of the oven, and preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch layer pans. Shake out the excess flour, and set the pans aside.

2. Place the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium-size bowl, and sift to combine well. Set aside.

3. Place the egg whites, Champagne, vanilla, and oil in a large mixing bowl, and whisk by hand until well blended. Set aside.

4. Place the sugar and butter in a large bowl, and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and light, 3 to 4 minutes.

5. Add the flour mixture and the egg white mixture alternately, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the pink coloring.

6. Divide the batter between the prepared pans, and place the pans in the oven.

7. Bake until the cakes just pull back from the sides of the pans, 23 to 27 minutes.

8. Remove the pans from the oven, and place them on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of each pan, give each cake a gentle shake and invert it once, then again onto the rack to cool completely, right side up, 30 minutes.

9. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. Place the butter in a large mixing bowl, and beat on medium speed until creamy and smooth, 1 minute. Add 6 cups of the confectioners’ sugar and the Champagne and vanilla. Blend on medium speed until smooth. Add the remaining confectioners’ sugar, adding what you need to make the frosting thick but spreadable. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high, add the pink coloring, and beat until the frosting is fluffy, 30 seconds.

10. To assemble the cake, place 1 layer on a cake plate. Spread about 3⁄4 cup of the frosting to the edges. Place a second layer on top and repeat. Place the third layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Garnish as desired, depending on the occasion. Slice and serve.

(HARLINGEN) – Student Support Services at Texas State Technical College will host its Third Annual Empowerment Conference on January 26 to increase awareness about Chicanos and the lowrider movement.

“The purpose of the conference is to provide a cultural awareness to the unfamiliar,” said Patty Flores, TSTC Student Support Services coordinator.

Past conferences have focused on Human Trafficking, and Gangs Next Door, aimed to educate a law enforcement, caseworker and advocate audience. This year’s conference is open to the general public.

The idea for this conference stemmed from a session held last year at TSTC’s Humanities Symposium during which the Chicano history and the culture surrounding it was highlighted.

According to Flores, response from students was impressive, so her department decided to take it to the next level.

“People belonging to the lowrider communities are always facing stereotyping which has negatively affected this subculture said Flores. “This population in the RGV is large, making it time to show the positive impacts they have on the community.”

There are a number of lowrider car clubs across the Rio Grande Valley, resulting in the RGV Lowrider Council. In addition to cruising the cities and participating in car shows, many of the clubs are also fundraising for their communities.

Flores said many lowrider car club members join forces to hold benefits, fundraisers and toy drives for the less fortunate, in addition to assisting local military veterans.

“It is these positive contributions we want people to become aware of during our conference,” said Flores. “This is a multi-generational lifestyle and the majority aren’t troublemakers, like many may think.”

To help dissolve negative stereotypes, there will be several keynote speakers who will discuss the past, present and future of the lowrider community. Representatives from the RGV Lowrider Council; Boss Entertainment; Vatos, Rucas and Ranflas; and car clubs will lead discussions.

Adan Hernandez, whose art was used for the 1993 movie “Blood In and Blood Out,” will also speak. A banner replica of Hernandez’s famous “Carnalismo Portrait” and his art work will be on display during the event.

“Not only do we want to send out a positive image, but we also want students and our community to be exposed to different cultures and lifestyles,” said Flores. “This will be an educational experience for everyone.”

TSTC students, faculty, staff and the surrounding communities are invited to attend this conference. It runs from noon to 5 p.m., and will conclude with a Show and Shine Car Show from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

There is no fee to attend the conference or car show.

To register, TSTC Support Services has set up an Eventbrite page at http://bit.ly/2gdp9bb.

For more information call TSTC Support Services at 956-364-4525.

(HARLINGEN) – Victoria Ahumada is currently a student at Texas State Technical College. She is pursuing an associate degree in Education and Training and expects to graduate Fall 2017.

When the La Feria native is not busy with classes, you can find her volunteering at the TSTC Wellness and Sports Center, where she also enjoys exercising and playing basketball.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduating from TSTC I plan on transferring to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to pursue a bachelor’s degree in English and Education.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to travel the world teaching English to those who are less fortunate, while learning different languages myself. After realizing this dream I hope to settle in the Rio Grande Valley and work as an English teacher, while also sharing my knowledge of different languages and cultures.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been receiving this Student Success Profile honor and maintaining high grades. In high school I wasn’t a focused student, so these accomplishments make me very proud.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is time management. My brother always spoke with me about managing my time well and the impact it has on your life. I believe we can do anything and everything as long as we put in the right amount of time and effort.

Who at TSTC has most influenced your success?

Yvonne Browning, my English instructor, has had a major impact on me. She is strong, unique and empowering. I had her every morning at 8 a.m. and even though it was early I looked forward to attending her class. She made the course enjoyable and I learned so many new things. She continues to help and encourage me to work hard and ensures me that my decision to major in English is the right one.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future or current TSTC students is to always keep fighting for the things you want. Always make all of your dreams a reality and do not be afraid. The world is what you make it, so make it worthwhile.

(HARLINGEN) – The Surgical Technology faculty at Texas State Technical College are preparing to recruit its newest cohorts for its Fall 2017 class.

Beginning January 26, through April, the Surgical Technology department chair and instructors will be hosting information sessions for those interested in applying to the program.

Not too long ago, TSTC graduate Letty Ayala found herself sitting in a session waiting to see what it would take to further her career as a surgical assistant.

The 41-year-old first graduated from TSTC in 1996 with a certificate in Surgical Technology. She returned to advance her education and pursue an associate degree, which was not yet offered when she was first enrolled in the program. She earned the second degree in Fall 2016.

“I always wanted to do something in the medical field, but I didn’t want to be in school for too long,” said Ayala. “That’s where TSTC came in. I was able to finish my degree quickly and get to work.”

The Brownsville native joined the ranks of nurses who assist doctors in surgeries more than 20 years ago, and continues to live out her dream of working in the medical field. She currently works at Valley Baptist Medical Center Brownsville as a Surgical First Assistant.

“I know it’s cheesy and sounds cliché, but I love my job,” said Ayala. “I get to help people feel better, and get them get back to their daily lives. There’s no better feeling.”

Ayala advises those showing interest in the program or those who are ready to apply to remember that pursuing this career means putting in long hours of work, studying and putting patients’ feelings first, but in the end it is all worth it.

“The program is challenging and at times emotions will run high and you will feel like giving up, but don’t,” said Ayala. “TSTC’s Surgical Technology faculty is there for you every step of the way. They prepare you for all situations and challenges through hands-on training. They want nothing more but for you to succeed.”

Surgical Technology Department Chair Robert Sanchez said the program has high expectations for the students they accept into the program. Out of the hundreds of applicants, only 20 students get accepted per class.

“This is a rigorous program. It’s not for the light-hearted,” said Sanchez. “Yet, it is also a very rewarding career.”

Program expectations range from having the ability to work under stress, possessing ability to anticipate patients’ and surgeons’ needs to having physical stamina and emotional stability.

“This is definitely a program for someone with a huge interest in the medical profession,” said Sanchez. “This is a specialized field that is fast paced, but in demand.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment of surgical technologists is expected to grow 15 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for other occupations.

“I’m proud to say we place nearly 100 percent of our graduates into good paying jobs once they graduate and pass their National Certifying Exam,” said Sanchez.

Graduates from Surgical Technology who become Certified Surgical Technologists can expect to find employment in hospitals, mainly operating and delivery rooms, clinics, surgical centers and in offices of physicians or dentists who perform outpatient surgery.

Surgical Technology is a six-semester program. Upon completion students will earn an Associate of Science degree.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council of Education in Surgical technology and Surgical Assisting.

To learn more about the program, you are encouraged to attend one of the information sessions to be held January 26. February 16, March 9, March 30 and April 20 at the Eddie Lucio building room 119 at 3 p.m. Or, for more information call 956-364-4805, or visit tstc.edu.