(HARLINGEN) – Courtney Huerta is a student at Texas State Technical College majoring in Biology. She boasts a 3.5 grade-point average and is expected to graduate with an associate degree in 2018. Following her graduation, the Harlingen native hopes to pursue the Licensed Vocational Nursing program at TSTC.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduating from TSTC, I want to transfer to the University of Texas at San Antonio to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

What’s your dream job?

I currently work at a nursing home and I’m loving the experience; because of that my dream job is to continue on my path and someday become a director of nursing.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment at TSTC has been passing all of my classes, being active in Student Government Association and volunteering at TSTC events hosted for students and our community.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson life has taught me and I have learned is to be humble and compassionate.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success?

It’s really hard to name just one person. All of my instructors have greatly influenced me with their advice and encouragement. Each of them has found it important to give us daily pep talks, which serve as reminders of why we are here and why we need to keep going.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want students to know that it’s important to believe in their dreams; they were given for a reason. Also, college is what you make of it. Put in the time and effort, and take advantage of opportunities outside of the classroom such as student organizations and clubs. They help you in so many ways and make your college experience that much more rewarding.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College Agricultural Technology students were able to use a $2,000 donation gifted to their department by the Harlingen Cotton Committee to create and maintain vegetable tower gardens in the program’s greenhouse.

As part of the Horticulture course in the associate degree track, students use the towers to grow cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, cilantro and jalapenos without soil, using only air and water in a method called hydroponics.

Harlingen Cotton Committee members pictured with the TSTC Agricultural Technology students are Brady Taubert, chairman; Sally Ross, committee member; and Steve Krenek, former chairman.

(HARLINGEN) – With registration for Spring 2017 underway, Texas State Technical College will be hosting a Registration Rally Thursday, November 17 to give new and returning students the resources they need to complete the registration process.

Registration Rallies are a new initiative at TSTC that started for the Fall 2016 semester. All 10 campuses statewide host this event with hundreds of students taking advantage of the assistance offered by faculty, staff and student volunteers.

“This is one-stop shop for our students,” said Dora Colvin, director of Recruitment. “We want to help students by providing the resources and opportunities they need to finish the application and registration processes for the next semester.”

Enrollment representatives from Admissions, Financial Aid, Advisement, Support Services, the Veterans Center and Student Life will be on hand to guide those attending the event. Tours of the college will also be available throughout the day.

“We hope that having faculty and staff present will help make this process easier for students,” said Colvin. “They’ll have a chance to learn about the services we offer and get the help they need.”

To complete the registration process students must bring their completed admissions application, GED scores if applicable, recent high school or college transcripts, and proof of their bacterial meningitis vaccination if under 22 years of age.

“We want to encourage students to register early,” said Colvin. “The earlier a student registers, the more likely it is they get the classes they need before they fill up and a schedule they are happy with. Of course students don’t have to wait until the event, they can apply or register anytime.”

TSTC’s registration rally will be from 1-6 p.m. at the Student Services Building (EK Building). Registration ends January 3. Spring 2017 classes begin January 9.

To apply or register visit tstc.edu or call the TSTC Student Recruitment Office at 956-364-4118.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College Agricultural Technology student Kahalid Shakur Johnson watched proudly as his mother, retired U.S. Army Major Noemi Hernandez, spoke to dozens of veterans during TSTC’s annual Veterans Day Celebration.

“It truly is an honor to have my mom as a guest speaker on campus. I’m touched that she was selected,” said Johnson. “This is definitely a memorable experience.”

Johnson said his mother has been one of his greatest inspirations for completing a college degree. Hernandez herself holds associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees and is working to start her doctorate. Johnson said he wants to make his mother proud.

“My mom has definitely set the bar high in terms of what you’re capable of with dedication and persistence,” said Johnson. “I now have an idea what my potential can be if I work hard. I am beyond proud of my mom and proud of everything she does and continues to do.”

Hernandez told the audience that her military career began in 1989 when she enlisted in the Army in the Adjutant General Corps as an administrative specialist. Throughout her career she has been stationed in South Korea, Puerto Rico, Panama and across the United States, but that she is proud to be at TSTC honoring her fellow veterans.

“Being here today is a great honor and privilege. I am truly humbled to stand before you,” said Hernandez.

Her message reflected on the sacrifices and contributions of veterans past, present and future.

“I hope this gives you a thought or two about those that continue to give for our nation’s security, freedoms and our way of life,” said Hernandez. “I was privy to this throughout my military career. To me, every day is Veterans Day.”

TSTC Provost Dr. Stella Garcia quoted an email sent to TSTC faculty and staff from Chancellor Mike Reeser to show how truly appreciative TSTC is of its veterans.

“TSTC is blessed to have many veterans who serve in our ranks. Likewise, we have students who served too. Thanks to their service, we enjoy freedoms that are the envy of the world. We owe all the privileges of American citizenship to your willingness to serve,” she quoted.

Garcia also echoed his thoughts by personally thanking the veterans for their service and sacrifice.

“Thank you, veterans–not just today, but every day,” Garcia said.

During the ceremony, the Harlingen High School Junior ROTC presented the colors and flag folding, Veteran Students Alliance Club (VSAC) President Brian Rodriguez served as master of ceremonies, while VSAC Vice President Nancy Fontana led the Pledge of Allegiance and the American Legion 15^th District Drill Team paid tribute to the Prisoners of War and those missing in action. Many TSTC faculty, staff and students also wore red shirts to commemorate RED (Remember Everyone Deployed) Shirt Friday.

TSTC Veterans Center Director Steve Guevara said the college makes honoring and helping veterans one of its top priorities.

TSTC is recognized to be a military-friendly school that serves more than 1,000 veterans and their dependents statewide. In Harlingen alone the college serves nearly 300.

“I hope TSTC veterans take away a sense of pride knowing that we (TSTC) truly do appreciate the sacrifices they have given during their service in the United States Armed Forces,” said Guevara. “It’s important for everyone to observe and honor the men and women who have served our military and fought for the liberties and rights we enjoy today.”

The TSTC Veterans Center serves as a centralized, one-stop shop for prospective and current veterans and their dependents. The center assists with admission, financial aid, GI Bill and Hazlewood applications. There is also a variety of services, such as internal and external referrals, that veteran students can benefit from.

In addition to the Veterans Center, TSTC also offers competency-based learning, targeting veterans who have gained skills through their service in the military.

For more information on the Veterans Center, call 956-364-4387 or visit tstc.edu/veterans.

(HARLINGEN) – Daisy Lizette Bujanos, 21, is currently studying Biology at Texas State Technical College and proudly boasts a 3.0 grade-point average.  Not only is the Brownsville native focused on her studies, but she also works as a TSTC game room attendant, which allows her to interact and socialize with her peers.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan on heading to Texas A&M in Corpus Christi to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training, or Del Mar College to pursue an associate degree in physical therapy. We’ll see what works out.

What’s your dream job?

I want to eventually work at a rehab center for children, but while working and focusing on my career I would also love to be a choreographer. I grew up dancing and I love it. I am hoping my passion for dance will help me work better with children.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

Passing my classes in general has been a great accomplishment because they can definitely be tough. I always strive to go above and beyond to make sure I’m doing the best that I can.  I want to prove to myself that I can do everything I set my mind to, and it’s also very important to me that I make my parents proud.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

Don’t ever give up. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a student.  No matter how hard things may get just push through the tough times because it’s all going to be worth it when you’re holding your degree.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success.

My boyfriend Roel Gonzalez, who works as an Orientation Leader, has made things easier for me. When I’m having a tough time, he’s the person that I feel I can talk to about anything and he always manages to remind me why I need to keep doing the best that I can through every semester.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

When things get hard, remember why you’re here. Success takes time, and we all need to work hard for it. Study as much as you can and don’t ever let anybody bring you down. You’re never alone here at TSTC, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. There’s always people in every corner to assist you. Just keep going!

(HARLINGEN) – What started as a hobby for Monique Cavazos, has turned into a possible career, thanks in part to a 2016 Coca Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship.

The Raymondville native and mother of four is currently enrolled as a Building Construction Technology student at Texas State Technical College and is expected to graduate with an associate degree in Spring 2017.

As a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, an elite fraternity that honors scholars who achieve a 3.5 or higher grade point average, Cavazos recently applied for and received a $1,000 scholarship to use toward her tuition and other college expenses.

“Financially, this journey has not been easy,” said Cavazos. “There have been times just getting to school is a challenge because we have no money for gas, and this scholarship is going to ensure that doesn’t happen again.”

The Leaders of Promise Scholarship is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. Of the more than 1,100 applicants, only 200 students are selected.. Cavazos said she gets goosebumps just thinking how she is to be one of the scholarship recipients

“I can’t believe I’ve been given this opportunity,” said Cavazos. “I’m doing all of this for my daughters; to show them that everything is possible when you try and never give up. I want to be a good example for them.”

In a letter written to TSTC Provost Dr. Stella Garcia, Christin Grissom, director of scholarship operations for Phi Theta Kappa, said Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars are selected based on outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated leadership potential.

“I want to congratulate your student’s outstanding academic achievements and leadership potential that have earned them this prestigious award,” said Grissom. “This scholarship is more relevant than ever as our organization, colleges and communities are actively encouraging completion of a college credential, an associate degree or certificate, among college students.”

The 32-year-old never expected to be where she is today. Building and construction were only hobbies to her growing up, she never imagined she would be pursuing this as a career track..

“When I was small, my grandfather, who was also my babysitter, would only allow me to work with the old, crooked nails. That’s how I got my start,” Cavazos recalls. “But to now be pursuing a career in a non-traditional program, being inducted in an honor society and receiving this scholarship makes everything feel so surreal.”

Cavazos has now been promoted to new, straight nails, but her passion for creating and building things has not changed. Upon graduating from TSTC, she hopes to begin flipping houses to give old homes purpose once again, and to build affordable housing for those in need.

“I want to make a difference in the community while doing what I love,” said Cavazos. “People deserve to have a place they can call home. And this scholarship is going to help me do that. To those who selected me, thank you, and know that this money will be put to good use.”

For more information on Building Construction Technology call 956-364-4770.

Early registration for Spring 20147 begins October 17 for returning students in good standing, registration for new students begins November 14. To register or apply anytime visit tstc.edu.