(HARLINGEN) – Seniors from South Texas Independent School District’s South Texas Academy for Medical Professionals who are interested in becoming Emergency Medical Technicians can now earn this Basic level certification in high school from Texas State Technical College.

“We’ve created this pathway to be innovative and provide their students opportunities and credentials they can use to find a good-paying job,” said Cledia Hernandez, associate vice president for TSTC Continuing Education. “This also helps them kick-start their studies in the medical profession.”

The partnership between TSTC and the academy was formed three years ago to create an Emergency Medical Technician Basic career pathway. Like any college training course, the students must successfully complete the program by meeting all passing grade requirements and clinical rotation hours. After one school year of training, TSTC recommends that students take the national registry exam to become Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technicians.

“This credential allows these students to go into the emergency medical service industry anywhere in the United States and begin their career right out of high school,” said Hernandez. “In turn, they (students) can always come back to TSTC for our one-year paramedic program.”

Dante Deleon, 17, said the training he is receiving through this program is invaluable. He said the best part is the hands-on training and the experience it’s providing him.

“I’m a hands-on learner. I’m able to learn things faster if I’m doing them,” said Deleon. “It’s great knowing that everything we do can save someone’s life and we’re able to do that because of our training.”

Students like Kassandra Mora, 17, not only take advantage of the program for its training, but also to save money. There is no fee for the students to take the Emergency Medical Technician Basic training course.

“Being given this opportunity in high school helps a lot,” said Mora. “The classes and uniform I know cost a lot. My family wouldn’t be able to afford it. But being in this program helps us save money so we can save lives, and it lets us get ahead in our careers.”

Mora said she hopes to continue on to become a paramedic and work immediately after high school. Her ultimate goal is to become a psychiatrist.

Hernandez said there are a number of job openings for Emergency Medical Technicians and the possibilities seem limitless.

“TSTC’s mission is to place more Texans into good-paying jobs,” said Hernandez. “This is exactly what we’re doing. For many of these students this is their career, while some will continue on to become registered nurses or doctors. So we make sure all of our programs are hands-on and our students leave with the skill sets that make them highly qualified and competitive in the field.”

For more information on continuing education at TSTC and what courses are offered, call 956-364-4567 or visit tstc.edu/continuingeducation.

(HARLINGEN) – Ruthie Ewers, a distinguished businesswoman, and philanthropist in Harlingen, is this year’s honoree for Texas State Technical College’s 12^th Annual Noche de Gala Scholarship Fundraiser.

Ewers was chosen by TSTC’s Foundation to celebrate her efforts and commitment to the college. It is one of her life’s missions to help students fulfill their dreams of a college education.

“If someone gave me a list of boards to join my number one pick would have to do with helping youth,” said Ewers. “I only join a board if I know I’ll be an asset. I worry about the future, about my grandkids and great-grand kids’ futures, and I if I can help youth down here, then I’ve done my part to ensure a good future for them.”

Christened the “Energizer Bunny” by Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell, Ewers has served on more than 20 boards, including TSTC’s Scholarship Steering Committee, working diligently to raise money for the college’s Texas Success Scholarship.

“I’ve been actively involved with TSTC for several years and I’ve seen the type of professionals the college is turning out. I love it,” said Ewers. “I want to be a part of that. This is something good I believe in and I want to help.”

Ewers’ work with TSTC began nearly five years ago as a judge for the Mr. and Ms. TSTC Scholarship Competitions, and continues with her work on the Scholarship Steering Committee and as a mentor during interview practicum, assisting soon-to-be TSTC graduates with their resumes and job interviewing skills.

“There are many aspects of TSTC Ruthie has touched and I can think of no better person to honor this year,” said Amy Lynch, TSTC senior development officer. “She is a donor and has helped us raise funds for scholarships, and even helped students get jobs. She is someone who has made an impact.”

Lynch calls Ewers a dynamic person whose time on many organizations has positively affected social and civil projects, and education.

“This city would not be same without her,” she said.

Ewers credits her work ethic and perseverance to growing up on a farm. Born in 1940 in Oklahoma, she helped her parents raise cattle, grow and harvest wheat, and cook for all of the ranch hands.

“I’ve worked my whole life. I know nothing but,” said Ewers. “I guess you could say I’ve always been an overachiever.”

At 21, with two sons, Ewers took a job at $1.15 an hour putting labels on mail for a distribution company, getting her first taste of the business and immediately receiving a promotion as the company’s manager. Fast forward to 1974, Ewers had enough knowledge and business sense to open up a mailing company with her husband and a business partner.

Ewers’ business, LEE Data Mail, later to be called LEE Marketing, focused on door-to-door distribution (hand delivery) and direct mail services. By 1997, it had become a $25 million-a-year company and her team was known as pioneers in the mailing industry.

Although the company was sold to the Omaha World Herald (OWH), a newspaper owned by Warren Buffett’s holding company Berkshire Hathaway Inc., it was recently recognized with a permanent exhibit at the National Postal Museum, established by the United States Postal Service and the Smithsonian Institution.

“Through all of this there were times we had to choose between our home and food,” said Ewers. “We knew difficult times, but were blessed to have been given a chance and luckily we found success, and now it’s my turn to help those who need help.”

Ewers said she feels like a lucky lady and all she wants to do is give the citizens from Harlingen, from youth to elderly, a better life. She is humbled by the honor that TSTC has bestowed on her.

“My motto is everything happens for a reason,” said Ewers. “I feel like I’ve won an academy award. I’ve never considered myself a leader, yet this honor is given to leaders. I’ve just always found it important to serve my community in any way I can.”

Ewers joins a long list of distinguished gala honorees including David Allex; Senator Eddie Lucio; Jo Rae Wagner; Manny Vela; Ruben Hinojosa; Frank Boggus; former Harlingen Mayor Bill Card; Arthur and Leona Everson; Connie de la Garza; and Joe and Teresa Long.

To sponsor a table or purchase tickets to the 2016 Noche de Gala, contact Valeri Smith at valeri.smith@tstc.edu, or for more information contact Lynch at 956-364-4500 or at amy.lynch@tstc.edu, or visit tstc.edu/harlingen/gala.

(HARLINGEN) – Norma Ferrer Avila is a student at Texas State Technical College pursuing an associate degree in Dental Hygiene. The Brownsville native is expected to graduate in Spring 2017 and currently holds a 3.4 grade-point average.

The 26-year-old stays busy with her 3-year-old son and her volunteer work with the Student Government Association and Love Brownsville, a volunteer organization within her church that helps the less fortunate in her community. She also serves as historian in the Student American Dental Hygiene Association and as a Texas Volunteer Deputy Registrar, helping TSTC students register to vote.

What are you plans after graduation?

After I graduate in the spring I plan on moving to the San Antonio area and begin working as a registered dental hygienist.

What’s your dream job?

I dream of traveling the world and educating people about proper oral healthcare. I see myself working with various communities to better people’s oral health and serve as a volunteer for those who may not be able to afford dental care.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment has been working with the Office of Student Success as a mentor. I’ve been able to guide and advise other students on their academics and push them to use the resources available to them here at TSTC.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I’ve recently learned that supporting and motivating others is one of my greatest passions. I’ve worked to let others know that it is okay to fall as long as they get back up and accomplish what they intended to do in the first place. I’ve learned to stay strong and positive, and take one day at a time.

Name a TSTC person who has most influenced your success?

Mrs. Gladys Arjona, dental hygiene instructor, has been my biggest influence. She is the most dedicated person I know. I love her passion for everything she does and how she is always prepared for her students.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want others to remember one thing: “The only time you should ever look back is to see how far you’ve come.”

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College in Harlingen has done it yet again.  Student leaders from Student Life and Engagement, with assistance from Student Government Association, recently registered another record number of new voters this election year.

The TSTC voter registration initiative began in March of 2012 and has since helped register over 2,000 voters.  The 2016 movement alone registered 1,043.

“We received 1,001 new voters four years ago, so we wanted to surpass that,” said Coordinator of Student Orientation and Activities Larissa Moreno.  “We’re a very competitive group of individuals, so I knew we could do this.”

Voter turnout in South Texas has been very low in previous elections compared to other parts of the state where eight of 10 residents go to the polls.

“Only two out of 10 people in the Rio Grande Valley vote,” said Roel Gonzalez, New Student Orientation Leader.  “We need to be aware of everything that’s going on in the nation.  It’s going to affect all of us.”

To support these efforts, TSTC hosted two debate watch parties in September and October, and also partnered with the Advocacy Alliance Center of Texas (AACT NOW), an organization that focuses on getting people from South Texas to the polls.

“They sent us a 30-second commercial to show on campus, which helped us reach more people, and also helped us a lot with flyers and signage,” said Moreno.

Student organizers reminded students that casting a ballot could make a difference for their community, their home and even their college.

“Just because we’re younger and in college doesn’t mean we’re any less represented in politics.  We need to have our voices heard,” said orientation leader Adriana Gonzalez.

Gonzalez says educating young voters is one of the keys to making sure that they go out and utilize their right to vote.

“We need to be aware about things going on in our society,” said TSTC student Larry Montalvo, who assisted with the initiative.  “We can’t just look the other way.  We need to progressively make the strides to make things happen.”

TSTC will be a precinct for early voting in Cameron County.  Residents can vote in the VIP Room of the Student Center from October 31 through November 4, beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m.

Election Day takes place on November 8.

For more information on New Student Orientation or Student Government Association, visit http://www.tstc.edu/campuses/harlingen.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College, the TSTC Staff Senate and the Pizzeria in Harlingen are joining forces to help its low-income students that may face family or financial hardships.

On November 2, TSTC students, faculty and staff; and the Harlingen community are invited to visit the Pizzeria between 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. to purchase a large pepperoni pizza for $10. All proceeds from this event will go to support Charlie’s Pantry, TSTC’s free food pantry for students in housing.

“We have basically run out of food, we rely on donations to supply our pantry,” said Director of Housing Amy Garza. “Charlie’s Pantry is a great way to offer our student residents some food while they get back on their feet.”

Many students depend on financial aid to assist with their tuition, fees and rent. Normally, this means there is no extra money available for food or other necessities. Garza said she typically assists 10-15 residents or families a semester with items from the pantry.

“Many of our residents don’t have parents or family to depend on. Or some have families of their own to support,” said Garza. “No matter the situation many are mostly on their own. This is why we are grateful to TSTC Staff Senate and Pizzeria’s support and help with this cause.”

Sharon Farias, TSTC Provost Office executive assistant and Staff Senate president, said this fundraiser is supplementing their annual canned food drive.

Now in its third year, Staff Senate’s canned food drive runs through December 2. There will be donation boxes campus-wide. Additionally, with the money raised, Staff Senate hopes to not only supply canned food and other non-perishable items, but also microwavable food so students can enjoy hot meals.

“We want our students to have more meal options,” said Farias. “Many students go without eating because they don’t have the funds, but we want to help change that. And depending on the amount raised we also want to help our other campus pantry located in the Student Center.”

For TSTC science instructor and Pizzeria co-owner Dr. Emmanuel Formacio-Serna, joining this cause is also about helping students succeed and get a good paying job so they do not have to face this type of adversity again.

“Being hungry affects everything,” said Formacio. “It affects your health and your ability to concentrate in class. These students are our future and it’s sad to see that many of them go without access to food.”

As an instructor for the past 15 years, Formacio has seen firsthand the effect hunger has on his students. He and his brothers made a pact before opening the Pizzeria that they would give back to their communities the best they could, so when he was approached with this opportunity, he says it was only natural for him to say yes.

“For many of our students living here on campus, this is the first time they have a steady place to live. This is the first time they don’t have to worry about their electricity or water being shut off,” said Formacio. “So I don’t think they should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.”

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board reports that food insecurity has become a problem because of rising tuition costs and an increase in the number of college students from low-income families.

According to the College and University Food Bank Alliance, at least 14 colleges in Texas and hundreds across the country have opened food pantries to help support students through college.

For more information on the fundraiser or to donate to the student food pantry call 956-364-4023.

(HARLINGEN) – TSTC student Omar Duran is currently studying Culinary Arts and hopes to bring his talents to a school district after graduation.  The 43-year-old Army veteran boasts a highly impressive 3.7 grade-point average and will be graduating in the Fall of 2018.

What are your plans after graduation?

 I look forward to starting my civilian career.  Ultimately, I would love to work with the La Feria school district because that’s where I’m from.

What’s your dream job?

 I hope to become the supervisor in charge of the food distribution in the district.

 What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

 Succeeding at math has been an accomplishment for me.  A lot of people are afraid of it, and in my degree plan you have to take math or biology, so I decided to challenge myself by taking math.  In culinary arts, you deal with a lot of numbers, so I’m really proud of everything I’ve learned.

 What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

Coming back to school in general has been a lesson for me.  I took different avenues and did 20 years in the military, so being around a bunch of younger people made me contemplate my priorities, but I’m here now, and I love it.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success.

 All my fellow veterans in the Veteran’s Center have helped me out so much.  If someone is having problems with an assignment, they help you out.  My confidence is so high right now because of the support that I’m getting from everybody there.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

 Learn everything that you can while you’re in school and make sure your priorities are always straight.  Getting your education is so important!

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Coalition in conjunction with the Southwest ADA Center, recently hosted an ADA Coalition training conference –  the first in South Texas.

The training was targeted to human resource personnel, disability service providers, campus police and behavior intervention teams from colleges and universities across the Rio Grande Valley.  Attendees were provided with technical assistance, facilitated learning and policy guidance relating to the ADA, ADA Amendments Act and Rehabilitation Act.

“Our goal is provide awareness on how to better serve employees and students,” said Corina De la Rosa, coordinator for disability services at TSTC. “The ultimate goal is to learn how to provide equal access and equal opportunity, and how to properly be ADA compliant.”

Nearly 90 people were in attendance and had the opportunity to hear from keynote speaker Diego Demaya from the ADA Resource Center. He is a Human Resources Consultant and ADA Technical Assistance Director who is a nationally known expert in providing policy guidance to healthcare and educational institutions.

“Training is the key,” Demaya told the audience. “It’s important to train supervisors and administrators on how to handle different situations, so it’s always in a professional manner.”

Other topics covered at the training included ADA Leave and the Interactive Process; Students with Psychiatric Disabilities; and Direct Threat and Clear and Present Danger.

The ADA Coalition was formed one year ago as a partnership between TSTC, South Texas College, Texas Southmost College and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The higher ed alliance is comprised of disability service providers from each campus.

“We always work collaboratively to provide the most consistent services for our students across all campuses,” said De la Rosa. “This is the first time we host a training like this and we’re excited that the Southwest ADA Center was able to provide us with the resources to make this possible.”

TSTC Human Resource Executive Mary Prepejchal said the training was a great reminder about what ADA means and stands for from an employer standpoint.

“ADA makes it unlawful for us to discriminate against a qualified individual with a disability,” said Prepejchal. “As the employer we are obligated to know the ADA language and be able to translate the needs of a person who has a disability and their need for accommodation.”

TSTC’s Disability Services office offers students accommodations on a case-by-case basis. Services such as interpreters and separate testing rooms are available.

“Our goal is to accommodate students who need the assistance so that they can participate in the classroom experience and get the best education possible.”

For more information on disability services call TSTC Support Services at 956-364-4521.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College recently hosted its Ninth Annual TSTC High School Counselor Update with nearly 100 high school counselors from across the Rio Grande Valley and the Coastal Bend in attendance.

The counselor update serves as a half-day program that focuses on the technologies and services TSTC offers. In addition, presentations are made discussing processes or changes in enrollment services, student learning and financial aid.

Counselors were also treated to a tour of the Allied Health building and the new Nursing Education Center.

“Not only is this a way to keep our high school counselors up to date on the many opportunities we have to offer, but it’s our way of saying thank you,” said Dora Colvin, director of recruitment. “They welcome us into their schools to talk to their students. They’re great partners.”

Rolando Gonzalez, Los Fresnos High School counselor, has been attending TSTC’s counselors update for the past four years and said he learns something new every time.

“TSTC does an excellent job keeping us informed and updated,” said Gonzalez. “This is really an educational outlet for counselors and it helps me serve my students better. I have full confidence in TSTC and what they have to offer.”

For Delicia Sanchez, Harlingen High School’s College and Career advisor, this is her second time attending and said she has been impressed with TSTC on more than one occasion.

“Today we got to tour the allied health programs and I can’t wait to take what I learned back to my students,” said Sanchez. “Health professions are growing in popularity and they’re in demand, so learning what I learned about TSTC’s Allied Health program will help me answer my students’ questions and guide them better.”

In addition to hearing from keynote speaker Dr. Michael J. Sandroussi, president of Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend, counselors had the chance to hear a student testimonial made by Cecilia Zebrowski, one of TSTC’s few female students in Tool and Die Technology.

Zebrowski is set to graduate December 2016 with an associate degree in Tool and Die Technology. She already has numerous job offers from Raytheon, Toyota, Space X and United Launch, to name a few. She said she wanted to be an example that counselors could use when speaking with their students about pursuing non-traditional programs.

“I let the counselors know about the types of opportunities and jobs I’ve been offered because of my time here at TSTC,” said Zebrowski. “But I spoke mainly to inspire these counselors to encourage their students and future generations to pursue education locally in non-traditional fields.”

Zebrowski inspired many of the counselors, like Cynthia De la Garza Gonzales, Career and Technology counselor for South Texas Independent School District.

“All of the information we’re getting today is valuable,” said De la Garza. “But I was truly impressed with the young lady who presented her testimony. She is a female in a male-dominated field and she’s succeeding. This will definitely help me inspire other students like her to pursue opportunities like she has.”

Many of the counselors were appreciative to be included in the counselors update. However, Colvin said it is TSTC who should be thanking them.

“We’ve collaborated with these school districts and counselors for many college initiatives,” said Colvin. “We thank them for everything they do for us and for the students. We’re excited to have them here at TSTC. We look forward to working with them and helping their students have a smooth transition to TSTC. ”