(HARLINGEN) – From humble beginnings to a successful career, Edna Posada has made a name for herself, and she credits the education she received at Texas State Technical College as the beginning of her entrepreneurial success.

Posada grew up in rural Los Fresnos. She comes from a family of seven who lived in a two-bedroom home without indoor plumbing. Their home sat next to a canal bank where the family would shower and get their water.

“Sometimes people think I came from a well-to-do family, or married someone wealthy, but none of that’s true,” said Posada. “I come from a life where money was difficult to come by and I think that is what shaped me and gave me my drive. I didn’t want to live like that for the rest of my life.”

Posada graduated from Los Fresnos High School as Salutatorian in 1980. She said she knew school was the key factor in getting ahead.

“I really focused on school and graduated with honors,” she remembered. “But at the time my dad was very old-fashioned in his way of thinking, so even though I got accepted to college – Yale in fact – he didn’t feel that was what I needed to do. He told me to get married and let the man provide for me, but that’s not the way I wanted to live.”

Posada decided to get a college education locally. She first attended Southmost College in Brownsville, but because Posada needed to finish a program quickly to start working, she enrolled at Texas State Technical Institute, which is now TSTC.

Within two years, Posada earned an associate degree in Industrial Data Processing, or computer coding. She began working immediately with the city of Brownsville as a programmer, but her stint with the city was short lived.

“I was the only female in the department and I ended up feeling disappointed and discouraged. I was the one always asked to get the coffee and make the copies, so I left after six months. I knew I could do more,” said Posada.

Instead, Posada decided to pursue her dream of working for Hewlett-Packard. However, the technology company wanted someone with sales experience, which she did not have.

“TSTC prepared me for the technical aspect of the job. I was confident in my skills because of the hands-on training I had received,” said Posada. “But it was up to me to get the sales experience, so I ended up at Dillard’s with Estee Lauder, and the rest is history. I found that helping women feel beautiful and confident was my new passion.”

Fast forward 27 years and the 54-year-old owns three thriving Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios and two Spa La Posada locations across the Rio Grande Valley catering to women and men alike. Also included in her business portfolio is a barbershop and Boutique Leona.

“As a single mom raising two children, my journey was difficult, but I had found a new dream and I had to go for it,” said Posada. “Family though is so important to me, above any business, so I always made sure to include my children in what I was doing so they could understand what mommy was doing and why I was doing it.”

Years later, including her children in her businesses paid off, because now Posada and her daughter are a duo managing their locations together and franchise branding for Merle Norman as a team.

“I’m so thankful for the degree I received from TSTC,” said Posada. “It set me up with what I need to run my business. Technology has changed the business world and understanding the importance of it has helped me evolve.”

Posada said she is proud of being a TSTC alumnus and has recently become a member of the TSTC Scholarship Steering Committee supporting the “Make a Texas-Sized Difference” statewide scholarship campaign, as her way to give back to a college that gave her so much.

“TSTC is really a great, great school,” said Posada. “And this time in my life, I feel that my knowledge and contacts can help generate some funds to support the school and hopefully help more students get a college education.”

So what does the future hold for Posada?

“This year I want to get more TSTC alumni to give back to the college and get involved,” said Posada. “I also want to enjoy everything I’ve worked so hard to achieve and ultimately, brainstorm ideas for new business ventures.”

(HARLINGEN) – For Portland native Matthew Murphy, volunteering at a local hospital this summer helped him discover that the biomedical field was his calling. So, he said goodbye to his hometown to pursue his passion at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen.

The 18-year-old said that there were many institutions he researched, but only TSTC offered him exactly what he was searching for.

“I was looking for a school that had Biomedical Equipment Technology as a major and this was one of the only ones in Texas, so I decided to come down here,” he said.  “It’s only two hours away, I figured I can manage.  I’m excited to be somewhere else.”

Biomedical Equipment Technology is designed to be 70 percent hands-on and teaches students how to repair medical equipment that is used in hospitals, nursing homes and clinics.

“It was a blessing to visit the school,” said his mother, Diana Murphy.  “The tour of his room was awesome.  My son is very excited about coming to school here.”

Watching your child leave the nest can be difficult, but Murphy’s father is happy that his son isn’t too far away.

“It’s always hard.  Matthew’s our youngest,” said Larry Murphy.  “Him being here isn’t too bad, and we are thankful that it’s close enough for us to be able to come down on a weekend if we want to.”

Biomedical Equipment Technology Interim Program Chair Ray Longoria makes sure that incoming students know that the program is challenging and requires student commitment.

“This program offers students the opportunity to work in one of the most rewarding fields.  They will also get the chance to get hands-on with some of the most sophisticated equipment designed to improve and save lives,” said Longoria.  “One of the most satisfying aspects of this field is when you get to see a patient being worked on with a machine that you helped repair.  It’s one of the greatest feelings to see the accomplishment of your skill.”

TSTC students learn biomedical equipment maintenance and repair on state of the art medical equipment used in hospitals and clinics.

Biomedical Equipment Technology is taught at the Harlingen, Marshall and Waco campuses.  For more information visit http://www.tstc.edu/programs/BiomedicalEquipmentTechnology.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College started the Fall 2016 semester by opening the doors to its new Nursing Education Center equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and simulation labs.

“This couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s perfect timing,” said Hector Yanez, interim vice president of Student Learning. “A building like this was needed on our campus and I can see it being fully utilized.”

Allied Health Division Director Jean Lashbrook said this building is a dream come true. In the 20 years she has been at TSTC she has pushed for a center like this.

“Our Allied Health division has grown in the past few years,” said Lashbrook. “We had four programs sharing three labs. We were outgrowing our space. So this is definitely the most beneficial move for our students and faculty.”

The Nursing Education Center is located right off Loop 499 on the main campus.  It will accommodate vocational and registered nursing students with classrooms, computer labs and state-of-the-art simulation labs. The building will also be equipped with a centralized medical supply closet, student break rooms, cubicles for student testing, offices for faculty and a conference room.

“This building is just as much for faculty and administration as it is for students,” said Yanez.

“So everyone’s really excited for this brand new facility, and it will definitely be a showcase.”

Vocational nursing student Kevin Cole started his first day in the program at the brand new building. Although Cole is no stranger to TSTC – he graduated as a nursing assistant in 2015 – he said being at the Nursing Education Center is a new experience.
“It’s exciting to be in a new building furnished with new equipment we get to use and practice with,” said Cole. “I love that TSTC provides us (students) with these types of opportunities and facilities. It definitely makes me more confident going out into the workforce.”

For nursing students like Abbigale Prieto, the education center came a little too late. Prieto is in her last semester of vocational nursing, which means the majority of her time is spent at clinical rotations off campus.

“I’m a little jealous that I won’t be able to fully utilize this building and new labs,” said Prieto. “But I’m excited for the new vocational nursing students who are going to be able to use everything here to their full advantage. They’re going have a great learning experience.”

Lashbrook said the center is also a great asset to the Rio Grande Valley community.

“We can partner with local high schools, give tours and show those interested in our program what our facility has to offer,” said Lashbrook. “Not only that, the training that will happen in this building will prepare our students to enter the workforce and make a difference.”

For more information on TSTC’s nursing programs call 956-364-4797 or visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Carlos is a student at Texas State Technical College. He recently graduated with an associate degree in Computer Systems Management Technology and is now pursuing his second associate degree in Mechatronics Technology.

When the 20-year-old is not studying, you can find him working at TSTC Housing as a community assistant. He also serves as Vice President of the South Texas Migrant Association.

The Harlingen native is the first in his family to graduate from college. Obregon said as a migrant he traveled a lot and keeping up with school was a challenge, so he never expected college to be in his future. However, now that he is pursuing his second degree, he said he hopes to inspire his two younger brothers to follow in his footsteps.

What are your plans after graduation? After I graduate I want to start my own business. I want to open a computer shop here in the Valley doing maintenance and repair. And hopefully in the near future I’ll continue on to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

What is your dream job? My dream is to own a business. That is what I’ve been working toward. I want to make a decent living and show that hard work pays off.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment was graduating from college. I’ve seen my parents work very hard and they always encouraged my five brothers and I to get an education so we could live a different life than the one I grew up living.. I can actually say I did it.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life? I’ve learned that nothing is too big to accomplish. Growing up I felt with my life, college was not in reach, but I pushed through and finished. If you continue to move forward, you eventually get your reward.

What TSTC person has influenced your success the most? My biggest influence was my former College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) adviser Daisy Avalos. She was by side since my first day at TSTC. She helped me submit all my paperwork to get into my program and gave me advice when times got tough. She was my confidant.

What advice do you have for future TSTC students? I want to tell students to always remember not to give up. Success is there, you just have to go for it.

(HARLINGEN) – Dirty headstones, fallen American flags, trash and grass the height of a small child once littered San Jose Cemetery located in the rural eastern part of San Benito.

The sweltering 90 degree Texas heat didn’t stop the Veteran Student Alliance Club at TSTC from recently filling up trash bags and whacking away the weeds.

President of the Veterans Club, and Biology freshman Brian Rodriguez said that this cemetery cleanup is a way to give back to those who have served.

“There are a lot of veterans buried here,” said Rodriguez.  “Nobody really keeps up with the cleanup, and we do have some members that live out here who have passed by and mentioned that it could look a lot better.  When I became president of the club I knew that I wanted to tackle this project.”

Student Recruitment Representative Melissa Zamora, was also on deck to lend a helping hand.

“Cemeteries hold our loved ones.  If we can provide a helping hand to keep these places safe and clean for families to visit, then we are absolutely making a difference.”

While TSTC students did most of the work, Rene Rodriguez, sergeant of arms for the Veterans Club, was proud of the effort not only made by the club, but also by a neighbor who was willing to lend a helping hand.

“We cut the grass and trimmed the trees around the headstones.  One of the homeowners next door said that he was more than happy to help us get rid of any debris we picked up, and that was a big help,” he said.  “During our next cleanup we hope to see familiar faces, and new faces, as well.”

Veterans Program Officer Jose Villegas was very proud of the work done by members of the organization.

“I was very happy with everybody’s effort.  If it wasn’t for their hard work and commitment to giving back to the community, this cemetery may have remained neglected,” said Villegas.  “Some of the students will be going back individually to see that the job is kept up.  It’s an honor to make sure that the veterans who are resting here get the respect that they deserve.”

The next cemetery cleanup take place during the Fall 2016 semester.  For more information or to volunteer, call the Veterans Center at 956-364-4386.

The Veteran Student Alliance Club prides itself on helping military veterans and family members with their transition into civilian life.  For more information visit http://www.tstc.edu/veterans.

(HARLINGEN) – Benardo Garcia is a student at Texas State Technical College pursuing an associate degree in Agriculture Technology. The Harlingen native is expected to graduate Spring 2017.

The Agricultural Club member said he first became interested in an outdoor career when he would go fishing and hunting with his father and brother as a child.

“I knew immediately outside is where I was supposed to be,” said Garcia. “I’m an outdoor guy and my career will reflect that.”

When he is not studying, the 20-year-old can be found working part-time at the TSTC Wellness Sports Center, and at the Harlingen Boys and Girls Club, as a youth development professional teaching children about different sports and how to play them.

What are your plans after graduation? After I graduate I plan on transferring to Texas A&M Kingsville to pursue a bachelor’s degree in either animal science or wildlife.

What’s your dream job? I plan to someday work as a ranch hand or ranch manager, but ultimately I hope to become a game warden. This is something I have thought about doing since I was young.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC? So far my greatest accomplishment is not dropping out. I thought I was never going to finish; I had to take remedial classes and I felt like giving up sometimes, but I didn’t. And soon, my greatest accomplishment is going to be graduating.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life? I’ve learned the true meaning of not giving up. I have overcome many challenges when it comes to school and I’m still standing. It’s important to keep going no matter how hard things get.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most? There are two instructors who have influenced my success – Sammy Gavito and Norberto Mendoza. Both have always been there constantly pushing me to keep going so I can do what I love.

What is your advice for future TSTC students? I want students to know this is a great college with really good instructors. As long as they focus, keep going and do what they love, they will leave as a TSTC graduate with a great education.

(HARLINGEN) – Recently, Texas State Technical College was host to the Business and Workforce Talent Development Strategy Roundtable set forth by the Texas Workforce Commission and Workforce Solutions Cameron. Large industry and school district representatives, city officials and local economic development councils gathered to discuss the business workforce talent needs and talent development strategies. Remarks were given by Julian Alvarez III, Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor, and Pat Hobbs, Executive Director for Workforce Solutions Cameron. During the round table, TSTC Provost Dr. Stella Garcia said TSTC is ready to train, fill the skills gaps and offer solutions. She added that with TSTC’s can-do attitude the college is ready.

(HARLINGEN) – Roberto Gonzalez grew up watching his father work on automobiles, and knew that was the career he wanted to pursue, so the Los Fresnos native enrolled in Automotive Technology at Texas State Technical College in 2014.

Two years later, Gonzalez received his associate degree with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and immediately got hired at Gillman Chevrolet of Harlingen.

“I needed to start working after graduation and because TSTC’s training prepared me for the field, I was able to find a job right away,” said Gonzalez. “Now my twin brother goes to TSTC for machining and I’m helping him pay for his classes.”

Gillman’s Service Manager Ramiro Salguero said although Gonzalez has only been there a short time, he is already very impressed.

“Roberto is very productive and always ready to work,” said Salguero. “Coming in new he was already prepared to begin working as an entry-level tech.”

In the four years that Salguero has been service manager, he has hired more than 20 TSTC graduates like Gonzalez from the Automotive Technology program. He said when positions are available, he calls on TSTC for candidates.

“It’s very hard to find skilled, experienced technicians now a days,” said Salguero. “So having TSTC offer this program is a great advantage to service departments like ours; they (graduates) come to us with experience.”

Salguero said hiring TSTC graduates ensures that he will get people who are already trained to use the equipment in their service shop. He added that it is also easier for them to get hired as entry-level technicians straight out of college.

“Students who attend TSTC get all of the hands-on training they need to be successful in their career,” said Salguero. “Those that I have hired are ready to work and focused on getting work experience. They know what it takes to prove themselves in the field.”

Salguero added that Gillman Honda in San Benito also hires TSTC graduates.

“My door is always opened,” said Salguero. “I’m happy to give any TSTC graduate a chance if this is what they really want.”

Automotive Technology Department Chair and Instructor Abel Castillo said it is an advantage to students knowing that experts in the industry are hiring program graduates straight out of college or even before graduating.

“Our students have so much opportunity available to them,” said Castillo. “Our certificates and associate degree give our students unlimited possibilities.”

Students who enroll in Automotive Technology will get hands-on training in automotive systems ranging from electrical and brakes to air conditioning. There are three available tracks that a student can pursue – certificate, certificate II and an associate degree.

For more information on the Automotive Technology program call 956-364-4576. The first day of class is August 29. To register or apply anytime visit tstc.edu.