(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Robotics, machining, and computing, oh my! Mechatronics Technology at Texas State Technical College offers an exciting degree path to an even more exciting career. Lead instructor Eldwin Leija discussed some of the program’s courses, as well as the characteristics that make studying mechatronics at TSTC technically better.

What courses do you teach?

I teach a few of the basic courses for the program, such as digital circuits, electromechanical systems, and manufacturing robotics.

What is mechatronics, and what is the outlook for jobs in this industry?

Mechatronics is the study and use of multiple disciplines, such as industrial maintenance, industrial robotics technology, and process controls. To simplify, mechatronics technicians can go from working on oil rigs — maintaining pumping systems and all of the sensors and controls

that keep them running — to working inside a manufacturing shop.  We repair control systems that keep the manufacturing companies going strong.  The job outlook for mechatronics engineers is very healthy.

Why are jobs in mechatronics important?

We help maintain the equipment for the necessary products that we use every day.

What makes studying mechatronics at TSTC different?

We have a solid curriculum, supplemented with industry-relevant equipment. Even during these times, we have managed to have hands-on labs on campus while strictly following guidelines and regulations. Our staff has many years of relevant industry experience in mechatronics, and we help students find a career when they are done.

Fall registration is currently underway.

To learn more about Mechatronics Technology at TSTC, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/MechatronicsTechnology.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – If there is one word to describe Mallory Torres, it is fierce.

Not only is she conquering the male-dominated field of mechatronics, but she is also doing so after overcoming personal hardships.

In 2017, she completed an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College, where her curiosity for mechatronics began to grow. Then, in 2019, she earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics Technology at TSTC.

“A lot of the machines that we used in our welding classes were very expensive,” she said. “I started to wonder who would repair them if they broke down. I got curious about what technicians would even look for as they were repairing the equipment.”

That interest in electrical components led her to mechatronics.

“As my time in the welding program ended, I knew mechatronics was something I wanted to explore,” she said. “The program really showed me that anything can be repaired or built. It’s all about troubleshooting and finding the problem.”

Torres excelled in the program despite personal hardship.

“I joined the program at the same time that my mom was battling stage 4 cancer,” she said. “She passed away in December 2017. My dad pushed me to finish school for my mom, and that’s what I did. Losing her made me work harder.”

Two short years later, Torres is working as a mechatronics technician and is elated to have two beneficial trades under her belt.

“My time in the programs flew by, and the instructors were always very helpful,” she said. “They always wanted us to succeed as if we were their own kids.”

Mechatronics instructor Eldwin Leija saw firsthand the perseverance that Torres showed as a student.

“Mallory was very dedicated and always pushed herself to the next level,” he said. “Her dedication has carried on over to her job and career. It was a pleasure having her in class, and I know she will succeed.”

Torres is also grateful for the skills that she learned outside the classroom.

“TSTC taught me how to prepare myself when I entered the workforce,” she said. “We received assistance with interviews and the job search. Studying there was honestly the best decision I ever made.”

Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – As students gear up to start classes this fall, Texas State Technical College has been diligently planning and preparing for a new way of learning.

The coronavirus has very quickly changed the way we go about our daily lives, a change that has also had an impact on how TSTC distributes curriculum. While student safety remains a top priority, the quality of education was also an aspect carefully taken into consideration when making the progression to distance learning and the changes to labs and housing.

“TSTC has transitioned their training programs to either completely online or hybrid modality,” said Harlingen Provost Cledia Hernandez. “Each program did a thorough assessment and analysis of the program’s skills and either adopted an online platform to assess student skills or modified their on-campus lab to allow students to complete their hands-on skills on campus.”

Adjustments were also extended to programs that require on-campus labs.

“Lab layouts were reconfigured to account for physical distancing while in the lab,” Hernandez explained. “Additionally, students scheduled time slots throughout the week to come into the lab to minimize the group size. Technology was also integrated into labs to help instructors facilitate instruction and feedback while still complying with physical distancing requirements.”

The campus has taken all necessary precautions to comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for students who need to visit campus to complete required lab work.

“All students are required to wear face coverings while at TSTC,” Hernandez said. “In some programs, based on the skills being performed, additional personal protective equipment is required to help maintain safety.”

Surgical Technology instructor Yolanda Ramirez reiterated that student safety was a top priority when configuring the new ways in which labs will be conducted.

“The skills will be taught via Webex through both pre-recorded and live stream sessions,” she said.  “We have been recording various skills videos, as well as instrument videos that students are required to learn. All of these will be covered during our Webex class sessions, so we will also be available in real time to answer any questions that students may have.”

Efforts have also been made to ensure that student housing follows strict safety protocols once students move into their dorms later this month.

“TSTC Housing has worked to de-densify residences to the best of their ability,” said Director of Housing Lorena Garza. “For that matter, TSTC Housing is only offering a single occupancy option for residents at this time. Non-resident guests are not allowed in the housing complex, and current residents are required to wear a face covering or mask at all times outside of their residences while in the housing complex.”

Additionally, TSTC has also taken measures to ensure that quality hands-on learning is upheld because it is one of the school’s most vital components.

Hernandez said that students can still access all the same services, just in a different way.

“Tutors, library services, veteran services, and enrollment coaches can all be reached through various digital platforms.”

Emily Mancini, who recently completed her Associate of Applied Science degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology online, reiterated that the efforts made at TSTC through remote learning were just as beneficial despite students not being on campus.

“From the admissions office to counselors and coordinators, everyone was responsive and helpful with the many questions I had,” she said. “It was especially helpful since this was my first year doing online distance learning.”

The dedication of her instructors was especially appreciated.

“With each semester, I felt the instructors were open to questions and discussions to help make the online distance learning as manageable as possible for the students,” she said. “I had email correspondence with each of my professors, and they all replied promptly and helped with any concerns I had.”

Fall registration is currently underway.  For more information about TSTC’s online programs, visit https://www.tstc.edu/tstconline.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Inspired by his own educators when he was a student at Texas State Technical College, Eutiquio Calderon is now paying it forward as an instructor for TSTC’s Wind Energy Technology program. He is not only a mentor for his students, but also someone who constantly encourages them to reach for the sky.

“I am strict as an instructor, but I am also easy to get along with,” he said. “I encourage those who need it, praise students who deserve it, and always give a helping hand to those who ask for one.”

Calderon’s wife once reminded him of his goal to become an instructor after he graduated from college.

“Years ago, my wife told me that I mentioned that I wanted to gain work experience so that one day I could come back and become an instructor,” he said. “Four years later, I am here loving what I do — helping others achieve their education and career goals.”

Seeing students grow intellectually through their education is one of his favorite aspects of being an instructor.

“My students are like my children,” he said. “I see them grow as individuals in the year and a half that they are in my courses. I enjoy receiving emails from them saying that they are enjoying my classes. I have even received pictures from some beautiful wind farms that they are working in.”

Calderon said he enjoys celebrating educational milestones with his students.

“Some of my favorite memories are the graduation ceremonies,” he said. “Students are happy to be moving forward in their lives and are celebrated by friends and family. Some of them even ask me to be in their photos. It’s a proud feeling.”

Calderon’s passion also comes from a very personal anecdote that he takes with him into the classroom.

“I advise them with the mentality that my grandmother, Julia Calderon, would give to me: ‘Lo mas importante en la vida es la educacion,’” he said. “The most important thing in life is education.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, wind energy technology is expected to grow exponentially through 2028 and beyond.

To learn more about the program at TSTC, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/WindEnergyTechnology.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Inspired by the coffee farm on which she was raised in her native Colombia, Johanna Lozano began her coffee company, Cafe Canasto, in 2018.

Lozano received her Associate of Applied Science degree from Texas State Technical College in Business Management Technology in 2015. She went on to work for the Texas Department of State Health Services before resigning in 2018 to make her love for coffee her full-time job.

“I grew up on a coffee farm in Colombia,” she said. “I have always been passionate about coffee. I saw the opportunity to start importing my own coffee, so I created the Cafe Canasto brand.”

For 1 1/2 years, Lozano catered and distributed her coffee brand all over the United States. This year she opened her own coffee shop in Brownsville to serve an array of Colombian treats and coffee creations.

“After seeing how well people were embracing a different culture and our Colombian food and drinks, I decided to open my shop,” she said. “Cafe Canasto finally opened its doors to the public in March.”

This important chapter in her life could not have been accomplished without those who are most important to her.

“I have loved my entrepreneurial journey very much,” Lozano said. “My husband has been my biggest supporter, and the community has truly given us their love.”

Some of Lozano’s fondest moments are the extracurricular activities she participated in at TSTC.

“Serving as the student government president left me with many great memories,” she said. “It not only allowed me to advocate for students, but I grew tremendously as a person.”

Student government was not the only opportunity that she had to reveal her leadership ability.

“Because of TSTC, I was able to become involved with the community,” Lozano said. “I was able to go to Washington, D.C., to meet other student leaders from all over the nation.”

Lozano said her time at TSTC gave her a learning experience that benefits her business venture, and the support she received outside the classroom is something she holds dear.

“TSTC is not only a great school that provides you with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed, but the leaders there are very supportive, and that really makes a difference in students’ lives,” she reiterated. “Honestly, I could write a book about all the help and professional tools I received at TSTC.”

Cafe Canasto is located at 4008 Paredes Line Road in Brownsville.

To learn more about TSTC’s Business Management Technology program, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/BusinessManagementTechnology.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Digital circuits, manufacturing robotics and electromechanical systems are only a few of the hands-on courses that students will take when they study Mechatronics Technology at Texas State Technical College.

Lead mechatronics instructor Eldwin Leija, who has taught at TSTC for nine years, talked about the importance of mechatronics.

“Mechatronics is the study and use of multiple disciplines,” he said. “It can range from industrial maintenance to industrial robotics technology and process controls. We help maintain the equipment that helps make the products we use every single day.”

TSTC prides itself on a dedicated learning experience that trains graduates to be ready to work on day one — an important program characteristic.

“We have a solid curriculum, supplemented with industry-relevant equipment,” Leija said. “Even during these times, we have managed to have hands-on labs on the TSTC campus while strictly following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 regulations. Our teaching staff has years of industry experience related to what we are teaching. When students graduate, we top that off by helping them find a career in what they studied.”

Leija reiterated that despite these unforeseen times, the need for mechatronics technicians will not disappear.

“As long as the world needs gasoline, oil, natural gas and manufactured goods, such as food packaging, clothes, makeup, bottled water and vehicles, mechatronics technicians will always be in demand,” he said.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Miguel Zoleta’s passion for transmissions and engines revved his gears right into a position at Texas State Technical College, where he is now a lead instructor in the Automotive Technology program.

Jobs in the automotive industry are growing rapidly. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is predicted to continue climbing because of new technology. This means that more mechanics are needed to figure out what is happening under the hood of a vehicle when the inevitable check engine light comes on. Instructors like Zoleta are making it possible for TSTC to provide the Lone Star State with mechanics who are ready to get Texans back on the road.

What do you enjoy about working with students?

I enjoy seeing students succeed.  Many of them come into the program without knowing anything about cars, and they graduate with lots of knowledge and confidence that they will do good things in their careers.  There is nothing more rewarding than having graduates come back to visit and tell you how thankful they are for what you taught them and describe how well they are doing in the industry.

What inspired you to get into this career path and higher education?

I have always enjoyed working on cars. After high school I enrolled in Automotive Technology here at TSTC. My learning experience was awesome. I enjoyed how all the instructors made you feel like family. After graduating I went on to work in the diesel industry, and after a few years I received the opportunity to come back to TSTC.

Do you have any advice for students considering this path?

The automotive industry is growing in many different ways. This is a great career with many opportunities to be very successful.  I encourage anyone interested to come in for a tour of our Automotive Technology program so that they can see firsthand what we have to offer here at TSTC.

Curious about getting your hands under the hood of a vehicle? Visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/AutomotiveTechnology to learn more about Automotive Technology at TSTC.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Tracey Cash is a prime example that it is never too late to follow another passion.

After spending 30 years as a hair stylist, and nine as a real estate agent, she set her sights on health care and began her journey into nursing at Texas State Technical College. She is now in her seventh year as a nurse after graduating with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing from TSTC.

“I have always had occupations that help people,” she said. “When I was a hair stylist, I helped people feel beautiful, and when I was in real estate, I helped people buy and sell homes.”

Cash’s affinity for giving is what led her to nursing.

“When I decided to change careers, I wanted to continue to help people while also having stability. I decided that the health care industry is where I could accomplish that; it’s the best decision I have ever made.”

Though she graduated in 2013, she still holds dear the support she received during her time at TSTC.

“My time there prepared me for the exams I needed to take to receive my credentials,” she said. “All the instructors and leadership of the Nursing program encouraged me and supported me every step of the way.”

Cash is also one of the many health care heroes on the frontline of the current fight against COVID-19.

“One patient I had in particular is a friend of mine,” she said. “She was very sick, and I was assigned to be her nurse. She was at a point where she wanted to give up, and I went into her room and told her I was her nurse for the day. Her face lit up like a light. Afterward, she told me that I was her spark that she needed to continue the fight. She is now at home continuing her COVID-19 recovery. That made me feel accomplished.”

TSTC Associate Provost Jean Lashbrook reiterated that Cash has the perseverance and spirit to continue thriving in her career as a nurse.

“She has always been an individual that will not give up,” Lashbrook said. “She has always worked very hard for everything she has and wants to attain.”

“Nursing school is tough,” Lashbrook added. “She worked very hard throughout both programs, with no hill too high to climb. Now Tracey’s in a climate where she is certainly the hero to many patients. I know, without a doubt, she is giving them her all.”

Cash has advice for others who one day want to be a nurse and a beam of light for their patients.

“Become a nurse with passion and compassion,” she said. “Become a nurse to be part of the change in a person’s life.”

Fall registration is currently underway. To learn more about TSTC’s Nursing program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/Nursing.