(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Computer Programming Technology is one of Texas State Technical College’s programs that is offered completely online — a bonus in this era of social distancing. The Associate of Applied Science degree program can lead to a fast-growing career that shows no signs of slowing down.

Despite learning from home, students are introduced to courses that will give them a competitive edge in the world of computer programming. The curriculum at TSTC includes database programming, Java programming, mobile applications development, and more.

“We live in a world today where, at the click of a mouse or the tap of a finger, we have access to products, information and resources to help us in our daily lives,” said Steven Coffman, lead instructor for Computer Programming Technology. “Computer programmers make this possible.”

The global pandemic has increased uneasiness in the job market, especially for those just graduating from college. Coffman reiterated that computer programming is not an area that potential programmers should worry about.

“We have not seen a decline in demand for computer programmers and do not expect to see one anytime soon,” he said. “Additionally, we have been very encouraged to see our recent graduates of the program around the state find employment after graduation, despite the economic downturn.”

Not only does a career in computer programming offer solace in the fact that programmers are in demand, but because of the flexibility of the occupation, many computer programmers can work from the comfort of their own homes.

“Computer programming can generally be performed with the resources that most people either already have or materials that are within reach, such as a computer and broadband internet connection,” Coffman said. “Aside from the actual act of programming, communicating with teammates and clients can be performed remotely utilizing virtual meeting applications.”

Registration for the fall semester is underway. To learn more about Computer Programming Technology at TSTC, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/ComputerProgramming.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Eliodoro Rivas is no stranger to hard work and determination.

After serving in the U.S. Army for three years, he decided to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Wind Energy Technology at Texas State Technical College.

The AT&T Wind Energy Scholarship from TSTC  is helping him achieve his goal.

“Receiving the scholarship was certainly a big, welcome surprise,” the 23-year-old San Benito native said. “The funding I received from the scholarship has helped me significantly. I was able to buy supplies for my classes, and it gave me peace of mind.”

Renewable energy has long held a strong appeal for Rivas.

“I always found renewable energy fascinating,” he said. I remember reading about solar and wind energy in high school. During my time in the service, I became really interested in wind energy, and I saw that TSTC offered a program for it.”

Rivas felt like he had some catching up to do career-wise when he left the military.

“Coming out of the service really opened my eyes to how rough the world can be once you are out,” he said. “Educationally I felt way behind my peers, and I wanted to catch up immediately and build a career. I’d heard stories of students obtaining their four-year degrees but having no job opportunities. I did not want to waste more time, so I decided a technical degree was arguably the best option.”

His work ethic is one thing that allows him to enjoy his time in the wind energy program.

“I like that I have the ability to really apply myself to the work, both mentally and physically” he said. “Being able to read, write and speak the language of schematics, electrical and mechanical components is amazing. It really feels like learning another language. I’m also no stranger to physical labor, and I absolutely love heights.”

Rivas’ instructors at TSTC have left an impact on him and his aspiration to become a wind energy technician.

“Whether it was challenging me every step of the way or going beyond what was asked of them, they really inspired me.”

Rivas, who recently became a father, said that everything from here on out is for his family.

“After I graduate, I hope to start my career as a wind turbine technician. Being a first-time father means I can’t afford to slow down anytime soon. Everything I do is for my son, and I know this career path will help me grow and provide for my family.”

He credits the Army and TSTC for allowing him to continue fulfilling his dream.

“The Army has become a part of me,” he said. “I never, ever want to let that go. When I start my career as a wind turbine technician, I hope to reenlist and join the National Guard—part-time soldier, full-time wind technician.”

To learn more about TSTC’s Wind Energy Technology program, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/WindEnergyTechnology.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Javier Nieto has worked at Texas State Technical College for five years. His role as department chair for the Computer Science program allows him to help students learn the intricate skills that will allow them to venture off into vital careers.

What do you enjoy about working with students?

My students are always giving me something new to learn. I have students with different backgrounds and ideas, and it always makes things so interesting. I try to get involved with different projects where we can engage in topics that show off their ideas, and it constantly gives me something new to think about.

What inspired you to get into higher education?

I always realized that in order to change the world, you have to teach something. Everything I learn, I like to share. When you share your knowledge with somebody, they share it with others as well. You create a network of learning, and it just grows. I am always inspired when my students reach out to me about their careers after TSTC. You get a feeling of accomplishment when you see your students become successful.

What advice would you give to students who are interested in pursuing computer science?

If you are curious about how something works, this is the right career for you. You need to be curious; you need to ask questions. Computer science is the art of solving problems.

Fall registration is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Flexibility and working from home are a few characteristics of the perfect job during the current global pandemic. A career in computer science can offer these benefits, along with a great salary and the opportunity for job advancement.

Texas State Technical College Computer Science program chair Javier Nieto discussed the advantages of studying for the career and shared his passion for it.

“Students don’t have issues finding jobs, especially if they are flexible,” he said. “(Computer) networking is one of the biggest markets, especially right now.”

The global crisis has made computer networks vital for essential workplaces, such as hospitals and clinics.

“Hospitals, for example, need to make sure that their networks are available and working to update patient information and input physician data,” he said. “Our computer networking students can get into these careers and be very well paid.”

With the number of such jobs increasing comes the need for qualified workers to fill them.

“The demand for this type of work and employees is huge,” Nieto said. “There are simply not enough people in computer science.”

Current circumstances have brought worry for many people unsure of the current employment outlook. An Associate of Science in Computer Science is a degree path that might ease the burden of worrying about what the future will look like.

“There are a lot of opportunities to work from home in this field,” he said. “Outside of the coronavirus, there are many jobs in computer science that are able to be done remotely. It’s a very flexible career that was not diminished because of the pandemic.”

Fall registration is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Angel Toledo enjoyed an extensive career with the Brownsville Public Utilities Board for over 30 years. Last February, he joined Texas State Technical College as an instructor for the Electrical Lineworker Technology program. He hopes his knowledge in the field not only helps his students build careers of their own, but also inspires them to love what they do.

What motivated you to want to become an instructor?

I am interested in sharing my experience in the electrical industry. I want to share the importance of safety while working on power lines. All the instructors teaching these courses at TSTC have 52 years of combined experience and knowledge, which is great.

Do you have any favorite TSTC memories so far?

I’m still new to TSTC. But as of now, I have found that TSTC has a great family tradition and professionalism with its faculty and staff.

What do you hope students gain from taking your courses?

I hope my students will understand and follow all of the safety rules. I hope to teach and share my knowledge with them about climbing, framing, connecting, troubleshooting, distribution and transmission, and underground circuits.

What advice would you give to anyone who is considering a career as a lineworker?

Lineman jobs are going to continue to rise and have great starting hourly salaries. In my opinion, being a lineman is one of the most decent professions in the world.

Fall registration is now underway. For more information on TSTC’s Electrical Lineworker Technology program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/ElectricalLineworkerTechnology.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Cledia Hernandez, provost of Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, was featured in the summer 2020 issue of Valley Women Inspire, a free quarterly magazine published in the Rio Grande Valley.

Valley Women Inspire’s mission is to empower women in South Texas, and Hernandez’s determination and resilience are just a few of the traits that made her the perfect cover story for the magazine.

“Provost Hernandez was an incredibly charismatic and welcoming host at the regional spelling bee hosted by TSTC,” said Ernie Garrido, deputy editor of the Valley Morning Star. “Several of the Inspire team members who met her there knew immediately she would be a perfect person to profile as our cover story for the summer issue.”

In the issue, Hernandez, a first-generation college graduate, detailed her journey on the winding road to success. She credits the work ethic she saw in her parents for getting her where she is today.

“She shared very moving and emotional memories of her childhood,” said Garrido. “Her message is exactly what Inspire magazine is all about, and we certainly hope our readers will be moved and encouraged by her story.”

Life lessons from Hernandez’s childhood continue to influence her today.

“There comes a point in your life when you realize that everything your parents told you growing up truly resonates with you,” she said. “My dad taught me never to look at the barriers you may face. Instead, he always told me to look at how I could overcome them.”

Those lessons have helped Hernandez build a career that allows her to achieve her biggest passion: education.

“Our students are why we do what we do,” she said. “Knowing that I have an amazing group of colleagues I can surround myself with is inspiring. The impact that all of us have together is what drives me. The sky’s the limit.”

The latest issue of Valley Women Inspire is available now.

Fall registration at TSTC is currently underway. To learn more, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Started in 2016, iServe Biomedical is a leading provider of medical equipment repairs serving the Houston area. Founders Javier Valdez and Rene Torres discussed their time at Texas State Technical College and how their Associate of Applied Science degrees in Biomedical Equipment Technology prepared them for this venture.

“TSTC provided the foundation for us,” Torres said. “Our time there prepared us both intellectually and socially for our careers and our adult life.”

The duo met when they were both working for another company. Their efforts not only allowed them to achieve leadership positions within that company, but also gave them the idea to use their expertise and experience to start a company of their own.

Hospitals, surgery centers, clinics, and home health providers are a few of the businesses that benefit from iServe Biomedical. While their business has seen success, the road to get there was not always smooth.

“Like other companies that are just starting, we struggled with gaining our clientele,” Valdez said. “It took us about eight months of planning and investing money into our business before we gained our first customer.”

Startup companies often face struggles at the beginning of their journeys because there is no money to keep them running. Not only did Valdez and Torres experience that, but they also faced disaster when Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in 2017.

“Our office became flooded, and we were not able to work,” Valdez said. “We felt a lot of pressure not to lose our newly established relationships with our customers.”

They eventually moved into a new facility, where they spent many late nights ensuring that their customers would have their equipment serviced in a timely manner.

Torres reiterated that customer satisfaction is their biggest goal and most valuable guarantee.

“We believe success can be measured in small increments,” he said. “For us, having happy customers is our success. It is seeing the results of our hard work and sacrifices that we’ve made.”

Ultimately, knowing that they are helping to change a person’s life is what keeps them motivated.

“It’s the rewarding feeling we get from knowing the equipment could be used to save a patient’s life,” Torres said. “It’s the response we get from patients and families who acknowledge the work we do.”

The motivation that drives them to continue to change lives is also the motivation that helped them in the pursuit of becoming business owners.

“I believe that there is no shortcut on the quest to success,” Valdez said. “We need to put in the work, set goals, focus, and work hard.”

“Attitude and perseverance go a long way,” Torres added. “There will be hurdles to keep you from reaching your goals, but keeping a positive attitude and continuing firmly toward your desired result will allow you to achieve success.”

To learn more about TSTC’s Biomedical Equipment Technology program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/BiomedicalEquipmentTechnology.