The current global pandemic has kept many students outside of the classroom and in their homes to continue their education. In response to this, Texas State Technical College has adjusted several programs to make them completely online while still maintaining the same standards that TSTC is known for.

Associate Vice President of Distance Learning Gina Cano-Monreal discussed the remote learning options available for students at TSTC.

What are the benefits of distance learning?

 There are numerous benefits to TSTC online learning programs and courses. TSTC online programs and courses are of equal value to the accredited quality curriculum offered in face-to-face programs.

The online courses are designed and taught by faculty who are subject-matter experts in their fields and who have relevant, real-world experience. TSTC online faculty are always an email or phone call away. They are committed to supporting students along their educational journey.

Convenience is another benefit. Online courses still have deadlines, but most coursework can be completed when it is most convenient for students and their schedules.

What kind of support do these students receive?

TSTC online students are entitled to the same support services as TSTC’s on-campus students. Online students are provided these services via a variety of methods.

Is distance learning at TSTC going to continue to grow?

 TSTC will continue to grow its online offerings. Prior to the current pandemic, TSTC offered four of its programs entirely online. As a response to current circumstances, TSTC is offering 19 of its programs entirely online in addition to an increased number of online courses. Looking past the fall semester, TSTC will be working with programs and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the college’s accrediting agency, to ensure that the increased number of programs selected for online development and delivery meet our TSTC online quality and accreditation standards.

To learn more about distance learning at TSTC, visit https://tstc.edu/tstconline/faqs.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – In recent months the world has gone digital. Learning from home has become the new normal, and that new normal means that even though students may be many miles from a Texas State Technical College campus, they can still receive quality technical instruction.

El Paso resident and New Jersey native Emily Mancini recently became a TSTC Board of Regents honor graduate on her quest to obtain an Associate of Applied Science degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology. While her initial goal was to graduate with a 4.0 GPA, the feat was not a simple one.

“Working full time while maintaining a household wasn’t easy,” she said. “Thankfully I was able to take nine credit hours a semester. I wasn’t too overworked, and I could still focus on performing well with all my assignments.”

Mancini’s journey into biomedical equipment technology started in 2014, when she began her education in the U.S. Army. She began working in the field in El Paso the following year.

“I came across TSTC while in search of transferring those credits I had already earned to a state school to complete my associate degree,” she explained. “It took me a few years to get the drive to go back to school, but once I did, I wish I had gone sooner.”

Currently, her occupation as a biomedical equipment technician is keeping her busy.

“I maintain, repair, and calibrate medical equipment technology throughout my hospital, urgent care facilities, and over 30 outlying clinics.”

Despite living in El Paso, her daily commute across state lines into Las Cruces, New Mexico, gives her an opportunity to clear her mind every morning and evening.

“It’s about a 45-minute drive,” she said. “It’s mostly all highway. It’s nice not having to deal with much traffic, and I get to enjoy some alone time.”

Mancini offered words of encouragement for future TSTC students who might follow in her footsteps of graduating with honors.

“Speaking as someone who is not coming right out of high school, it takes definite motivation to want to go back to school,” she said. “It takes even more motivation to graduate with honors, but it is worth it. Be proud of your accomplishments and determination. Don’t settle for ‘well, this is good enough, I just need to pass.’ Do the best you can, and make time to achieve your goals.”

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

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Jean Lashbrook was 19 when she knew she wanted to change lives serving in the medical field. Her journey as an emergency medical technician and a registered nurse led her to her current role: an associate provost at Texas State Technical College.

“I was recruited by a friend who was working at TSTC at the time,” she recalled. “There was an opening for a registered nurse in the Nursing program, and she kept pushing me to apply. I was content in my position at a public health agency. But after several nudges from her, I applied, was hired, and never looked back. It was one of the best decisions I have made in my life.”

Before becoming associate provost, Lashbrook served as TSTC’s Allied Health division director and prior to that as Nursing Division director, which enabled her to meet TSTC colleagues across the state.

“I have learned so much,” she said. “I am still learning and growing, thanks to TSTC.”

This August, Lashbrook will celebrate 24 years of leaving an impact at TSTC — years in which she has influenced the lives of students, and vice versa.

“One of my best memories is of a student who was being pulled in many different directions by his family,” she said. “They did not think that college was necessary. A couple years after he completed school, he came back in his Border Patrol uniform to show me he went the right way with his education. I was extremely proud of him. I still am.”

Lashbrook’s wisdom in the field of health care has not only helped patients she has met in her career, but also benefited students she has met in the classroom.

“The most enjoyable times I had in the classroom were when I was able to see the light come on when students had an excitement to learn about health care,” she said. “When I worked with dual enrollment students, it was so amazing to see the maturity level from day one up until they completed the program. Watching a 17-year-old student find their passion for what they want to do in life is the best.”

Her guidance did not leave students once they exited the classroom.

“I have watched many of them take care of patients in nursing homes with such care,” she said. “I could tell it was the best life choice for them to pursue.”

With many students starting college at TSTC this fall, she offered her advice for success.

“TSTC is the best-kept secret in the Valley,” she said. “I have worked many years with amazing colleagues who give everything possible to their students. At TSTC, you are not just a number — you are TSTC family. I have always been extremely proud to recruit, teach, mentor and represent this college. I started my education at TSTC and finished my prerequisites here for my degree in nursing. I am TSTC.”

Fall registration is currently underway. To become part of the TSTC family, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – After a perfect first semester at Texas State Technical College, Jianina Sells knew that she could finish the remainder of her years as a Health Information Technology student on the same note. Not only was the Raymondville native able to graduate as a TSTC Board of Regents honor graduate, but she was also able to do it while maintaining a full-time job.

Was it your goal to graduate as a Board of Regents scholar?

When I started college, I never thought that I would graduate with honors. It wasn’t really a goal of mine until the end of my first semester, when I saw that I finished with straight A’s. I’ve always been determined to succeed at anything I set my mind to, so once I decided I wanted to graduate with a 4.0 GPA, I gave it my all and refused to let myself fail.

Were there any challenges you faced while on your journey to a 4.0 GPA?

I was employed full time when I was a student. Working 40 hours a week and being enrolled in college full time was difficult to say the least. I studied during any breaks I had and from the time I got home up until I went to sleep. Balancing my personal life, work and school was challenging.

Why did you decide to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology?

I have been a pharmacy technician since 2013. So I knew if I was going to change my career, I still wanted to stay in health care. I would hear about health information technology programs on the radio, and one day I decided to look into it. I’d heard great things about the online Health Information Technology program that TSTC offers, so I decided to apply.

Who at TSTC had a great impact on you?

My Health Information Technology instructors Katrina Stotts, Randa Weeks and Joni Wallace were always there for me to answer questions I had or clear up anything I was confused about. There were times I would call Ms. Stotts or Ms. Wallace multiple times a day, and they always answered. I love these instructors. Without them, I probably wouldn’t have made it.

What advice would you give to incoming TSTC students who also hope to finish college as Board of Regents honor graduates?

Study hard, but make sure to take breaks. Take notes, and if you think you might not understand, read the chapter again. Make flash cards, and reach out to your instructors. Talk to them about your assignments, and don’t be afraid to speak up.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA is no easy task. Graduating with one after serving your country in the U.S. Marines is even harder.

However, for San Benito native Mauricio Cruz, commitment, focus and determination are second nature. Those attributes helped Cruz become one of the few Texas State Technical College students to finish his degree as a TSTC Board of Regents honor graduate.

“I don’t think I ever grew accustomed to the school environment,” he said. “That was the biggest challenge, especially after coming from a military background.”

Cruz was on active duty from 2012 to 2016 before being honorably discharged as a corporal in the Marines.

“I was attached to a unit named Marine Corps Security Forces,” he said of his time in Virginia. “I served as platoon armorer.”

While a military background did pose a challenge in terms of his environment, he kept in mind that the key to success in college was maintaining a keen focus on academics.

“I knew that all I had to do was study, do my homework and pay attention.”

Cruz’s love of the outdoors inspired him to earn an associate degree in agricultural technology.

“I have always enjoyed agriculture, such as cattle and the outdoors,” he said. “I figured if I was going to start college, it would have to be for something I enjoy.”

Cruz’s journey to the finish line would not have been the same without an instructor who had quite an impact on him.

“Mr. (Sammy) Gavito was hands down the best Instructor I have ever had,” Cruz said. “Not just as a teacher, but as a person, he was just amazing and very passionate when he would pass down his knowledge to his students.”

While Cruz dedicated earlier years in service to his country, he is not quite done yet.

“I hope to one day work for U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” he said. “It is not a short process, but it is something I will be striving for.”

With many students getting ready to start college in the fall, Cruz offered advice on how they too can achieve a perfect 4.0 GPA.

“Pay attention in class, take notes, do your homework and stay focused,” he said. “Do that, and you will be just fine.”

Cruz’s hobbies do not stray too far from what he was studying.

“I enjoy my time off caring for my chickens and cattle,” he said. “I’m always making sure they stay at their best.”

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

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – After spending 22 years with the Brownsville Public Utilities Board as a certified lineworker, Candelario Deanda is ready to climb to new heights as an Electrical Lineworker Technology instructor when Texas State Technical College introduces the program at its Harlingen campus this fall.

“We are still in the process of getting everything ready,” Deanda said. “I will be an instructor for courses in obtaining the certificate, as well as the associate of applied science degree.”

The program will entail both online learning and labs, which will include the hands-on learning that TSTC is known for.

“Students will get to climb the poles and work with transformers,” he said. “It will never get boring.”

Lineworkers are often the first responders during power outages and major storms, making the hands-on learning not only fundamentally important, but also essential.

“If power lines go out, we fix the problem,” Deanda said. “Outside of weather circumstances, a lineworker’s day consists of work orders, digging for underground lines, setting the poles for new lines in subdivisions — all of that.”

It is no secret that the South Texas heat keeps people confined in their air-conditioned homes throughout the year, and it is because of such conditions that lineworkers are in demand.

“There is always going to be a need for lineworkers,” he said. “There will always be a need for somebody to ensure the power is on and running.”

While Deanda has two decades of experience under his workman’s belt, the main lesson he hopes to pass on to his students is the importance of being safe in the field.

“I hope my students learn that safety is vital,” he said. “I will teach them the importance of wearing their gear and their gloves; that’s my priority. I want to ensure that I teach them everything I can.”

For more information about TSTC’s Electrical Lineworker Technology program, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/ElectricalLineworkerTechnology.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Seventeen years at Texas State Technical College have brought Sarah Brooks many moments she will never forget. Serving as program chair for Health Information Technology, she not only has found a meaningful career but also has guided students toward fulfilling aspirations of their own.

What inspired you to take on a role in the medical field?

I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in the health care field, but not necessarily with direct patient contact. I was very excited to learn about the many different job opportunities available in the health information field. This career path also allowed me to have a normal work schedule while having a busy family life.

Do you have a favorite TSTC memory?

There are so many it is difficult to choose just one. My most treasured memories all stem from previous students who have contacted me to share their career successes. I love hearing the excitement and pride in their voices.

What do you enjoy most about working with students?

Being an online instructor allows me the opportunity to interact with many students from different areas across the state with a variety of life experiences. It is so rewarding to watch our students learn, develop, and then apply the knowledge and skills that I had a hand in teaching and mentoring them. It is such a privilege to watch these students grow and realize their own capabilities.

To learn more about Health Information Technology at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/programs/HealthInformationTechnology.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Encouraged by her father, Sabrina Wicker was determined to finish what she started and obtain her college degree. The Lubbock native studied Digital Media Design at Texas State Technical College, and now she is ready to share her creative side with the world after graduating with an Associate of Applied Science degree.

“When I walked into my first class, the students thought I was the instructor,” she said. “That gave me a good giggle. But my favorite memory was when I presented my final project, a website. It sounds simple, but it was then that I knew I could finish school.”

Though there was a happy ending, Wicker faced a few personal barriers on her road to graduation.

“I have always had anxiety about school,” she said. “I never had confidence in my ability, so finishing that website was a huge accomplishment for me.”

While credit is due to Wicker for finishing her journey, she did have an additional boost of confidence in knowing that her biggest fan was right beside her to encourage her along the way.

“My dad always had faith,” Wicker said. “He took every opportunity to encourage and support me. He is actually my hero. He knows hardship and how to overcome every obstacle. He is always teaching me to trust myself.”

Although the pandemic caused the spring semester to end differently than she and her classmates had expected, the impact TSTC had on her is evident.

“I now have the confidence and skills to move forward,” she said. “My instructors were wonderful and very supportive. They brought their professional understanding to class, and I feel I now have real-world experience. My instructors were all so patient, and I had an opportunity to learn from every bump in the road. It was life-changing.”

Enrollment for the fall semester is underway. To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.