(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Billboards, magazine layouts, and websites are all intricately crafted by graphic designers. Digital Media Design at Texas State Technical College brings those skills to life for students seeking a vibrant career.

Jerry Vavra, TSTC’s statewide department chair for Digital Media Design, explained that while technology makes up a large aspect of the program, the key to crafting the perfect illustration is research.

“A lot of a graphic designer’s job is trying to figure out how people think,” he said. “Analyzing social trends, rebranding, and figuring out what makes a client different are all a part of creating perfect visuals for clients. With great research comes great design.”

In this day and age of social distancing, the online program is a great opportunity for a prospective student who wants to become a graphic designer while still being able to learn from home.

“You can come into the program not even knowing how to draw a circle,” Vavra said. “We teach students the fun stuff.”

He added that job security is something that potential graphic designers can look forward to.

“When you drive around town and see designed billboards, there was a graphic designer behind that,” he said. “The world of graphic design is not going away. If anything, it has become enhanced.”

The end of the spring semester also brings the end of a few student journeys at TSTC, and Vavra has some words of wisdom for Digital Media Design graduates.

“Master your programs, always seek inspiration, and research,” he said. “Your portfolio is everything, so make it a great one. It’s OK to have multiple portfolios that match the jobs you are applying for.”

While graduation celebrations look a little different due to the current pandemic, Vavra reiterated that a student’s sense of accomplishment should not diminish because of it.

“Our design students work very hard at their craft,” he said. “Many hours go into designing for the right person, and I know our graduates are going to continue doing their job well when they start their careers. I can’t wait to see what they design next.”

For more information, visit tstc.edu/programs/DigitalMediaDesign.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Despite her final semester ending rather unconventionally, Lizette Padilla is eager to graduate from Texas State Technical College and begin her career as a dental hygienist. The Brownsville native is grateful for her time at TSTC and looks forward with anticipation and excitement to what her new career will bring.

Do you have a favorite TSTC memory?

My favorite memories would be the times my classmates and I were able to go out into the community to educate people about dental health. Being able to give back to the community in this way was rewarding.

Is there anyone specific who inspired you the most during your time at TSTC?

My instructor Mrs. (Victoria) Martin inspired me. She was and is always willing to help students with anything needed. She is an amazing instructor who truly cares about us and is great at what she does.

How has TSTC changed your life?

TSTC has given me the chance to obtain a career in dental hygiene. I feel confident that I have received the proper training and education needed to succeed in my career.

If you could give a message to fellow graduates, what would you tell them?

I know that these are not the circumstances in which we expected to graduate. Nevertheless, we should be proud of ourselves for graduating. It was a difficult journey for all of us. However, I am confident that we will go out into the community and change lives.

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

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – On Thursday, June 11, Texas State Technical College honored its spring 2020 graduates with a socially distant celebration on campus.

The drive-thru ceremony was TSTC’s twist on congratulating the graduates while maintaining safety standards set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“TSTC wanted to put together a celebration for our newest graduates and wish them well before they start their careers,” said Larissa Moreno, a coordinator of new student orientation and activities. “What they have accomplished is significant. And even though we are celebrating in a unique way, we paid attention to every detail with them in mind.”

Families and friends cheered and honked their horns to celebrate the graduates, whose face coverings barely concealed their smiles and excitement.

“My hope is that the graduates leave here feeling celebrated and proud of their accomplishment,” added Moreno. “It’s a big deal. Many (TSTC) employees helped make this day special. I am proud of these graduates, not only because they are our students, but because they are TSTC family. And as in most families, we celebrate milestones.”

TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez reiterated that the ceremony was a token of appreciation for the graduates, who have gracefully handled the very different semester.

“This small celebration is our rainbow during this unprecedented season we find ourselves in,” she said. “While it is not our traditional formal ceremony, it is a small, heartfelt way to honor the accomplishments of our students. We know the importance of graduating, and we did not want it to go uncelebrated.”

Moreno noted that the graduates had adapted well to the unforeseen circumstances brought on by the current global pandemic.

“Many of our students had to adjust to a new way of learning in their final semester,” she said. “It took patience, confidence and perseverance. But they did it.”

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Medical office specialists are often among the first faces that patients see as soon as they enter a clinic. Compassion, care and a genuine desire to help others are a few of the traits that define those in this profession.

Remote learning at Texas State Technical College has made earning a Medical Office Specialist certificate accessible for these prospective students in the comfort of their own home. The program allows students the chance not only to start a rewarding career, but also to experience the hands-on learning that TSTC prides itself on.

“In our program, the instructors make themselves readily available to each student by offering virtual office hours and virtual learning labs every week at various times,” said TSTC’s Health Information Technology department chair Sarah Brooks. “The program also utilizes a variety of real-world software applications that students will gain hands-on experience in.”

Medical office specialists heavily rely on the use of computers and technology. While their direct contact with patients is minimal, they are still a vital piece of the puzzle that keeps a clinic running smoothly.

“A medical office specialist’s main job function is to ensure the information found in the patient’s electronic medical record is timely, complete and accurate,” said Brooks. “This is typically a fast-paced working environment with little downtime.”

Though online learning does offer an advantage because of the ability to study at home, it is necessary that students understand that earning a degree or certificate remotely does require focus.

“Self-discipline, self-motivation and time management are traits that are critical in being successful as an online student,” added Brooks.

Despite not being physically on campus, Brooks reiterated that potential and current students in these programs need to know that TSTC will be right beside them through their journey.

“Students need to know they are not alone,” she said. “Our instructors and students work together as a team, sharing their work, life and educational experiences during the online learning process.”

To learn more about TSTC’s online Medical Office Specialist certificate, visit tstc.edu/programs/HealthInformationTechnology.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Elizabeth Bryant has enjoyed many fulfilling careers in her professional life. She has worked for the government, spent time as a journalist, and even been a legislative aide.

However, she now considers her most rewarding role to be that of instructor of government classes at Texas State Technical College.

Inspired by her mother, who was a first grade teacher in her home state of Louisiana, Bryant has found her passion at TSTC, where she is eager to change the lives of her students, just like her mom.

“It was inspiring to see how much my mom meant to her students,” she said. “She always remembered who they were when she’d run into them. I always thought teaching would be a rewarding way to spend your time.”

Bryant worked for 25 years in government jobs at both the state and federal level before becoming an instructor.

“I decided to finish my graduate degree with the goal of teaching college freshmen and sophomores focusing on civic engagement,” she said. “Of all the professional experiences I’ve had the good fortune to enjoy, being at TSTC is by far the best.”

Although she no longer works in government, her prior career is not too far away.

“One of the assignments in my courses is to write to an elected official requesting assistance with an issue in their community,” she said. “They also can write to an elected official to request clarification on an issue facing our state or our country. It is wonderful when students share with me the results of this assignment. Many have been able to solve community issues or gain deeper understanding of current events.”

Bryant’s time at TSTC has brought many new memories that she is grateful for.

“Each time I see a student succeed and take another step toward achieving their goals is so rewarding,” she said.

TSTC’s hands-on learning and student-to-instructor ratio are not only qualities that she thinks make TSTC different, but also factors that she would have appreciated during her own college years.

“I would have really benefited from a place like TSTC when I was transitioning from high school to college,” she said. “TSTC offers flexible schedules with multiple platforms, such as online learning, compressed semesters and traditional lecture courses. TSTC focuses on student success beyond their time on campus.”

The commitment to student success does not end once students leave the classroom.

“TSTC is committed to placing students in great jobs once they complete their program,” Bryant said. “Some prospective students may be worried because they’ve been out of the classroom for a while, but that should not stop them from pursuing their degree. TSTC instructors are committed to working with students to help them adjust to the college experience.”

TSTC’s fall registration is currently underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – “Space missions” at Texas State Technical College’s Challenger Learning Centers in Harlingen and Waco are as close to becoming an astronaut as you can get without flying into the galaxy.

The centers provide engaging experiences for students of all ages that allow them to take their curiosity for space exploration to the next level.

Upon arrival, visitors divide into groups to work in a Mission Control simulation and even get hands-on experience in a working laboratory. These missions aim to provide team building, creativity and critical-thinking skills.

“Construction for TSTC’s Challenger Learning Center in Harlingen began in the summer of 2013,” said Ashley Contreras, coordinator of TSTC’s Center for Science and Math Education. “Our grand opening was in December of that year, and we began launching missions in January 2014.”

The addition of the Challenger Learning Center at TSTC’s Waco campus makes TSTC the only institution in the world to host two centers. To date, the centers in Harlingen and Waco have provided learning opportunities to over 31,000 students.

While hands-on experiences are part of the unique learning process, academics are also a big focus.

“The Challenger Learning Centers are aligned with the math and science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards,” Contreras said. “This is evident through our grade-appropriate simulated space missions, STEM activities, and planetarium lessons.”

Alternative learning, such as the Mission Control simulation, provides students with science, technology, engineering and math skills that they might not experience otherwise.

“Places like the Challenger Learning Centers are important because we provide a one-of-a-kind learning environment to assist students of varying learning modalities in understanding certain key subjects through hands-on, project-based learning,” Contreras reiterated. “In Harlingen, we have had schools from Laredo down to Brownsville and up to Falfurrias join us in experiencing our simulated missions.”

While the centers are aimed at younger visitors, you do not need to be under a certain age to participate in the fun.

“Occasionally, we will have visitors who happen to see the large astronaut and space shuttle posters outside of the building and have their curiosity piqued,” she said. “Our team is always happy to deliver a tour and let them experience what it would be like to blast off in our replica of the Challenger shuttle to the International Space Station.”

Contreras added that the imagination of students who visit makes their work worthwhile.

“Every day is a new experience, and it is so easy to get caught up in the students’ enthusiasm,” she said. “They make us feel like we are real astronauts.”

Currently both centers remain closed due to the ongoing pandemic, but that has not stopped the stellar staff from preparing for the future.

“We will continue to abide by the policies and procedures set by TSTC’s leadership and reopen when we are able to do so,” Contreras said. “In the meantime, we are preparing for the new mission packages we will unveil to schools for the upcoming academic year. We are very excited.”

The two Challenger Learning Centers at TSTC are affiliated with the not-for-profit Challenger Center for Space Science Education in Washington, D.C. Founded in April 1986, Challenger Learning Centers across the nation were started to honor the astronauts lost during the Challenger space shuttle mission that same year.

To learn more about the Challenger Learning Centers at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/challenger.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The current global pandemic has brought frustration for many, including Texas State Technical College students. TSTC is currently utilizing advancements in technology to continue its mission to help students through their time in college, even if things look a little different.

“Counseling services continue to be offered remotely,” said licensed professional counselor Angela Dunn, who works at both the Harlingen and Fort Bend County TSTC campuses. “Counseling services are available to any student who is currently enrolled and are free of charge. The services are provided via video, chat, or phone.”

Social distancing has brought many changes, and feelings of exhaustion and isolation can come into factor because of it. However, Dunn assured that students who feel this way are not alone, she even offered some advice on how to combat it.

“Many people are feeling very similar feelings right now,” she said. “One way to manage and cope with those feelings is to create a go-to distraction list. Individuals can create a list of enjoyable activities they normally do in their spare time. The more distracted we are, the less likely our minds will have time to think negatively.”

Dunn reiterated that we must also be kind to ourselves when we begin to feel anxious.

“Engage in positive self-talk. We tend to be very critical of ourselves and it’s important to remember that you are human and trying to do your best,” she said. “Create a list of realistic self-affirmations or positive characteristics about yourself. Reading this list every day to yourself, you can increase your self-esteem and mood.”

Individual care is vital through this time, as is asking for help when you need it.

“If you find that you are struggling most days with anxiety, depression or feeling overwhelmed then you should definitely reach out to the counseling center,” she said. “We as humans have an innate need for connection. Without connection many people feel lonely and lost. Going to counseling will give you that opportunity to connect with another human being that can provide an outside perspective. Sometimes it makes all the difference to be able to talk to someone.”

Student Counseling at TSTC is hosting a mental health awareness art contest, which will run through the end of June. The theme for the contest is Mental Health Awareness and Self-Care During COVID-19 and is open to all currently enrolled TSTC students. Submissions include short stories, photography, digital art and essays. Gift cards will be awarded to selected winners. TSTC students are encouraged to visit TSTC Harlingen’s Facebook page for information to enter.

For more information about Student Counseling at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/student_life/counseling2.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The curiosity to expand her knowledge in the food industry led Carolina Selvera to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts degree at Texas State Technical College. The 19-year-old Brownsville native dreams of owning a restaurant of her own one day, and hopes to utilize her culinary skills and background in agriculture to create a farm-to-table experience for customers.

What motivated you to choose TSTC?

A family friend who works at TSTC told me about the programs that are available, and as soon as she mentioned the Culinary Arts program, I was sold. I knew then that this is where I wanted to continue my education. Plus, it’s close to home.

Who at TSTC has had the most influence on your success?

Everyone I’ve met has had a great impact on me. One person who pushes me to become better is my friend, Kimberly. We challenge and encourage each other to be the best at what we do.

What are your goals for life after TSTC?

A long-term goal of mine is to open a restaurant in which everything is locally grown to support local farmers and ranchers.

What advice would you give to future TSTC students?

Just go for it! Don’t be scared, because in the end, it will all be worth it.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.