(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s commitment to student success starts at the beginning of each individual’s academic journey. The promise of a hands-on education comes to fruition because of faculty who are ready to make a difference. Claudia Arnold is dedicated to fulfilling that promise. As a lead instructor for TSTC’s First Year Seminar, she has one goal in mind: serve students better.

While the semester-long class is not required for students who have transferred with more than 24 credit hours, the benefits of enrolling provide an advantage that students would not have otherwise.

“We strongly recommend the seminar for all of our students,” said Arnold. “It’s beneficial because they’ll learn how to navigate the platform that we use for coursework, we go over the importance of networking, and also discuss the free resources offered by TSTC.”

With 15 years of experience at TSTC under her belt, Arnold’s call to education came when she saw the real impact she could have on a student.

“I grew an interest in education when I found out that a student I had been tutoring passed the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) math test,” she said. “His passing confirmed to me that I was able to get the subject matter across to students.”

Arnold’s determination to stand by her students has followed her into her career, in fact, it’s why she finds the First Year Seminar to be so important.

“I strongly believe students need to know that they are not alone in figuring out how to survive college,” she said. “They need to be introduced to all the amazing resources TSTC offers. They need to learn that instructors and staff are here to help them through their journey.”

Her past experiences are also why she is vocal with new TSTC students.

“I always tell them that back when I attended college, no one told me about the free resources.” she said.

The course may only last one semester, but the changes that Arnold sees in her students as they progress are vast and rewarding.

“As a team, we always get emails through the years of students thanking us because they learned so many things,” she said. “We make sure our students know who their advisor is so that they feel comfortable talking to them. We make it known that they are here to help them with anything they need.”

Encouragement is also something she very strongly reiterates to students on their academic journeys.

“I always tell them that once they start something, they need to finish it,” she said. “There is nothing more satisfying than accomplishing a long-term goal that you have set for yourself.”

TSTC fall registration is currently open. For more information, or to apply, visit tstc.edu/admissions/firststeps.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Having earned his Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology and a certificate in Structural and Pipe Welding from Texas State Technical College in 2018, Juan Avila is now back at his alma mater, imparting his wisdom and expertise to the current cohort of welding students as a lab assistant.

“When I was younger, I didn’t know much about welding at all,” the San Benito native said. “As I got older, I knew that I wanted to learn a trade that will always be in high demand.”

It only took one visit to campus to convince Avila that TSTC was where he belonged.

“I decided to take a tour of the welding facility at TSTC and was immediately hooked,” he said. “As soon as the tour was over, I registered for classes.”

Earlier this month, a small number of students were able to return to TSTC, in accordance with Gov. Abbott’s executive order and authorization from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, to finish lab hours required prior to graduation, something that Avila said students welcomed.

“Our students were so excited when they were contacted about their return to campus,” Avila said. “Being able to get them back in the (welding) booths and back to work is essential for their educational training.”

Aside from the hands-on learning environment, one of Avila’s favorite things about working as a lab assistant is seeing the progression in knowledge that welding students learn from beginning to end.

“Being able to see the progress that they make throughout their time in the program is something I really enjoy,” he said. “Comparing how they first start off, to them being well-rounded welders as they get further into the program, is great.”

Avila stressed that TSTC’s goal is to prepare students for rewarding careers.

“We guide our students to become well-rounded in their craft,” he said. “Welding is a great career and will continue to be in high demand. I believe this trade is going to be around for a very long while. We’re building America one weld at a time.”

To learn more about TSTC’s Welding Technology program, visit tstc.edu/programs/WeldingTechnology.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College graduates help their communities thrive because of their capacity to dive into their new careers as soon as their college chapters come to an end. The adversity due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has impacted their final semester and commencement is not ideal, but the TSTC spirit is resilient. During its history, TSTC has graduated more than 100,000 students into beneficial careers in their communities, and this year’s graduating class just became part of that accomplishment.

With more than 50 programs and growing, TSTC is equipped to place well-trained graduates into the Texas workforce.

“The skills that our students have developed and perfected because of our current situation are incredible,” said TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez. “Nothing that comes their way will be too complicated. They will always be able to think in a creative way to get through something.  They were trained for such a time as this.”

A student’s time at TSTC includes not only lifelong memories and new friends but also faculty who are passionate about giving the next generation of the workforce the education and hands-on practice needed to succeed.

“Their instructors have poured so much expertise into them,” said Hernandez. “The years of experience we have within our faculty means our students were prepared by the best of them, and our graduates can now grow their own foundation based on the expertise that they’ve learned.”

Words like “mentor” and “friend” are only a few of the narratives associated with instructors at TSTC. The college campus is brought to life by educators who are their students’ biggest fans.

“Throughout the program, my instructors always encouraged me,” reiterated Emergency Medical Services student Justin Vasquez, who is joining this year’s class of graduates. “They’ve all been a major influence on my success.”

Aircraft Powerplant Technology student Ely Cortina was also inspired by the lessons she received from one of her instructors.

“During lectures, he went over life skills that he believed would ensure our success not only as future employees, but also as functional citizens in our communities,” Cortina said. “He was much more than an instructor; he’s an amazing mentor as well.”

While graduating from college is an extremely exciting time, it is not uncommon to feel the butterflies and nerves that come from one chapter in your life coming to an end. Despite the bittersweet emotions, Hernandez reiterated that TSTC graduates are more than ready for this life-changing journey.

“Trust in the training and skills that you have received,” she said. “Know that you will be able to apply everything that you have learned in a way that will allow you to make a difference in your chosen career, and that everything you’ve learned has equipped you to have an impact not only in the economy, but also in the Texas workforce.”

Even though a traditional commencement ceremony will not take place this spring, candidates who have met all requirements to complete their programs are welcome to join TSTC’s commencement ceremonies postponed until August.

Despite graduation feeling like the end of a journey, one thing that remains constant is that commencement is not goodbye.

“This graduation is not an end,” said Hernandez. “It’s a new beginning. The relationship between TSTC and our students is lifelong. They will forever be a part of the TSTC family.”

To learn more about programs offered at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Cheesecake, cookies and the tradition of baking with her mom inspired Ayla Cabarubio to pursue a career in culinary arts. The Mercedes native turned her childhood dream of making people smile with something sweet into a rewarding career at Texas State Technical College. Now, not only is she continuing to fulfill her own aspirations, she is also helping students whip up theirs.

“My love of pastries and baking really helped me realize that this was my passion,” she said. “It started with my mom, who is a home cook and loves to bake. I remember always being in the kitchen trying to help, even when I couldn’t see over the counter.”

The excitement that comes from another person appreciating your skills in food preparation is what helped drive Cabarubio to her career.

“As I got older, I always enjoyed someone’s immediate reaction of joy when tasting something that I prepared,” she said. “It’s such an honest emotion and one of the best feelings for me.”

Chef Cabarubio joined TSTC as an instructor in the Culinary Arts program in January 2017. Since then, not only has she helped students grow their skills for creating palate-pleasing treats, she has also grown in her appreciation for the curriculum at TSTC.

“The variety of techniques that are covered in the Culinary Arts program to prepare students for high-paying jobs is very unique,” she said. “Students don’t just learn how to cook and bake; they also develop an understanding of how to own or manage a business.”

While the program emphasizes the art of food preparation, there are also more techniques covered. One of the required courses is Management of Food Production and Service, which educates students on producing their own menus and running a live kitchen, giving them the real-world skills needed for their future careers.

“We teach students how to break down recipes to find costs and how to effectively manage a team,” she said. “We train our students to look at culinary arts from the supervisor’s perspective. When they complete the program, they are not only well-versed cooks, but they also have that supervisor mindset that gives them the edge in the industry.”

Helping to create the next generation of food service managers, head cooks and executive chefs is rewarding for Cabarubio, but the biggest prize comes from the awareness that her passion for culinary arts is helping to change a student’s life.

“Knowing that you are part of a student’s stepping stone to success is very rewarding.”

Outside the classroom, Cabarubio doesn’t stray far from her love of creating fine cuisine, even growing her own herbs for one of her favorite dishes.

“I love making pizza,” she said. “I really enjoy making every aspect of it — the dough, the sauce, fresh mozzarella. And I prune my freshly grown basil to add as garnish. You just can’t beat it!”

To learn more about TSTC’s Culinary Arts program, visit tstc.edu/programs/CulinaryArts.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Roxanna “Roxy” Marfileno is studying Surgical Technology at Texas State Technical College and recently hit a roadblock in her studies because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The lack of personal protective equipment around the country has led facilities to recommend that students stop visiting hospitals at this time. However, despite her clinicals being on pause, the 31-year-old Harlingen native is ready to get to work as soon as her time at TSTC comes to a close.

Why did you decide to study at TSTC?

It’s close to home, and I had heard great things about the variety of different programs offered.

What are some of the things you most enjoy about TSTC?

I like how the campus buildings are close together. The class sizes are small and you get personalized attention, which is helpful and makes it easier to learn.

Why did you decide to study Surgical Technology?

I have always been interested in working in the health care industry. I have a background in the field and previously worked at Valley Baptist Medical Center, and I loved my job, but I knew I was meant to do more for patients than registration. Being given the opportunity to be a part of the Surgical Technology program is a great experience. When I first started class, I had no idea what I was doing. After eight months of being in the program, I can say that I have gained the knowledge and confidence I need. There is always going to be room for improvement, but I believe that this program has given me the skills and hands-on experience to have the confidence in this profession.

Who at TSTC has had a large impact on you?

Honestly, everyone that I have met while being a student has impacted me in a different way. Previous instructors that I’ve had have been very helpful in my learning process.

What has been one of your favorite memories at TSTC so far?

I have made many great memories while attending TSTC, but the best memories are the ones I have made with my classmates and instructors in the Surgical Tech program.

Do you have any words of inspiration for other students who may be facing hard times right now because of COVID-19?

Do not give up! Times are hard, but this will pass. Just keep pushing.

What advice do you have for students about to enter college in the fall?

It’s never too late to continue your education and become what you want to be. After 10 years of not going to school, I decided to continue my education. And believe me, it was the best decision I ever made.

To learn more about programs at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – When Casandra Mendiola was a child, most children her age wanted to watch cartoons on Saturday mornings. Not her. She wanted to cook.

Fast-forward to today. Mendiola now credits the Culinary Arts degree she received in 2009 from Texas State Technical College with helping her gain the knowledge, leadership and skills needed for her new position with IDEA Public Schools as a culinary supervisor.

Mendiola said she chose to attend TSTC because of the Culinary Arts program’s excellent reputation, as well as the fact that the campus was close to home.

“TSTC has a great culinary arts reputation, and the smaller class sizes made it easier to focus.”

Her passion for cuisine was something she gravitated to when she was very young, and eventually she decided to make it her career.

“When a child wakes up on Saturday mornings to cook, as opposed to watching cartoons, it only makes sense that you follow your knack for cooking,” she said. “I decided I couldn’t set aside my love for food, or making it, and wanted it to become part of my everyday life.”

Her time at TSTC not only cultivated her expertise in culinary arts, but it also equipped her well for life outside the classroom.

“Hands-on learning was a daily practice that gave us real-world experiences,” she said. “From the local community events to the on-campus weekly luncheons, TSTC was able to give me a feel for the demand of the field.”

The hands-on experience will come in handy when she begins her new position with IDEA Public Schools.

“I’ll help contribute to the creation and implementation of kitchen training, menu creations and recipes for the schools,” she said. “My areas are Texas and Louisiana, but I will be supervising additional states in the next few years.”

Throughout her collegiate journey, and next chapter, the common denominator in her life always has been and will be the importance of family.

“They’re my motivation. Everything I do is for them.”

To learn more about TSTC’s Culinary Arts program, visit tstc.edu/programs/CulinaryArts.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Inspired to go to college by advice he received while in an unemployment line, Leo Guajardo studied aviation maintenance at Texas State Technical College and graduated in 2010. Now, his career as a TSTC instructor is helping the students he meets in the classroom make their own dreams come true.

“I had to do something different,” said the Freer native when discussing the beginning of his college journey. “I was laid off in 2008, and there was a man I met in the unemployment line who asked me, ‘What makes you different?’”

The question not only inspired Guajardo to enroll at TSTC, but also encouraged him to try a different career route as an aircraft airframe technician.

“I actually heard about TSTC through the workforce, and I needed to go into something that made me more marketable,” he said.

Ultimately it was a phone call from TSTC lead Aviation Maintenance instructor Tom Cross that changed his life.

“I maintained relationships with my instructors, and Mr. Cross called me about an opportunity in Harlingen,” he said. “They needed some help in the aircraft airframe toolroom, and I worked my way up from there to becoming a full-time instructor. He’s not only a colleague, but also my friend and mentor now.”

Currently Guajardo is an instructor for half the courses required to complete both the Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology programs at TSTC. His success is measured not only by his accomplishments, but also by the accomplishments of his students.

“Having the ability to help other people succeed is so rewarding,” he said. “I see my face in the faces of my students, and I’m just so proud of them.”

Guajardo relishes the anecdotes that his former students tell him once they are well into their careers.

“I had a student use the airline miles he received from his job to fly to Germany to eat at a restaurant he saw on the Food Network,” he said. “He flew there to eat and flew right back the next day. I’m living vicariously through my students.”

Ely Cortina, a soon-to-be TSTC graduate, appreciates the impact that Guajardo has had on her time in college.

“He really knows how to connect with all his students,” she said. “We all come from different backgrounds, and our points of view reflect that. But Mr. Guajardo knows how to speak to us as individuals, not just as a classroom.”

The lessons Guajardo gives to his students extend far beyond the chapters in a book.

“During lectures, he also went over life skills that he believed would ensure our success not only as future employees, but also as functional citizens in our communities,” Cortina said. “He’s much more than an instructor; he’s an amazing mentor as well.”

While Guajardo has impacted the lives of his students, he also reiterated that his students have had a profound impact on him.

“I’m fighting alongside them all the way to the finish line,” he said. “We have small class sizes, and I get to know them and their families. It becomes a relationship that is so beneficial, and it truly is a support system that we build here.”

To learn more about programs at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Motivated by a desire to serve his community, Justin Vasquez is currently nearing the end of his time as an Emergency Medical Services student at Texas State Technical College. The Harlingen native, who is set to graduate this semester, credits TSTC’s small class sizes as one of the main reasons he learned so much in the program.

Why did you decide on your particular program at TSTC?

I wanted to go into nursing initially, but my interests changed. In order to continue serving the community at a medical level, I decided to study for the Emergency Medical Services program and strive to become an emergency medical technician basic. Eventually I want to continue on to become a paramedic.

What motivated you to choose TSTC?

TSTC is a perfect campus for those looking for success at an affordable price. Also, the instructor-to-student ratio is small, which allows instructors to focus more on an individual student.

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

My Emergency Medical Services instructors have been a major influence on my success in the program. They always encouraged me and assisted me with any problem I encountered, whether it was in class or out in the field.

What unique aspects about the program were available to you at TSTC?

The class sizes were small and hands-on. As a student, I was given the tools needed to learn skills that could save a life in the form of equipment that an emergency medical technician will use out in the field.

What is one of your favorite memories about the program?

One of my favorite memories was actually during the stay-at-home order. Our class had a video chat with our instructor to go over the material and get updated on the situation. Just as we were going to log off, we started sharing our experiences from the lockdown, and we all just started chatting like a big family.

Do you have any advice for future TSTC students? 

Ask for help when you need it. Whether it be from the instructor or another student, help will be there if you look for it and ask.

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.