Category Archives: West Texas

TSTC Nursing student follows childhood dream

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Jadin Casto’s interest in nursing was sparked when she was a child.

The Texas State Technical College Nursing student personally saw how nurses helped her injured sister recover. She also observed family members who were nurses, and it became her dream to make nursing a career.

“My aunts and my mom were nurses, so I have always been interested in the field,” she said.

Casto enrolled in TSTC’s Nursing program in Breckenridge to become a licensed vocational nurse.

“TSTC has some great instructors and a really good support system,” she said. “Everyone at the campus goes above and beyond to help us.”

Casto said Breckenridge’s program is a “hidden treasure” in Texas, and she hopes more people will take advantage of the opportunity.

“The staff is one of the best you could ask for,” she said. “They want to make sure we have everything available to be successful.”

Instructor Jenny Wingate is seeing Casto grow into the profession.

“Even though she is in the beginning stages of the program, she is already growing her professional nursing skills in both the classroom and clinical setting,” Wingate said.

Wingate also noted Casto’s admirable work ethic and willingness to help others.

“She recently gave back to her community by participating in a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Breckenridge, serving a large number of patients,” she said. “Her hard work and dedication to serving others are just a few top qualities that ensure her future success as a nurse.”

Casto said Wingate helps her with any situation.

“She goes above and beyond by spending time making sure we are told the best way to do things,” she said. “All of the instructors show us what we could be doing, and that helps build my confidence. The teaching styles they all possess motivate me to work hard.”

Casto said the fast pace of the program is sometimes challenging, but with constant communication, students can succeed.

“If we do have a question, the instructors make sure to take the time to answer it. All they want is for all of us to succeed,” she said.

During the month of March, TSTC wants to honor women in history and right on our campus who work to make strides in STEM fields every day. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Fallbeck uses knowledge learned at TSTC at new job

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College graduate Anthony Fallbeck is now giving computer advice.

Fallbeck, who received an associate degree in Computer Networking and Systems Administration in 2020, recently started working in the information technology department at Hendrick Health System in Abilene.

“I have learned a lot in the few days I have been here. I learned that not everyone knows how to work a computer,” he said. “The best advice I give people is to always ask questions. You are not going to figure everything out on your own.”

Fallbeck plans to use the teaching style of TSTC instructor Leo Chavez while helping Hendrick employees.

“Leo would always push us in the right direction. He would not give us the answer but would make us search for it,” he said. “He would also give us hints to find the answers.”

Chavez said Fallbeck will be a valuable addition to the Hendrick staff.

“If he doesn’t know something or just needs a nudge in the right direction, you can be sure that he’ll work at learning whatever it is until he understands it fully,” Chavez said. “This is the trait he’s used most to get through his classes, and it’ll be the trait he uses to be even more successful in the future.”

Fallbeck said he was looking for a career change when he chose to go back to school. He decided to leave his job with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison system and applied to TSTC.

“Honestly, I was looking for a new career field. I had piddled on computers all of my life,” he said. “I would work to see how they worked and decided to earn a degree in the field.”

Fallbeck has been one of the program’s biggest promoters since he graduated.

“I tell people anytime I can that TSTC is the place to be,” he said. “If you want to learn to work on computers, I tell people to check out the course.”

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Students adjust to new way of dorm life

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – For many students at Texas State Technical College, the adjustment to campus living has taken on an additional aspect with COVID-19 safety measures.

Living in the Sweetwater dorms with the protocols in place is not what students wanted to experience, but they are making the most of what is available.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, students could make their way to the Student Center and enjoy a meal, workout or basketball game. With the gym area closed, students have become more resourceful with their time away from class.

“I was an athlete in high school before an injury in football,” said Tanner Tankersley, of Rotan, who is also a resident assistant in the dorms. “I had put on a little weight, but I knew the Student Center would not be open. It was not a big deal for me because I learned to do other things.”

Tankersley said if he is not in his Automotive Technology classes, he spends time in his room watching videos or television, playing games or doing homework.

He said being isolated is nothing new for him, but he hopes the protocols in place are eventually lifted.

“This is not how I expected my college life to be, but it is not that big of an issue,” he said. “There is another RA that I talk to, and we hang out and observe social distancing. The way we are having to communicate with people is different.”

Fellow RA Ricardo Pacheco, a student in the Electromechanical Technology program, said the housing department has been helpful to students.

“They are doing the best they can to provide all of us with a better college experience,” he said. “It could be worse, but they are allowing us to do some stuff, like get together and visit.”

Pacheco said students living in the dorm are following all safety protocols.

“I have noticed a lot more people around campus wearing masks, even when they are alone,” he said.

The one question Pacheco hears the most is when the gym is going to open.

“Until it does, we all find different ways to work out,” he said. 

Housing director Jose Navarrette said safety is the most important thing he stresses to students.

“Safety is the key for us,” he said. “We want students to know that we have things in place for their safety and the safety of everyone on campus.”

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

Trejo enrolls in TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology to expand mechanical knowledge

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Amarillo’s Adrian Trejo wants to work on more than just automobiles.

The Texas State Technical College Diesel Equipment Technology student always liked to work on cars and knew he could turn it into a career. He is now pursuing a certificate in the TSTC program to expand his knowledge.

“I knew I wanted to be a mechanic since I was a kid. My mom was my inspiration because she would always work on cars,” he said.

After obtaining his mechanic certification, Trejo went to work. He said he knew his education would continue.

“I knew that was not going to be enough for me. I knew I wanted to do more,” he said. “I wanted to work on the big highway trucks and construction equipment.”

When he began looking for a school, his father offered a suggestion. Trejo’s father worked in Sweetwater and knew about the TSTC Diesel Equipment Technology program.

“My dad told me that a lot of employers like to hire TSTC graduates,” Trejo said. “I found out that TSTC graduates are very hirable, and people look for them. TSTC graduates are more appealing to employers.”

Having alumni in the field is something instructor Shannon Weir takes pride in each day. Some graduates of the program are employed by established companies like Caterpillar, Freightliner, and Peterbilt.

“Our students will be able to get work when they graduate,” he said.

Another aspect that Trejo said drew him to TSTC was the Career Services department, which helps students prepare for job interviews.

“That is awesome to know people are here to help. This includes building a resume, something I do not think about a lot,” he said.

Once Trejo enrolled, he quickly learned that the instructors were preparing him for work.

“Having veteran instructors is one of the best things about this program,” he said. “Anytime you can learn from people who spent a great amount of time in the field, it is going to be a great learning experience. They have been able to teach us the ins and outs and what we are doing right and wrong.”

Trejo said everything is taught with a straightforward approach.

“We know that we have to keep up with our assignments,” he said. “If you want to learn a technical trade, TSTC is the right place to be. You will get a great education and will be prepared for the career you choose.”

In addition to Sweetwater, the Diesel Equipment Technology program is offered at the Fort Bend County, Marshall, North Texas, and Waco campuses.

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

TSTC Automotive Technology student learning more than he expected

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Joseph Fredericks, of Ballinger, admits that he is learning more than he expected in Texas State Technical College’s Automotive Technology program.

Fredericks, a second-semester student, is already setting his sights on furthering his education at TSTC. He is currently studying for a basic automotive certificate and plans to earn an automotive technician certificate.

“After I earn my automotive technician certification, my ultimate goal is to work for an engine building company,” Fredericks said. “Until I am able to do that, I want to find a good place to work that pays well. I know I am going to have to work my way up the ladder.”

Fredericks said his mechanical experience was somewhat limited before he enrolled at TSTC.

“I spent more than two years working in a shop before I enrolled in school,” he said. “I wanted to learn more.”

He has been learning more by working with his fellow students in the shop.

“I like how things are set up here, and we are able to work with other people,” Fredericks said. “We are able to help each other, and I really like to help people out.”

Instructor Gerod Strother sees that trait daily in Fredericks.

“He is willing to help anyone in the class. He takes a lot of pride in his work,” he said.

Fredericks said Strother teaches students in a way that will help them in professional shops.

“We are covering everything that is important to know when we are in the shop. That has been helpful for all of us,” he said. “The hands-on approach is the best way to teach a program like this. Shop time is the best time for me.”

Fredericks said TSTC recruiters drew him to the program.

“The recruiters came to our high school in San Angelo and told us about the program. I knew I needed to look into this as a career,” he said.

When he is not in class, Fredericks said he likes to show his family what he has learned.

“My dad likes it when I come home and do some work on his truck, especially since it is free,” he said. “We also have a tractor that is always breaking down, and I am able to fix it with the little bit of experience I have been able to learn so far.”

However, tractors and cars are not all he wants to work on when he graduates.

“I hope to build the engines for drag racing,” he said. “I have always enjoyed watching drag racing and would like to build engines for those cars.”

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Amos enjoys challenges of TSTC’s Welding Technology

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Comanche’s Caden Amos likes the challenges he faces in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology classes.

He is working toward a certificate and looking forward to the day when he has a job. With instructor Daniel Aguirre providing his own work experience, Amos knows he will be well prepared when he graduates.

“Daniel likes to throw a curve at us,” Amos said. “He knows when he does that, we will be ready to take on anything.”

Amos started the program with no welding experience, but Aguirre has seen his progression over the last two semesters.

“He came in here with zero experience and has picked up things really well,” Aguirre said. “He is actually understanding what goes into making a good welder.”

Amos said he had trouble learning the welding fundamentals, but credits Aguirre and other students for helping him.

“I would take my project to Daniel, and he would say I needed to toy with it,” Amos said. “Some of the guys in here have welding experience, and I know I can go to them to see how things can be improved.”

Aguirre said Amos’ work ethic will lead him to a career.

“He puts great effort into his work. He knows that if it is not how I like it, he will keep working to make it right,” he said.

Amos said he does not have any regrets about choosing TSTC and a welding career.

“I was thinking about becoming a mechanical engineer, but took a shot in the dark and tried welding,” he said. “I knew TSTC would prepare me for a career.”

Once he is working, Amos knows the environment will be different.

“I want to see how everything I am learning relates to the real world and not in a shop setting,” he said. “I know when I am working I am going to have to learn on the fly. Daniel is preparing me for that.”

Welding runs in Amos’ family, and he hopes to work in the West Texas oil fields like his brother.

“I hope to follow in my brother’s footsteps,” he said.

Amos said more people should consider a career in welding and taking classes at TSTC.

“The staff here is great. If you fall behind, everyone will help you get caught up,” he said. “Everyone here wants you to succeed.”

Welding Technology is available at each of TSTC’s 10 campuses.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Johnson tours TSTC, finds new career

(ABILENE, Texas) – U.S. Navy veteran James Johnson had some downtime in his life.

“I decided I wanted to go back to school. I knew I could use my GI Bill,” said Johnson, a student in Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Systems program.

In fact, Johnson already knew some of the things he would learn in the program. While in the Navy, Johnson worked with electronics, satellite communications and information technology systems.

When he left the Navy, he entered the workforce as a calibrator for Texas Aerospace Services. But the downtime came, and he wanted to learn more.

“When you see what is in here (TSTC’s Industrial Technology Center), everything is offered in this one program,” he said. “Welding is just one aspect. This program offers you multiple opportunities.”

Another reason he chose TSTC was the help he received from Annette Collins, the Veteran Services program officer in West Texas.

“Annette is one of the reasons I started here. She knows what veterans need to do to get into school,” Johnson said. “She would sit down with me and help me with each step.”

Collins was equally impressed with Johnson.

“I was so honored to talk to him because he holds all the values of a veteran,” she said. “I saw the potential in him, and I felt that Industrial Systems would be great for him. He has all the skills to do great things in that program.”

While touring the program, Collins introduced Johnson to the instructors. The introductions strengthened her belief in Johnson.

“After he talked to the instructors, he was more enthusiastic about the program,” she said.

Johnson said instructors Daniel Diaz and Demetri Jones prepare students for the future.

“They are very thorough while we are in the lab,” he said. “I came in knowing some things, but I have learned so much more.”

Johnson said the program offers students several opportunities.

“I have been learning about pumps and boilers. That is something I have not known much about,” he said. “We are covering it all. We talk about it, and the instructors explain what we need to do.”

With different areas being covered, Johnson said students should be prepared to do one thing.

“Be prepared to devote your time to this program. What we do in the lab two days a week is easy,” he said. “The hard part, for me, is to take the time and commit myself to working online before coming here. You will need to look at all of the material.”

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC students look forward to getting careers off the ground

(ABILENE, Texas) – Students in Texas State Technical College’s Aircraft Airframe Technology program are back in the hangar.

Students studying for a certificate in the program began their second semester in January and are ready to learn more about the inner workings of an aircraft.

“This semester, so far, has been really good for me,” said Jordan Grisham, of Tyler. “We have been learning a lot of different things, including basic electronics and wood/fabric finishes.”

Grisham was drawn to the program after friends told him it would be a good career choice.

“I also like the mechanical side of the job,” he said. “I have a lot of family members that are pilots, and I thought I would join the family trade. Planes have always been intriguing to me.”

Grisham said he was ready to get back in the hangar after the winter break.

“During the long break, I did not want to leave. I just wanted to stay with it,” he said. “I enjoy the hands-on approach offered in the program.”

Darwin Binek, who is originally from the Metroplex, said his time in the U.S. Marine Corps flying missions overseas led him to continuing in the field.

“The semester has been going really well,” he said. “This is an extension of what I did in the military for 18 years.”

Binek’s wife wanted to move back to Texas, and a family member recommended that he look at TSTC. He said TSTC offers one thing the military did not.

“I like going to school. It is a lot easier than getting shot at when I was deployed,” he said jokingly.

Binek appreciates being able to work in the hangar while also having to study online.

“Like in the military, I learn more by doing things with my hands,” he said. “It is easier for me to get a task done by doing it.”

Both Grisham and Binek know that TSTC is preparing them for a career. But they may go different routes after receiving their certificates.

“I am looking forward to getting a job working on planes,” Grisham said. “I think at the same time I will start learning how to fly.”

Binek would like to return to his roots.

“I think I will try to get on with a defense contractor somewhere,” he said.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Welding Technology student makes dad proud

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Lacey Watson, of Coleman, is now able to show her father some of the latest welding techniques.

Watson, a Welding Technology student at Texas State Technical College, is working toward a certificate in the program, but she is most pleased with showing what she has learned to her father, a longtime welder.

“My dad is really happy with what I am learning,” she said. “When I show him some of the things we are learning, he tells me, ‘We didn’t do that way back in the day.’ I know he is proud of me.”

Instructor Daniel Aguirre is also proud of Watson’s progress.

“At first, she was having a lot of difficulties,” he said. “She has shown really good technique, but when she gets in a rut, she can stay there.”

Aguirre said he motivates Watson, helps her move on and is pleased with the results.

“I will tell her to try some different things to see if it works,” he said. “Once she gets it, she takes off with it and does a great job.”

Watson wanted to be a welder because of her father. She said he is preparing for her to join him in the field.

“He is already asking me about a truck with a welding bed,” she said. “I have to tell him to slow down and let me finish school.”

Watson likes her time in the lab with Aguirre and her classmates.

“So far, I have loved it,” she said. “The best way for me to learn is by doing things. I like having people here to help me.”

One of the advantages Watson has in the lab is that she can work at her own pace.

“Daniel allows us to work until we get the project done. That is helpful for me,” she said.

Having Aguirre as an instructor and access to hands-on training made it even better for Watson.

“TSTC is a great place to learn,” she said. “My uncle attended TSTC, and I knew if I gave it a chance I would love it. I am glad I chose TSTC.”

Watson said once she completes her certification requirements in August, she will be ready to join her father.

“Prior to starting, he told me I could work for him. But I wanted to go to school,” she said. “I cannot wait to be working with him.”

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Wind Energy Technology student sees benefits in renewable energy

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – James Chung knows the benefits of renewable energy.

He began learning of the benefits while living in Korea, and today he is working toward an associate degree in Wind Energy Technology at Texas State Technical College.

Chung, who was born in Boston, wanted to enter the cybersecurity field but admitted it was not for him.

“I knew I would make a lot of money, but somehow it was not fun,” he said. “I learned that was not the specific field I wanted to do. So I searched several job categories. Wind turbine technicians just came up, and it was something I was interested in.”

Chung knew renewable energy is not popular in Korea, but he knew it had potential to grow.

“Some people realize that one wind turbine can generate power for a number of homes,” he said. “I want to be an energy innovator. Wind is just the beginning for me. I hope to spread out to solar and other areas.”

His road to TSTC began with an internet search.

“I researched and learned Texas State Technical College has a great program. I knew this would be a good opportunity for me,” Chung said.

It took Chung time to convince his family that TSTC would be a good place to continue his education.

“They were glad that I had a goal and are supportive of my decision,” he said.

With his family’s support, Chung was ready to begin his studies. He is looking forward to the day when he will climb the turbine tower.

“I am a Christian, and I am looking forward to the day we climb. It will give me the chance to see all of the scenery God has created,” he said. “When I went rock climbing, I admired the scenery. I am looking forward to doing that again.”

Until he is able to climb, Chung talks to other students who have had that experience.

“Our resident assistant is in his second year, and he gives us a lot of tips,” he said. “He shows me examples of what I can expect to learn.”

Chung also knows he can turn to his instructors for help if he needs it. He even attends exercise classes that are not on his schedule to make sure he stays in shape.

“The instructors at TSTC are the best,” he said. “They know we have a lot of questions about the process and are always letting us know what is happening.”

Instructor Billie Jones saw Chung’s ability early.

“He is attentive in class and always strives to do his best,” she said. “He takes advantage of any extra materials offered to allow himself to get ahead.”

For more information, visit tstc.edu.