For 15 years a typical day for Jesus Botello Jr. consisted of working in fields along the East Coast with a harvest crew who gathered blueberries, but the father of three wanted a new career close to his family.

Botello has now gone from harvest field to field technician, making his dream a reality. On August 19, he will be one of 11 students graduating from Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County. He will be receiving a certificate in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

Botello’s family owns the farming and harvesting business he worked for in the past, but he said when he left to pursue his own interests, he got nothing but support from his family, wife and children.

“My family really encouraged me to go back to school,” said Botello. “I was tired of being away from my wife and kids for long periods of time, so everyone knew I needed the change and I needed to come home.”

The Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning graduate is already working in the field with Comfort Custom Air out of Rosenberg. Botello was offered the position as a HVAC technician three weeks before completing his program.

“TSTC has changed my life,” said Botello. “I’m able to be with my family now and I have a new career that I love. I feel like I’m in the right place.”

The Needville native’s first experience with Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning was when he began his classes at TSTC in August 2015. He said although he had never worked in the industry, it was always something that peaked his interest.

“I’ve always been interested in how these systems work, their design and technicalities,” said Botello. “Plus, everyone in Texas needs central air and heating.”

Botello said he credits his current success on the hands-on training and education he received at TSTC. He described his college experience as the perfect fit for him.

“Coming back to school and being the oldest in the class was not easy,” said Botello. “But the learning approach with hands-on techniques is what I needed to be successful.”

Heather Hogan, owner of Comfort Custom Air said they have been impressed with Botello’s skills and desire to learn. She said she has heard nothing but praises from her other HVAC technicians.

“I’ve been hearing that he is a quick learner and will have no problem being out on his own very soon,” said Hogan. “Part of this is what first attracted us to hire Jesus. He’s doesn’t mind working hard and he’s determined to learn all he can about the industry. He’s been the most prepared recent graduate we have hired, and a lot of it has to do with the training he received at TSTC.”

Botello said he has high hopes for his future. He said he has really admired and looked up to his instructor Keith Klix for his experience and positivity in every situation.

“Mr. Klix has really been so helpful and I hope to be like him someday,” said Botello. “It’s because of him and the training I received that I’m able to dream about owning an HVAC business someday.”

At the end of the day, Botello said he hopes he can excel enough in his field to someday teach at TSTC.

All Fort Bend graduates will be the last to graduate from the TSTC location at Wharton County Junior College. Commencement will be August 19 in Waco at the Waco Convention Center at 6:30 p.m.

For more information on the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning program at TSTC call 832-595-8734. The new TSTC campus in Fort Bend County will open August 29.

With a couple of job offers in hand, Macay Bahner will walk the commencement stage on August 19 and receive his certificate from Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County.

The Magnolia native studied Diesel Equipment Technology, a field that was new to him when he started at TSTC one year ago.

“Honestly, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after high school,” said Bahner. “All I knew was I needed to work with my hands, a four-year university and learning from books was not for me.”

The 19 year-old said he researched technical colleges in his area after graduating from Magnolia West High School. Bahner added that when he found TSTC and saw the Diesel Equipment Technology program it caught his attention.

“After looking into the program and seeing first-hand what it consisted of, I knew it was the career I should follow,” said Bahner. “I get to learn, see and do something different every day.”

Bahner said he never imagined he would have job offers before graduating from college, especially with countless graduates around the country struggling to find work.

“Many of my classmates and I are either working or deciding which job offer to take,” said Bahner. “Finding a job is not something I had to worry about.”

While Bahner is still deciding where he will work, he also seriously considering going back to TSTC for his associate degree to become more competitive in his field.

“I hope to open a business someday dealing with diesel mechanics,” said Bahner. “TSTC and my instructor Gary Voelkel really prepared me for that.”

The diesel mechanic graduate appreciates the dedication and commitment Voelkel has for his students.

“He was always there to keep us on the straight path,” said Bahner. “He was always there to help us and make sure we understood everything. His goal is to make sure we succeed.”

Overall, Bahner said he enjoyed his college experience and the hands-on training he received at TSTC. So much so, that Bahner has begun recommending the college to high school graduates in his hometown.

“I hope others take advantage of what TSTC in Fort Bend County has to offer,” said Bahner. “This college changes lives, I know it’s changed mine.”

Bahner is one of the 11 graduates receiving certificates or associate degrees during TSTC’s commencement ceremony on August 19 at the Waco Convention Center at 6:30 p.m. They are the last class to graduate from the TSTC location at Wharton County Junior College.

For more information on the Diesel Technology program call 832-595-8734. The new TSTC campus in Fort Bend County will open August 29 in time for the first day of class.

By Naissa Lopez

(Fort Bend County) – What started as a job as an English tutor turned into a career that makes a difference in the lives of students for Texas State Technical College Success Coach Mara Hartsell.

 “I started working as an English tutor in the TSTC Marshall library in 2011,” she reminisces.  “I taught remedial English courses as an adjunct and went on to a full-time position as a success coach in Marshall.  Not too long after, I was transferred to the Fort Bend campus.”

While a job as a success coach entails many different responsibilities, the Shreveport, Louisiana native clarifies that one thing is always for certain; she will make sure that a student’s future is as bright as possible.

“I practice holistic advising techniques and work with students at all stages of their academic careers,” she said.  “Essentially, I help them strategize and plan in a way that keeps their educational goals at the forefront, and help them graduate with the award they need.”

Hartsell’s humble beginnings have helped her leave an even greater impact on the students she advises.

“I was a first-generation student who struggled through college while working full-time.  Today, I still recall select individuals who encouraged me and told me to keep going.  Without their support, I’m not sure if I would have reached the finish line myself,” she stated.  “I try to fill this role as best I can with students experiencing hardship, and it’s a great feeling when they take the time to let me know I’ve succeeded in pushing them forward.  The best moments are those when a student from a past semester visits you and thanks you for the impact that you had on him or her.”

A college education may seem like a difficult journey for students who struggle financially, but Hartsell emphasizes that money should not be what deters someone from enrolling.

“A lot of people today are concerned about the financial debt they might incur if they enroll in college, and they’re also worried about the job prospects they’ll realistically have after they make that sacrifice,” she said.  “TSTC students shouldn’t be preoccupied with either of these things given our extremely competitive tuition rate and high job placement statistics.”

As Hartsell points out, affordability is what sets TSTC apart from other institutions of higher learning.

“I always brag that this school puts the interest of students first, because once they graduate, they’ll still be able to maintain their financial independence.  They’ll also have a team well-rooted in the industry advocating for them.  You won’t find TSTC alumni complaining that they’re shackled by debt or unable to find a job.”

Hartsell not only enjoys her role at TSTC, but she is also grateful for the people she has met along the way.

“Collaboration, determination and friendship have defined my time here,” she said.  “TSTC has given me many opportunities to practice new skill sets, and it has introduced me to a number of great people who are not only my colleagues, but also my friends.”

Students interested in an advisement session with Mara Hartsell may reach her at mara.hartsell@tstc.edu.

Registration for the Fall semester is currently underway.  Deadline for registration is August 22 and classes begin on August 29.  Apply online or register at www.tstc.edu.

Romana Medina may have been raised in a small Texas town, but this student recruiter is helping Texas State Technical College students in Fort Bend County achieve their big city dreams.

Being a student recruiter requires a lot of communication with students who need assistance in deciding what it is they want to study.  Medina says that this one-on-one communication makes a great difference in a student’s academic career.

“When I’m speaking with a student, I always try to find their interests,” said the El Campo resident.  “I give them as much information as I can about the programs and I constantly remind them that where there’s a will, there’s a way.  You can always do something that you set your mind to do.”

Medina says that the payoff for what her career entails is always worth the effort and time put into each student.

“I always see students coming in more and more, and students enjoy being heard and listened to.  There are even some students that come in on a daily basis.  That’s what makes everything worth it.”

Medina’s admirable work ethic stems from her watching her parents work just as hard for her while she was growing up, and she is eager to continue working just as hard for not only her career, but her higher education, as well.

“My parents were always working to provide everything I needed to go to college.  I want to get my bachelor’s in Bilingual Education very soon.  I have a strong background in my Hispanic culture, so why not put it to work and help other students and families be just as successful, too?”

Her personal experience with TSTC goes beyond her employment, and she looks forward to what her career with the college will bring.

“I have two brothers who graduated from here, so I’ve seen student success firsthand.  They are doing very well and love their new careers as business owners,” she said.

“Working and being a part of this brand new campus is so much fun.  I plan on staying with TSTC as long as I can.  There are so many great support systems out there, and one thing I can say about TSTC is that you will find more than a support system here; you will find a family.”

The new TSTC campus in Fort Bend County is on track to open for classes beginning August 29.

Fall registration is currently underway.  To register or apply, visit http://www.tstc.edu/campuses/fort_bend/.

(Fort Bend County) – Ben’s Chuck Wagon is a popular catering company in Wallis, Texas where you can find the owner, Ben Pustejovsky, putting the skills he learned at Texas State Technical College to good use.

The Wallis native graduated from the TSTC campus in Waco in 2002 with an associate degree in Culinary Arts. Upon completing, he attended the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant management. However, because Pustejovsky was already working in the field, he decided to pursue his career instead and use the skills he learned at TSTC to open his own business.

“My ultimate dream was to open a restaurant,” said Pustejovsky. “But because I was already cooking, selling barbeque and catering parties and meetings, I was building a strong, loyal clientele for a catering business, so I pursued that instead.”

Ben’s Chuck Wagon has been in business for 12 years and staffs approximately 20 employees. Pustejovsky and his team cater for parties, meetings and conferences ranging from 50 all the way up to 3,500 people. They serve southern comfort food such as chicken fried steak and barbeque with all the sides and fixings, in addition to holiday menus they save for November and December. They also customize menus based on their clients’ wants and needs. TSTC in Fort Bend County is, of course, on his list of customers.

“TSTC really changed my life for the better. They gave me the start at building a successful career,” said Pustejovsky. “They really gave me the foundation I needed.”

The 35-year-old said his time at TSTC really gave him the confidence he needed to continue pursuing a career he has had an interest in since the age of seven. As a young child he cooked with his grandparents following family recipes and perfecting them with practice and patience.

“Cooking at a young age and having that support is definitely something I cherish,” said Pustejovsky. “I took everything I learned from my grandparents and applied it in school and in my business. In fact, a lot of what I prepare and cook today comes from family recipes.”

Pustejovsky added that TSTC was like a family to him. He said a four-year university was never in his path; he knew it was not for him.

“At TSTC you’re definitely not just another number,” said Pustejovsky. “All of the instructors know you by name and are always ready to help. I got all of the hands-on training that is necessary to be successful. I don’t think I would have received that at a university.”

Pustejovsky said he looks forward to his future and the future of his business. He hopes to expand his catering business around the Houston area and to open an additional location.

“I can only go up from here,” said Pustejovsky. “I’m keeping my restaurant dream alive. With the right partner there’s no telling what we could accomplish.”

Certificates and associate degrees in Culinary Arts are offered at four of the 10 TSTC campuses: Waco, Harlingen, Williamson County and Abilene.

Registration is currently in progress for the Fall 2016 semester. You can apply or register anytime online at tstc.edu.

(Fort Bend County) – Sugar Land native Marigold Sagrado finds herself back home as one of Texas State Technical College’s student recruitment representatives after a seven-year stint in California.

The 28-year-old moved to California immediately after high school with only $200 in her pocket to attend California State University in San Bernardino. She earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2012, but found that her true passion was student affairs.

“My time in California during and after college was spent working in housing, residential life and student affairs,” said Sagrado. “I found this to be my way of helping students, like myself, who come to school alone and with nothing.”

Sagrado gained experience in student affairs at the University of Southern California, San Diego State University and at her alma mater.

Nearly three years ago, an illness in the family pulled Sagrado back to Texas. Within that time she took odd jobs, but finding something in higher education proved to be a challenge. It was not until an Internet job search brought up TSTC’s open positions for the new Fort Bend County campus.

“I knew I wanted a career in higher education, it’s what I love,” said Sagrado. “So I immediately jumped on every job opportunity that was in my realm of expertise and passion.”

Fortunately Sagrado is now part of the TSTC family and loving every moment. She hit the ground running as a recruitment representative in February 2016 and has not looked back.

“I can only go up from here,” she said. “It’s a brand-new campus and I know there will be a lot of room for me to grow and enhance my leadership.”

As a student recruitment representative, Sagrado is active in Fort Bend County and the surrounding communities speaking to high school students about the benefits of a technical education. She said she hopes to help students of all ages realize their dream of a college degree that will lead to a successful career.

“I hope I can turn students’ lives around with my guidance,” said Sagrado. “I know I have succeeded in my job when I begin to see my students graduate. The greatest feeling in the world is when they come back and tell me how I’ve impacted their lives and those of their families.”

Sagrado wants current and incoming TSTC students to stay encouraged, no matter how challenging college and life get. She said she never wants to hear her students say “I can’t.”

“Like people say, where there is a will, there is a way,” said Sagrado. “This career path helps me connect with people. I’m empathetic to those who want to better themselves and they are the reason behind my love for the job.”

In her spare time, Sagrado enjoys practicing photography, traveling, spending time outdoors and hanging out with her family.

Sagrado can be found at Lamar High School or TSTC’s Enrollment Center in Rosenberg. TSTC’s Fort Bend campus is set to open in August 2016. Registration is in progress. To register or apply anytime, visit tstc.edu.