(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.

(FORT BEND COUNTY) – The August 2016 opening of Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus is around the corner and Alfonso Medrano is the newest addition to the faculty team.

The Houston native has been named the Telecommunications Technology instructor and he comes to the college classroom with extensive field experience.

“I’ve only been with TSTC a short time, but I’m so impressed already,” said Medrano. “I’ve met great people with such positive attitudes. They are what make every day a great day to come to work.”

Medrano began his career in Telecommunications with Time Warner Cable after earning his associate degree in 1999 from Education America in Electronics and Computer Technology. He worked for Time Warner for 15 years, before deciding to make the change into education.

At Time Warner, the TSTC instructor started as a technician, became a certified technician within one year and moved up the ladder as an electronics technician, contract coordinator, before finally ending his career with Time Warner as an analyst for their Center of Excellence.

“I loved my career, I loved what I was doing,” said Medrano. “But I also felt the need to teach my skills. To make a difference in someone’s life and his/her career. It was time for me to share my knowledge, challenges and experiences. That’s what brought me to TSTC.”

Medrano said he has big goals for his students and his classroom. He said the most important job duty he has is making his students and their education a number one priority.

“It’s my job to make sure that my students understand everything I teach them,” said Medrano. “I need to make sure they are ready and fully prepared for the field. It’s my duty to expose them to all of the tools they will use in the industry and make sure they receive the best hands-on training, which TSTC already offers.”

Another one of Medrano’s main goals is to maintain and create new contacts in the telecommunications industry to help his students find good-paying jobs straight out of his program.

“My job doesn’t stop in the classroom,” said Medrano. “I need to help these students find jobs to begin their career. And ultimately, I want industry to be calling us requesting our students because of how skilled they are.”

Telecommunication Technology is a new program at TSTC in Fort Bend County that will begin in August with the opening of the new campus, and Medrano said he is honored to be the founding instructor.

When Medrano is not working, he is busy being a student himself. He is currently attending Walden University online to complete his doctorate in General Psychology and is already working on his dissertation.

Medrano also holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and a master’s degree in Psychology.

“It’s always been a life goal of mine to earn a PhD,” said Medrano. “It’s been a challenge because I’m a family man, so studying time has definitely cut into family time. But my wife and kids have been very supportive and I’m so close to finishing.”

Medrano is married with two children, a daughter who is 13-years-old and a son who is 11. On his time off he enjoys spending quality time with them and coaching boxing and baseball, two activities his children are actively involved in respectively.

“My kids are awesome, they’re my life,” said Medrano. “There is always something to do and they teach me something new every day.”

Ultimately, Medrano hopes to grow with TSTC and eventually earn a department chair title, but for now he is thankful for the opportunity he has been given to share his skill and knowledge with the future employees of the telecommunications field.

For more information on Telecommunications Technology call 832-223-0608.

Registration for Summer and Fall 2016 is already in progress. To register or apply anytime visit tstc.edu.

(FORT BEND COUNTY) – Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County recently welcomed Erasmo Chapa, the newest financial aid adviser to the financial aid team. The Rio Grande Valley native started his career with TSTC in 1993 and is happy to finally be back.

“It’s funny how life comes full circle,” said Chapa. “My financial aid career started with TSTC and here I am again, this time preparing for a brand new campus.”

Chapa, is not only a previous employee of TSTC, but also an alumnus. The PSJA Bears graduate enrolled at TSTC and completed a certificate in Information Management Technology in 1992, and an associate degree in 1995, before earning his bachelor’s degree in Business Technology from the University of Texas Pan American in 1999.

Chapa comes to TSTC with extensive experience in financial aid advisement. He first started as a financial aid intern in 1993, before receiving a full-time job offer from TSTC for a financial aid clerk position. Since then, Chapa has also worked as a financial aid technician, and specialist.

In 2008, the TSTC alumnus decided he needed something new in his life. So, he left the Rio Grande Valley and moved to the Houston area.

“I wanted a change. I wanted something different,” said Chapa. “I hit a rough patch though. I couldn’t find permanent jobs. Things got better though when I was informed about TSTC’s new campus in Fort Bend County. I immediately knew where I had to be.”

Fortunately, for Chapa, there was a financial aid adviser position open and he quickly applied.

“Even though I took a break from working in financial aid, I truly never stopped,” said Chapa. “I was always helping family and friends complete their financial aid applications.”

Chapa said he is excited to be part of the TSTC team again and is ready to provide the best service he can to all current and prospective TSTC students. His goal is to make sure that students know they can always count on him to give them the help they deserve.

“I’m here 100 percent for our students,” said Chapa. “My job is to get them ready for class without worrying about their financial aid or how they’re going to pay for college.”

With the new TSTC campus opening in August 2016, Chapa is looking forward to growing with the college and his team.

“It’s only a matter of time before our team grows,” said Chapa. “I look forward to growing with TSTC and seeing all of the positive results this college will bring to the area.”

For help completing the FAFSA or for questions on financial aid, Chapa can be found at Lamar High School in Rosenberg, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon, and at the Go Center mobile unit parked at the TSTC campus from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information on TSTC financial aid call 832-223-0609.

(FORT BEND) – Damacia “Dee” Maldonado from Wharton retired from the only profession she had ever known to pursue an education and a new career. She now finds herself at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County, where she has been the Department Secretary since August 2015.

Before coming to TSTC, Maldonado worked for grocery retailer Kroger. She worked every department and held positions including assistant manager. After 22 years with the company, she made the decision to retire in 2012.

“I had three kids and one baby at home, so 60 to70-hour weeks were no longer feasible,” said Maldonado.

Immediately after retirement, Maldonado found herself enrolling at Wharton County Junior College to pursue an associate degree in Psychology.

“I’m a firm believer in junior and technical colleges, especially going back after two decades, I was intimidated,” said Maldonado. “But I don’t think there’s any age that’s too old to go back to school.”

Unfortunately, only two semesters away from graduating, Maldonado found herself in a single- mother role, solely living off of her retirement. So in the spring of 2015, she had to make the difficult decision of putting her education on hold.

“It’s my faith that has really guided me in how I should live life and handle situations,” said Maldonado. “I really prayed for this job at TSTC and for the opportunity to go back to college. My prayers were answered.”

Now in her second semester, the single-mother is a full-time student at the College of Biblical Studies in Houston studying counseling in hopes of helping others through faith-based counseling.

As for her position at TSTC, Maldonado is glad it still allows her to work in an educational setting as a guide for students.

“With a lot of these students there’s a lot of fear of the unknown and uncertainty about making big career decisions,” said Maldonado. “My position has allowed me to build relationships with these students and really learn TSTC’s mission and foundation so I can guide these students in the right direction.”

In addition to being able to do what she loves, Maldonado said TSTC gives her the opportunity of being a mom and a volunteer. In her free time, she volunteers with a children’s ministry and a life pathway program for adolescents. She also works closely with women struggling with divorce, addiction and sobriety.

Ultimately, Maldonado said she hopes there will be counseling opportunities with TSTC in the near future because she wants to be a part of TSTC’s new chapter in Fort Bend County.

“TSTC is moving in the right direction with its new campus and it’s going to be a big help for our community,” said Maldonado. “We’re definitely going to leave footprints.”

TSTC’s new campus in Fort Bend County opens August 2016. Registration for summer and fall 2016 is in progress. For more information call 281-239-1548.

(FORT BEND) – Gary Voelkel, a seasoned professional in the field of diesel technology, has been with Texas State Technical College since 2003 as the Diesel Equipment Technology – Heavy Truck Specialization instructor. However, this is not Voelkel’s first time at the college.

Voelkel graduated from Texas State Technical Institute (TSTI) in Waco in 1978 with a certificate in heavy truck mechanics. TSTI was renamed TSTC in 1991 and in 2006, Voelkel graduated from TSTC in Waco with an associate degree in Heavy Truck Specialization.

Prior to coming to TSTC, Voelkel worked for Halliburton in the marine division traveling around the world and maintaining vessels out at sea, and Coca-Cola as a lead mechanic, before opening his own shop in El Campo working on heavy equipment such as tractors and trucks for a decade.

“At or around 10 years, one of my suppliers told me TSTC was needing help,” said Voelkel. “It was perfect timing for me to make a change. So I took the opportunity. I just waited for my employees to find jobs elsewhere before closing.”

Voelkel said he does not regret the decision he made. He was excited to share the extent of his knowledge with others to help build successful careers. Voelkel describes his first year of teaching as an “experience of a lifetime.”

“It’s impossible to learn everything there is to know about diesel mechanics, but my job is to teach the basic concepts and functions and give them the hands-on training they need,” said Voelkel. “I teach them everything the truck industry needs and the skills the truck industry is looking for, so when they leave TSTC they get hired.”

Students in Voelkel’s class have the opportunity of graduating and landing positions with big companies in the industry such as Walmart, Holt Caterpillar, Peterbilt and Kenworth.

“Mechanics is not a trend that will not die any time soon. We’ll always need clothes, food and other supplies transported,” said Voelkel. “The trucking industry is here to stay.”

Voelkel said his overall goal in the classroom is to teach students all of the latest technologies, since trends are always changing.

“With our new campus opening this fall, I hope to see my program grow,” said Voelkel. “I want to remind students to make sure when choosing a major they choose something they love. This isn’t just a job, it’s a career and future.”

Diesel Equipment Technology is also offered at the Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco campuses.

For more information on Diesel Equipment Technology with a specialization in heavy trucking at TSTC in Fort Bend County call Voelkel at 281-239-1588.

Registration for summer and fall 2016 begins April 4. Apply or register anytime online at tstc.edu.

Gary Voelkel has been with TSTC since 2003 as the Diesel Equipment Technology – Heavy Truck Specialization instructor.

(FORT BEND) – Houston native Salman “Sal” Maredia is a student at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County studying Precision Machining Technology, a field his father inspired him to pursue.

“My dad always had a dream of opening his own automotive engineering shop,” said Maredia. “But he was our family’s provider so he needed to work and needed something with a quick turnaround. He went into real estate instead.”

Now, Maredia, who holds an impressive 3.8 grade-point average is working toward graduating in Fall 2016 with an associate degree, with hopes of transferring to a local university to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

“My dad has always told me that there is no such thing as impossible as long as I work hard and push myself,” said Maredia. “I’ll take this with me as I carry on with my dad’s dream.”

After graduating in the fall, the 25 year-old has his eye on a few companies he hopes to work for. He said he would like to improve his skills and gain experiences at places such as Schlumberger, Halliburton or General Electric.

But ultimately, Maredia’s dream job is to own an automotive engineering company, where he can manufacture parts for the automotive industry.

At the moment, Maredia said his greatest accomplishment has been being able to quickly learn the different types of machines he will be using in the field someday.

“The more I learn, the more skills I gain needed to build my career,” said Maredia.

The greatest lesson Maredia said he has learned is that he can do anything as long as he applies himself.

“There’s always going to be people who try to discourage you,” said Maredia. “But I just need to work hard to prove myself and remember my worthiness.”

In addition to his dad, who has always pushed him to do his best, Michael Barnes, Maredia’s Precision Machining Technology instructor, is another great influence in his current success as a student.
“He (Barnes) always pushes me, us, to do better,” said Maredia. “He really helps us hone our skills so we become all-around learners.”

Maredia said he hopes one day he can become an inspiration to others, as Barnes has been for him and his classmates, but for now he has some advice to share.

“Ask a lot of questions,” Maredia advises. “When I first enrolled I was a bit shy, but as time went on I learned it’s better to ask questions, it helps me understand everything so much better. Getting help is nothing to be ashamed of. There are no stupid questions.”

Precision Machining Technology is also offered at the North Texas, Waco and Williamson County campuses. For more information on Precision Machining Technology at Fort Bend County call 281-239-1548.

Registration begins April 4. Apply or register anytime online at tstc.edu.

Houston native Salman “Sal” Maredia is a student at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County studying Precision Machining Technology. He will be graduating Fall 2016 with his associate degree.

(FORT BEND) – Chris Calmes, a Needville native, began his college career at a four-year university. He soon realized that he had made the wrong decision for himself. Calmes has always considered his learning style as hands-on, which helps him better understand the material he is studying, but he was not receiving that at a university level.

After much consideration, Calmes made the decision to enroll at Texas State Technical College, where he is currently studying Precision Machining Technology. He is slated to graduate this fall with an associate degree. Calmes said TSTC has been his best decision and looks forward to his future.

“I’ve always considered myself a hands-on learner,” said Calmes. “I tried pursuing a four-year degree, but it wasn’t for me and that’s ok, I know it’s not for everybody. I hope through my experience, others can see that a technical education is just as good, if not better.”

After graduating from TSTC, Calmes hopes to find a position in his field, where he can use his skills as a machinist to become a machine operator for a major manufacturing company. He said his ultimate goal is to become a mechanical engineer to take his career to the next level.

“Going back to a university may be an option for me in the near future,” said Calmes. “I love machining and I would like to grow within my field.”

Calmes said he is proud of his accomplishment this far. He has been receiving A’s and B’s and holds a 3.6 grade-point average.

“It hasn’t always been easy, especially constantly learning new material,” said Calmes. “But I’ve pushed through and realized just how important an education is.”

Calmes said he has learned that it is his education that will him support himself and live a good life.

“As long as I continue doing what I’m doing, I know I’ll be able to move up in life. No one can take this education away from me,” said Calmes.

Calmes’ biggest influence in his success at TSTC has been his instructor Michael Barnes. He said Barnes, from what he has seen, is a big influence for many and his program has led to success for numerous students.

“Mr. Barnes is the man with the knowledge,” said Calmes. “He’s always willing to lend a hand and he has a solution for everything. I couldn’t ask for a better instructor or better college experience.”

Precision Machining Technology is also offered at TSTC’s North Texas, Waco and Williamson County campuses.

For more information on Precision Machining Technology in Fort Bend call 281-239-1548.

Registration begins April 4. To apply anytime visit tstc.edu.

(FORT BEND) – Success and love is what Kalli Ford found at Texas State Technical College in Waco. The Katy native graduated in 2011 with her associate degree in Welding Technology. After leaving college for several years to pursue her career she finds herself back at the place that started it all, this time as the welding instructor for TSTC’s new Fort Bend County campus.

Ford, a first generation college student, had several career options she wanted to pursue while she was in high school, until she took a welding class that changed everything.

“You could say I grew up in the garage with my dad,” said Ford. “He was a diesel mechanic and I was always helping him with something. So when I took welding in high school, it wasn’t too farfetched. I just didn’t expect to love it as much as I do.”

Ford’s interest in welding grew during this time in her life. So much so, that she let go of her dreams of enlisting in the military and becoming nurse, pursuing a career in marine biology, and becoming a teacher.

Ford said besides her love for welding, the cost of a college education was also a deciding factor.

“I didn’t grow up with a lot of money,” said Ford. “So to have my parents pay thousands of dollars for a university didn’t seem right to me. At TSTC, I got to study what I love and it was affordable.”

Immediately after TSTC, Ford was offered a position with Acute Technological Services, a Houston company that provides welding services to energy industries on- and-offshore. In her three years there, Ford had the opportunity to participate in a one-year NASA project working on the James Webb Space Telescope.

“If I had not studied at TSTC there’s no way I would have made it at Acute,” said Ford. “I learned all the skills I needed at TSTC and my instructors really prepared me for the workforce.”

Not only did Ford find her career at TSTC, but she also found her partner in life.. Her husband is also a welder and sat next her during class. They have been married for two years and are excited to see what the future holds for them.

As for Ford’s career, the future looks bright. She has accepted a position as the welding instructor at TSTC’s new Fort Bend County campus and will officially start August 2016..

“I’ve always loved teaching and now I can combine it with welding,” said Ford. “I also have a passion for helping people and this will definitely allow me to help others build successful careers.”

Ford said this career path was unexpected, but knows it was meant to be.

“TSTC definitely changed my life for the better,” said Ford. “I’ve already seen it change other lives as well and I’m ready to be a part of that.”

Welding Technology is offered at eight TSTC locations and will be offered in Fort Bend County beginning August 2016. For more information on the program in Fort Bend call 281-239-1548.

Registration for summer and fall 2016 begins April 4. You can apply online anytime at tstc.edu.

(FORT BEND) – From student to instructor, Keith Klix has called Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County home since 2001. Klix was first introduced to TSTC as a student in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning pursuing a certificate and associate degree.

Prior to graduating with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and earning his certificate in 2002, and his associate degree in 2004, Klix worked in food service and retail management.

“Let’s just say I haven’t been unemployed since the age of 13,” said Klix.

As a young teenager, Klix started working at his family’s butcher shop “Village Food Lockers,” located at University Village in Houston. He has been unstoppable since then. He went on to work in the foodservice industry as a supervisor in restaurant maintenance and service, and in food retail management.

“Working in food retail management required such long hours and traveling between stores. It definitely wasn’t suited for a man with a family,” said Klix. “After five years, I needed a change. I always liked HVAC and working in restaurant maintenance, but I needed an education.”

Klix had attempted college during his working years. He attended San Angelo State University where he studied math, photojournalism and computer science, but couldn’t find the right fit.

“I never earned a degree,” said Klix. “I got three quarters of the way in each major, but I knew a four-year degree wasn’t for me and I had to work. I have a wife and a son.”

So when Klix decided to return to college, he found TSTC which had just opened its doors in the county.

“I went to school fulltime and worked part-time, never regretting my decision,” said Klix. “And when I graduated with my associate degree I got called back by TSTC to teach the night classes offered for HVAC associate degree.”

Klix’s teaching stint at TSTC started in the spring of 2006, and in the spring of 2007 he officially took over the program full-time.

“I love teaching,” said Klix. “I teach all of the time. I love helping people better their career/life and improve or learn new skills.”

When Klix is not at TSTC, he can be found teaching remote control airplane flying. He holds a Federal Aviation Administration Drone Pilot Registration Certification. Klix is also an Assistant Scoutmaster and Eagle Scout Advisor with the Boys Scouts of America.

With TSTC’s new campus opening in Fort Bend County in Fall 2016, Klix is looking forward to the opportunity of being able to increase the number of students he teaches.

“We’re going to have so much more space, new equipment and more visibility” said Klix. “This is definitely a new chapter for the program.”

For information on the HVAC program at TSTC in Fort Bend County call 281-239-1548. HVAC is also offered at the Harlingen, North Texas, Waco and Williamson County campuses.

TSTC registration begins April 4. Apply anytime online at tstc.edu

Keith Klix is the HVAC instructor at the TSTC Fort Bend County campus. From student to instructor, Keith Klix has called Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County home since 2001.

(FORT BEND) – Ganado, Texas native Colt Rutledge dreams of owning his own business one day after graduating from Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County where he is currently studying Diesel Equipment Technology with a specialization in heavy trucks. He expects to graduate in August 2016 with his certificate and knows this achievement will help make his dream a reality.

Rutledge first became interested in diesel mechanics when he worked on a farm rebuilding tractor engines prior to enrolling in college. This experience and the education he is receiving at TSTC is helping him get closer to his dream of owning a diesel performance shop where he can use his skills to rebuild engines and handle all types of repairs.

“After graduation I want to open up a diesel shop with a friend of mine who will be studying diesel mechanics at TSTC in Waco starting this summer,” said Rutledge. “We want to focus on automotive and heavy truck maintenance and repair.”

Rutledge said his greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been being able to turn around his grades.

“Classes have been a challenge, but with hard work and by asking questions I am doing very well now,” said Rutledge. “I’ve learned that hard work and dedication pays off. They make all the difference when you’re trying to achieve a goal.”

Rutledge added that the person at TSTC who has most influenced his success is his instructor Gary Voelkel.

“He has so much experience in the industry and is always willing to share his knowledge,” said Rutledge. “He has already taught me so much and I know everything I am learning is getting me closer to making my dream of owning my own shop come true.

There are two things Rutledge would like future TSTC students to remember.

“Try your best,” said Rutledge. “And make sure you choose a career you are really interested in and will make you happy.”

Colt Rutledge is a student in TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program specializing in heavy trucks. He expects to graduate with a certificate in August 2016.