(HARLINGEN) – Isabella Coronado recently made the move from Pennsylvania to Harlingen and said it was the best decision she could have made because it led her to Texas State Technical College.

The 21-year-old is completing her General Academic Core at TSTC and should be done by Spring 2018.

Coronado began her college career studying biology and nursing in her home state but she said it never felt right.

“Psychology is what I’m meant to be doing,” she said. “And the advisors and instructors at TSTC have done nothing but guide me with the right classes and encourage my career choice.”

She added that the TV show “Criminal Minds” is what peaked her interest in this career.

What are your plans after graduation?

After completing my academic core at TSTC, I plan on transferring to either a local university or one in San Antonio to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to be a behavioral analyst for the FBI predicting trends in people’s behavior.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

Officially figuring out what I want to do with my life is my greatest accomplishment. Talking with my advisors at TSTC really helped me figure out my dislikes and likes, no one had helped me like that before. They have really guided me in finding my path and now I know what I’m working toward.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that it is important to do what makes you happy and what you have the passion for. I recently discovered that when I was majoring in biology and nursing and I was not excited about what I was learning. I was only majoring in that field because I knew the salary was good, but I’ve learned that it is not all about the money.

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

The majority of the advisors at TSTC have had the greatest influence on my success and in my life. They are always there to talk if I need advice or help. They answer all of my questions and have helped me pick the classes I need to successfully continue my education outside of TSTC. No matter what, they are there and I really appreciate it.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want to tell future students to go for their passions and if they still don’t know what they want to do, go to school anyway and complete the basics.

(HARLINGEN) – Coming from a single-parent household, Nayeli Espinoza has always been encouraged by her mom to take every opportunity that came her way.

Which is why Espinoza finds herself at Texas State Technical College’s Upward Bound summer program for the third year in a row.

Sitting in her History of Spanish class, the 16-year-old pays close attention to the teacher knowing everything she learns will help her during her junior year at Harlingen High School South.

“This is a fun way to learn. There is no other way to describe this program,” said Espinoza. “It has given me the opportunity to grow and it prepares me for the next school year. I always find I’m ahead because of everything I learn in the summer.”

Espinoza is one of 50 students enrolled in the Upward Bound summer program.

The Upward Bound Program is a four-year program geared toward high school students from Harlingen High School, Harlingen High School South, Dr. Abraham P. Cano Freshman Academy and San Benito High School.

The program focuses on supporting first-generation and low-income students in their preparation for college entrance by providing a variety of services to enhance academic and social skills and to develop motivation and determination to fulfill academic and personal goals.

“We want to plant the seed and not only help students finish high school, but also give them an easy transition to college,” said Neri Balli, TSTC state director for precollege programs. “Our job is to make sure these students are college ready.”

Throughout the school year and during the summer program, high school students receive services such as tutoring in English, math and science classes, Saturday classes at TSTC  to develop skills need for college, college admissions and financial aid advising, academic and career counseling, personal enrichment workshops and field trips to colleges and universities and other educational events.

“Our Upward Students are very successful,” said Balli. “They are college ready by their senior year and nearly 50 percent of them stay at TSTC, while the rest go onto other colleges and universities.”

These are positive statistics for students like Espinoza whose dream is to go to college to become a dentist. She even plans on beginning her college career at TSTC with the help of Upward Bound.

Upward Bound offers recent high school graduates who completed their four-year commitment in the program, the opportunity to take two college courses at TSTC. Tuition and books are covered by the Upward Bound program.

TSTC Upward Bound Director Melinda Ortiz said this is a great benefit for her students and their families.

“Many of these students don’t get financial aid right out of high school,” she said. “So doing this for them gives them a head start, early access to college resources and gives them the tools they need to be successful down the line.”
As for Espinoza she plans on following in her older sister’s footsteps, who also completed the Upward Bound program and taking her two TSTC courses.

“It’s like my mom always tells me,” she added. “’Having little money, is no limitation.”’

(HARLINGEN) – With only one income and a two-year-old son, money is tight for Texas State Technical College Auto Collision Technology student Justin Maldonado.

However, the Harlingen native turned his luck around when he applied for and received a $1,000 Service King scholarship which can be used for tuition, room and board, books and tools.

Service King is one of the largest collision repair centers in the county with 178 locations in 20 states and works closely with the Collision Repair Education Foundation to provide scholarships like the one Maldonado received.

“I was so excited when I found out I had been chosen for this,” he said. “I never win anything. I’m so eager to get the tools that I need.”

The 24-year-old said he is so thankful for the opportunity that Service King has provided for him and his family.

“My wife is the only one working right now, so with this money I can buy tools and get small jobs to help her out,” said Maldonado. “And once I graduate I’ll be ready to work.”

TSTC Auto Collision Technology Instructor Jose Vasquez said that he knows this award has already had a huge impact on Maldonado’s life.

“I’m very proud that he has won this award,” said Vasquez. “As an instructor you want the best for your students and in Justin’s case this money allows him to fulfill goals toward his success and future.”

Vasquez added that Maldonado is an all-around, exceptional student who is always willing to lend a helping hand.

“His willingness to help others in class shows the kind of responsible and compassionate person he is,” said Vasquez. “He not only thinks about his success, but also about the success of others. He’s a true leader.”

As for Maldonado’s future, he said he will hopefully find a good-paying job that will support his family and will allow him to save money to start his own business.

“I have always loved repairing and painting cars so I know this is what I’m supposed to be doing,” he said. “I have so many ideas and this program and scholarship have given me a foot in the door to a career I love. A career that will let me support my son and better myself.”

To learn more about Auto Collision Technology at TSTC’s Harlingen or Waco campuses or to apply or register for Fall 2017, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – The tables have turned for Jose Trevino. The once Texas state Technical College Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program (TexPrep) student returns as a program assistant.

This is the La Sara native’s first summer returning to the program since his TexPrep graduation in 2013.

“The program inspired me to come back,” said Trevino. “This program is the reason why I went to college and chose my major. I owe a lot to TexPrep.”

The engineering major just completed his first year of college, a requirement to become a program assistant, at the University of North Texas.

“This kind of work helps students,” he said. “It helped me a lot and I want to be there for these students.”

TexPrep is a long-running program for TSTC. It’s a six-week intensive summer program that runs for four years for high-achieving middle and high school students with the potential and interest in pursuing the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) fields.

The 170 students enrolled in the program study subjects such as logic, computer science, engineering, physics, algebraic structures, statistics and technical writing, and Trevino tutors them by reinforcing what the instructors have taught and ensuring that students have a basic understanding in the subject.

TSTC’s State Director for Pre-college Programs Neri Balli said TexPrep helps students get ahead in their studies. Through a partnership with the University of Texas at San Antonio and the Texas Education Agency students receive high school elective credit for every year successfully completed.

“After a summer of intensive coursework, students are prepared to tackle these classes in high school,” she said. “Many students are so ahead they end up enrolling at TSTC as dual enrollment students.”

To enroll in the program students must be sponsored by their school districts, have A’s and B’s in their coursework and have a desire to pursue a STEM program of study and complete an application and essay.

“This program is very competitive. The best of the best are selected to participate,” said Yvette Mendoza, program director for the Center for Science and Math Education. “It is so rewarding to watch them learn, grow and build friendships.”

As for Trevino, he was one of those students Balli and Mendoza saw grow up and he said he is very glad to be back.

“My goal is to give them the confidence they need to learn and trust in what they’re learning and doing,” said Mendoza. “I hope I’m able to come back each summer and continue helping students learn and grow their interest in STEM fields.”

(HARLINGEN) – Darryn Klu is a student at Texas State Technical College who will complete his General Academic Core by Spring 2018.

The Dallas native boasts a 3.5 grade-point average and said he likes to be active on campus and his community.

The 18-year-old is a member of the Pool Sharks Club at TSTC and he participates in community service, awareness and fundraising projects with the group.

On his free time, Klu also designs clothing with the hopes of owning his own fashion line someday.

What are your plans after graduation?

After completing my basics at TSTC I will transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Speech Communication.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become an audiologist and help people with hearing issues. I also want to work closely with my twin brother in growing a successful record label.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been meeting new people and being a college algebra tutor when my friends and classmates need help. It has really helped me become more outgoing and less reserved.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that life is about making the right choices. Life is also what you make of it and grabbing the opportunities that come your way.

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

It’s difficult to name only one person. All of my instructors give me a lot of advice and guide my educational path. And my peers are just as friendly and helpful. I love that everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?    

I want future students to know that college is what you make of it. College can be easy if you put the hard work and dedication it requires into it. Don’t give up.

(HARLINGEN) – Steak, chicken and all of the trimmings were enjoyed and well-deserved by the 32 Texas State Technical College SkillsUSA state gold medal winners during the annual send-off luncheon.

The gold medalists are headed to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Kentucky from June 19-23 to compete among other students from across the United States, and the lunch is for good luck.

“On behalf of TSTC we wish you the best. We know you will all represent us well,” TSTC Provost Dr. Stella Garcia told the students.

“You are our state champions and we will be thinking of you and praying for you,” she added.

SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching technical, academic and employability skills that help high school and college students pursue successful careers. Members build these skills through student-led team meetings, contests, leadership conferences and other activities.

Students in Skills USA participate in hands-on competitions in various fields such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, building construction and culinary arts.

Luis Moya is one of the students competing at nationals. He set his foundation and earned his way to nationals brick by brick.

The 20-year-old won a gold medal back in March in masonry and will be competing in the same category at nationals.

“I’ve literally been practicing by laying brick,” he said. “It’s been a lot of evenings and weekends preparing but I’m excited and ready.”

This is Moya’s first time competing at nationals, but he is no stranger to the SkillsUSA world. He competed often in high school for building construction before pursuing it as a career at TSTC.

“All of my high school teachers told me TSTC was the best place in town to go for building construction,” said Moya. “And they were right. I’ve had so many opportunities here; going to Kentucky is my latest one. I’ve never been out of Texas.”

For many students like Moya, SkillsUSA opens the doors of travel and networking with professionals in the industry, which leads to career opportunities down the road.

All of the gold medalists were presented and honored during the send-off luncheon with certificates for their first-place win at the state level.

“Go for the gold,” Garcia encouraged. “But just know that no matter the outcome, TSTC is proud of you and you are champions in our eyes.”

With TSTC’s campuses in Waco and West Texas, there are a total of 76 students competing at the SkillsUSA national competition.