Category Archives: All TSTC

TSTC Student Q&A with Amariya Taylor of Dallas

(RED OAK) – Amariya Taylor, 20, of Dallas is a Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology major at Texas State Technical College in North Texas scheduled to graduate with an associate degree in spring 2018.

She is a 2015 graduate of Skyline High School in Dallas, where she was in the National Honor Society and played volleyball.

How did you learn about Texas State Technical College? “I was originally going to school for prelaw, but one of my teachers said I was good at mathematics and said I should go somewhere else for college. My godfather heard about the technical college from a friend. I visited the campus first and then applied.”

How did you become interested in Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology? “I like designing and I’m very creative. This is a program where you can design and create, and I have the software programs to do it. It was great once I got adjusted to the work.”

What is your plan for after graduation? “I want to go to work, but I also want to get a bachelor’s degree in engineering or architecture.”

What advice would you give to high school students thinking about attending college? “If you declare a major and then change it, you are starting all over. You have to stay on top of the financial information and not turn your work in at the last minute. You have to talk to your success coach.”

What do you like to do away from classes and studying? “I like to work out at the gym. I go to church and like to take part in church activities. I enjoy going to museums and amusement parks.”

Some of the careers that students who study Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology can pursue include architectural drafting, civil drafting, electrical drafting, architecture and computer engineering, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

TSTC in North Texas will host summer Registration Rally events from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 20, July 13 and Aug. 8 for prospective students to enroll for the fall semester.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

_DSC0590 north texas q and a photo june 15, 2017

 

TSTC Student Q&A with Timothy Hays of Waco

(WACO) – Timothy Hays, 66, moved from Manor to Waco to study for Aircraft Airframe Technician and Aircraft Powerplant Technician certificates at Texas State Technical College in Waco. He is scheduled to receive his first certificate in August.

Hays grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, and has studied fine arts and education at universities in Louisiana and Oklahoma.

What have been some of your previous careers? “I was an elementary school teacher and middle school teacher. I was a professor for teachers coming back for a master’s program. I was a civilian employee in the U.S. Coast Guard in Yorktown, Virginia, and left in 2005.”

What made you decide to study at TSTC? “I have a private pilot’s license and have become interested in kit building since I retired. There was a lot I didn’t have experience in.”

How are you enjoying studying aviation maintenance? “It draws on a lot of the fine arts. I was doing painting and focused on three-dimensional design. I am really enjoying the classes. I just got done purchasing a kit plane. I flew to Missouri and rented a moving truck and picked it up and brought it home. Some of the students helped me unload it. Everything I’m learning has a direct impact on the kit I will build. I have learned a lot about hydraulics.”

Why should other retirees consider going back to college? “I would encourage them to go back and do it if they are interested and passionate. Now they have the time and probably have the money. It may be a good second or third life. Don’t let the grass grow under your feet too long.”

TSTC offers certificates and associate degrees for Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology. Some of the classes students take in the technical programs include Aviation Physics, Landing Gear Systems, Aircraft Welding and Airframe Inspection.

TSTC will host summer Registration Rally events on June 23, July 14 and Aug. 11. For more information, go to tstc.edu/rally.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

_DSC0577 aviation maintenance q and a timothy hays waco

 

TSTC Registration Rallies Encourage Student to Register Early

(HARLINGEN) – Registration at Texas State Technical College for Fall 2017 is in progress and to make it an easy process for students, the college will be hosting a registration rally Wednesday, June 13 at the Student Services Center.

TSTC’s Registration Rally gives new and returning students the resources they need to complete the application and registration processes conveniently located in one place.

Registration Rallies are a new initiative at TSTC that started for the Fall 2016 semester. All 10 campuses statewide host this event with hundreds of students taking advantage of the assistance offered by faculty, staff and student volunteers.

TSTC Director of Recruitment Dora Colvin said the idTSTC Registration Rallyea behind registration rallies is to encourage students to register early and make new semesters an easy transition for them.

“The earlier a student registers, the more likely it is they get the classes they need before they fill up and a schedule they are happy with,” she said. “This is a one-stop shop for our new and current students.”

And a one-stop shop it is. Enrollment representatives from Admissions, Financial Aid, Advisement, Support Services, the Veterans Center and Student Life will be on hand to guide those attending the event. Tours of the college will also be available throughout the day.

“We want to help students by providing the resources and opportunities they need to finish the application and registration processes for the next semester,” said Colvin.  “We hope that having faculty and staff present will help make this process easier for students,” she added. “They’ll have a chance to learn about the services we offer and get the help they need.”

To complete the registration process students must bring their completed admissions application, GED scores if applicable, recent high school or college transcripts, and proof of their bacterial meningitis vaccination if under 22 years of age.

TSTC’s registration rally is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Student Services Center (EK Building). Parents are welcome to attend. There will be two more registration rallies later this summer on July 12 and August 3.

Fall registration ends August 21 and the first day of class is August 28.

To apply or register visit tstc.edu or call the TSTC Student Recruitment Office at 956-364-4118.

 

Student Success Profile – Darryl Klu

(HARLINGEN) – Darryl Klu is pursuing his General Academic Core at Texas State Technical College and currently boasts a 3.5 grade-point average. The Dallas native expects to complete his academics in Spring 2018.

The 18-year-old said he chose to attend TSTC because it is affordable and close to home. Klu added that he plans on making the best of his college experience and since finishing his first year in college he is motivated to become active on camDarryl Klupus by becoming a member of the Anime Manga Gamers Club.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on transferring to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology and Communication Disorders to become a speech therapist.

What is your dream job?

My dream is to be able to help people overcome obstacles that come with hearing issues, because without communication and hearing it is difficult to establish the relationships and trust we need in life. In addition, I would like to own a record label and help people achieve their musical dreams. Music is a hobby for me and has always been a part of my life.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

In high school I was on the honor roll, and being able to carry that over to college has been a huge achievement for me. Because of my hard work and studying, I have the honor of being on the dean’s list.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that it is important to be yourself; not be a follower, but a leader; and do what you are passionate about.

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

It’s difficult to name only one person because all of the people I have met at TSTC, from my instructors to peers, have taught me something different.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want to tell students to stay out of trouble, go to class and do all of your work. This is your future, and it is too important to gamble with it.

TSTC Registration Rallies Encourage Early College Registration

(FORT BEND) – To alleviate the stress that comes with college applications and registration, Texas State Technical College will host a registration rally Thursday, June 15, at the TSTC Industrial Technology Center in Rosenberg.

TSTC’s registration rallies give new and returning students the opportunity to receive the resources they need to complete the application and registration processes all under one roof.

This initiative was started by TSTC in Fall 2016. All 10 campuses statewide host this event with hundreds of students taking advantageTSTC Registration Rally of the assistance offered by faculty, staff and student volunteers.

TSTC Director of Recruitment Dora Colvin calls this event a one-stop shop for students.

“We want to help students by providing the resources they need to finish the application and registration processes for the next semester in one centralized location,” she said.

Enrollment representatives from Admissions, Financial Aid, Advisement, Support Services and Testing will be on hand to guide those attending the event. Tours of the college will also be available throughout the day.

“We hope that having faculty and staff present will help make this process easier for students,” said Colvin.

Student Recruitment Coordinator Marigold Sagrado added that this event also helps her team encourage students to register early.

“The earlier a student registers, the more likely it is they get the classes they need and will be happy with their schedule,” said Sagrado. “They will also have the opportunity to meet their instructors and get book lists early. After this event they (students) will officially be ready for the fall semester.”

To complete the registration process, students must complete an admissions application and bring their GED scores (if applicable), recent high school or college transcripts, and proof of their bacterial meningitis vaccination if under 22 years of age.

New and current students at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus also have four new programs to look forward to this fall with the opening of TSTC’s newest building, the Brazos Center: Electrical Lineworker Technology, Robotics/Industrial Automation Technology, Electrical Power and Controls Technology and Environmental Technology – Compliance Specialization.

TSTC’s registration rally will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the TSTC Industrial Technology Center located at 26706 Southwest Freeway in Rosenberg, Texas. Parents are welcome to attend. There will be two more registration rallies later this summer on July 20 and August 10.

Fall registration ends August 21, and the first day of classes is August 28.

To apply or register, visit tstc.edu or call the Admissions Office at 346-239-3414.

Getting Ahead: RGV Migrant Students Attend TSTC MAARS Program

(HARLINGEN) – Rudy Tijerina is a rising junior at Raymondville Early College High School. Instead of working the fields this summer, he is attending the Migrant Academic Achievement Residential Summer (MAARS) program at Texas State Technical College.

Since elementary school, the 17-year-old has been traveling to Michigan with his mother and eight brothers and sisters to work in the fields.Rudy Tijerina

“This is the first summer I’m not working, so I can get ahead in my classes,” said Tijerina. “I’ll probably leave after I’m done, though. I have to work so I can help my mom.”

Tijerina is one of 76 students from across Rio Grande Valley high schools who were selected by their migrant counselors and are enrolled in the six-week program and living at the TSTC dorms this summer.

In its fifth year, MAARS is designed to meet the needs of high school migrant and seasonal farm workers in pursuing higher education and to provide community service opportunities.

Students in the program receive two academic high school credits in an attempt to prevent them from falling behind, since most migrants leave before the school year ends and return after school starts, oftentimes affecting the number of credits they earn.

“Our goal with this program is to help high school students graduate on time with their class,” said Neri Balli, TSTC state director for pre-college programs. “At the same time, they get college exposure. Many of these students need to know that college is a possibility.”

Tijerina said he already feels better prepared to tackle his junior and senior years and that TSTC has opened his eyes to the world of engineering.

 MAARS Students in Building Construction Technology build birdhouses

“I’m really improving in my writing. I needed this extra help, especially if I’m going to pursue engineering in college,” he said. “I’ve learned that writing well is important no matter what field I decide to study.”

In addition to accruing high school credits, MAARS students get to choose two technical courses to explore such fields as building construction, computer networking and business management with three-week rotations.

“This type of college exposure and experience is what opens doors of opportunities for these students,” said Yvette Mendoza, program director for the Center for Science and Math Education.

Mendoza added that MAARS students like Tijerina also receive a $1,200 stipend when they successfully complete the program.

“These students have sacrificed time working and have lost income,” she said. “So these stipends help them.”

For Tijerina, like many of the others, the stipend helps him purchase back-to-school supplies and clothes for him and his brothers and sisters.

“In every way this program has been beneficial and has helped me grow, which will be beneficial to my family in the long run,” said Tijerina. “I hope to come back next year.”

TSTC Alumni Help Design Waco’s Future

(WACO) – Bobby Horner, Craig Johnson and Edward Hernandez attended Texas State Technical College in different decades but are united through their majors and work helping Waco grow responsibly.

The men all graduated from TSTC with what were then Associate of Applied Science degrees in Architectural Drafting and Design. Horner received his degree in 1978, Johnson graduated in 1981 and Hernandez walked across the stage for his degree in 1998.

Today, Horner is an inspection supervisor, Johnson is a plans examiner and Hernandez is a building inspector – all for the city of Waco.

“All of us have either had our own business with design and drafting or worked with architects and smaller projects,” Horner said. “We have the training of design and drafting to pull from.”

The three have roles, along with their co-workers, in the planning and construction of structures in the city. And Waco is seeing a lot of development, from the eight-story Marriott Springhill Suites planned for South Jack Kultgen Expressway to apartment development on Bagby Avenue near the Central Texas Marketplace.

“I don’t see a lot of letup, personally,” Horner said. “It’s exciting to me.”

Johnson sits in on weekly municipal predevelopment meetings to discuss several facets of proposed projects, from easements to fire, health and safety matters. The meetings are times to ask questions and develop solutions to make the permit process and construction flow.

Hernandez said the use of modern business materials, such as cardboard siding, has kept himself and his co-workers learning about new construction techniques.

“My background in drafting and design helped me transition into being a plans examiner,” Hernandez said. “Because I knew how plans were put together, I know what to look for.”

Horner said people interested in pursuing drafting and design should have an understanding of construction materials and terminology.

Hernandez said drafting and design graduates can work for companies who will teach them the specific software being used.

The men are members of the Bluebonnet Chapter of the International Code Council encompassing Central Texas. They can earn continuing education credits to keep organization certifications updated.

Horner, 59, grew up in Hamilton and graduated from Hamilton High School in 1976. He said TSTC was his top option because he enjoyed drawing and worked with a builder when he was in high school. Both his grandfathers worked in construction and he also had friends who worked in roofing.

Horner fondly remembers technical college life.

“My dorm room was one of the officers’ barracks,” he said.

Johnson, 56, graduated in 1979 from Midway High School in Woodway. Johnson said he went while growing up to the Lake Air Drive-In where Richland Mall is now located.

Johnson’s interest in drafting and design was piqued as a child while riding his bicycle and exploring Woodway.

“There were a lot of homes being built,” he said. “It fascinated me how the homes were put together. When we moved to Woodway, the western part from Poage Drive was not built.”

Hernandez, 54, grew up in San Antonio and graduated from Antonian College Preparatory High School. He served in the U.S. Navy for six years as a firefighting instructor. He worked in the construction industry before starting classes at TSTC when he was 35. He also taught for nine years at TSTC.

TSTC offers associate degrees in Architectural/Civil Drafting Technology and Mechanical/Electrical Drafting Technology.

TSTC is having summer Registration Rally events for prospective students to finalize plans to attend the fall semester. For more information, go to tstc.edu/rally.

For information on the TSTC Alumni Network, go to tstc.edu/tstcfoundation/alumni.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

_DSC0559 waco drafting alumni june 12, 2017

 

TSTC Building Construction Students Work With Area SkillsUSA Participants

(WACO) – Texas State Technical College’s Building Construction Technology program hosted students from Belton and Mansfield this week for a SkillsUSA construction boot camp.

Four students from Belton High School and one student from the Mansfield Independent School District worked on carpentry and building skills to prepare for SkillsUSA’s 53rd annual National Leadership and Skills Conference taking place June 19-23 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Students from TSTC who will compete in the conference’s collegiate division also perfected their skills and bonded with the high school students.

Michael Carrillo, a TSTC Building Construction Technology program instructor, used past SkillsUSA exercises to simulate timed competitions the students will encounter.

“Sure, we compete under the same roof as the college team, but our kids can communicate with one another,” said Craig Sullivan, a construction technology teacher at Belton High School. “We want Texas represented well. We are rooting for TSTC just like they are rooting for us.”

Sullivan said this was his fourth building construction squad to have won the Texas SkillsUSA high school construction contest in the spring, enabling them to go to the nationwide competition.

Andres Zapata, 19, a 2017 graduate of Belton High School and future TSTC Building Construction Technology major, said framing was his strength on the building team.

“It’s an honor to work with these technical college students,” Zapata said. “It prepares us as well to see teams compete against us. This will make us better.”

Matt Peeler, 27, a TSTC Building Construction Technology major from Belton, did not have the opportunity to take construction technology when he attended Belton High School. But he said if he had the chance to go back to high school to do it, he would.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to work alongside the students,” Peeler said. “It’s a great experience and lets us know where we stand and where they stand.”

Carrillo said the program has hosted SkillsUSA high school students for three years to allow them to work with TSTC students.

“So far it’s going well because it’s pretty much them against a different team,” he said. “They can gauge efficiency, time and coordinating with team members.”

The Belton High School SkillsUSA construction contest group is made up of Chloe Bush, 18; Allan Harlow, 19; Joseph Hermann, 19; and Zapata.

Jacob Dawson, 17, a senior at Mansfield’s Legacy High School who also attended the Ben Barber Innovation Academy, will compete for Texas in the individual carpentry competition. He spent three days on the Waco campus working on blueprint reading, wood framing and other skills, along with meeting program faculty.

“Practicing has made it easier to get a feel for what I am doing,” said Dawson.

Besides Peeler, TSTC’s Teamworks group for SkillsUSA is made up of Building Construction Technology majors Jack Chance, 19, of Waxahachie and Edgar Cuellar, 26, and Jose Perez, 19, both of Waco.

TSTC Building Construction Technology major Larry Johnson of Mount Pleasant will compete in the individual carpentry contest at SkillsUSA. He and Dawson did their own simulation competition to practice for the Louisville contest.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

_DSC0571 Belton High SkillsUSA June 9, 2017

_DSC0586 Waco SkillsUSA BCT resized June 9, 2017

Father, Son Make TSTC a Family Affair

Graduation(HUTTO) – When Texas State Technical College welding graduate James Gnuschke walked the stage on May 1, he made one TSTC instructor a little more proud than the rest of them. James’ father, Industrial Maintenance instructor Allen Gnuschke, beamed with delight as his son accepted his diploma.

Lifelong interests and a job loss in Colorado led the Gnuschkes to TSTC, where James wanted to pursue a certificate in welding.

“I did some pipeline work and stuff like that a few years before I came down here. The welding side of it always really piqued my interest,” James said. “It was always something I wanted to try. I ended up getting laid off from the heavy equipment job I had in Colorado, and we came down here to pursue new careers.”

James said a love of working with his hands and watching his dad work made him want to learn a trade of his own.

“My dad has always had jobs where he works with his hands, building and repairing,” he said. “I’ve always looked up to my dad and enjoyed working with him on projects when I was younger. It kind of inspired me to follow the same kind of work.”

James, who has been hired as a structural rig welder for a private contractor, will begin his new job this week. James was hired on at a pay rate of $40 an hour and will also earn an additional $15 per hour for use of his truck.

“After TSTC, I feel like I’m pretty well prepared to work,” James said. “I like working outside and having a trade that not everybody can just pick up and do.”

Though James chose to study welding instead of his father’s program of Industrial Maintenance, Allen said the two programs go hand in hand and work well together.

“Welders are handy people to have around,” Allen said. “It’s kind of a complementary thing. We’ve worked together on some projects here. We’ve actually built several rigs for students here. It’s a good match.”

The duo teamed up as part of a Hutto Has Heart project to continue the legacy of a Hutto resident whose dream was to raise a cross at the Hutto Lutheran Church. TSTC Provost Edgar Padilla said students and staff from TSTC worked on the project for a couple of days.

“There was a gentleman in Hutto who passed away and his dream was to build a cross at the Hutto Lutheran Cemetery from metal that had been scrapped from The Gin here in town. His family was looking for somebody to finish his dream,” Padilla said. “We decided that, to be consistent with our community efforts, we could help with that in some way. So we wrangled up a few of the guys and went out there. They went out to the site and built the cross, ground it, welded it together and erected it. Now the Hutto Lutheran Church has a beautiful cross that’s going to be there for a long time.”

Padilla said it was inspiring to see the Gnuschkes work together.

“This project was a glaring example of not only TSTC’s commitment to the community, but also the power of two generations, a father and a son, working together side by side and doing something that requires so much skill,” he said. “It was really nice to see that.”

As for Allen, he said he has nothing but pride for his son.

“At graduation, the population in the room went to two,” Allen said. “They could have been throwing tomatoes for all I know. Have you ever seen the movie ‘The Patriot’? When they’re going on about who’s the better man, and Mel Gibson says, ‘No, my sons were the better men,’ that’s how I feel.”

James urges those who are thinking about a technical career to “just do it.”

“There are a lot of people that spend too much time overthinking things and making bigger problems than there should be,” he said. “I had a gut feeling and just went for it, and I’ve loved it ever since.”

TSTC is registering for the fall semester through Monday, Aug. 21. Interested in registering, but aren’t sure how? TSTC will host three Registration Rallies to help students through the registration process beginning Wednesday, June 21. For more information on the rallies, TSTC’s welding program or the college, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Precision Machining Technology Program Receives New Machines

(WACO) – Students in the Precision Machining Technology program at Texas State Technical College are working with four new Haas Mini Mill machines installed in May.

Third-semester students studying Advanced Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) Machining are some of the first using the machines to create such things as small cannons and tape dispensers as class projects. The students use written plans and theories to personalize their own creations, said George Love, an instructor in the Precision Machining Technology program.

The new machines contain robotic components, industrial computers and the ability to connect to smartphones and the Internet. The machines can cut aluminum, brass and steel.

“The first thing to know is how to set the lathe manually before letting the computer do the work,” said Fernando Ortiz, 38, a Precision Machining Technology major from Temple scheduled to graduate in December from TSTC.

Nick Huffman, 18, a Machining certificate student from Houston who is scheduled to graduate in August, said he has noticed that manual machines make deeper cuts than automated mills.

He said knowing how the Mini Mills work could help him in his job search after he graduates.

“I want to stay in the Houston area,” Huffman said. “Machinists are needed everywhere, but definitely in Houston.”

The Precision Machining Technology program already had two larger milling machines that students had to take turns to work on.

“The students, hands-on time has now quadrupled (with the new machines),” Love said.

The machines are worth a total of $90,000 and were made possible with a grant from the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.

“That (recommended purchase) comes from the Precision Machining Technology program’s advisory board,” Love said. “The advisory board wants the students to have more CNC time.”

TSTC’s Precision Machining Technology program in Waco is accredited by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills Inc.

TSTC in Waco will host summer Registration Rally events from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 23, July 14 and Aug. 11. For more information, go to tstc.edu/rally.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

_DSC0553 precision machining mini mills resized