(HARLINGEN) – Pablo Perez is a Digital Media Design student at Texas State Technical College. The Brownsville native anticipates earning his associate degree in Fall 2019.

The 19-year-old is a full-time student who is working full time to pay for college. He said that although it is not easy, he knows it will all be worth it in the end.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on transferring to Texas State University or the University of Texas at San Antonio to pursue a double major in graphic design and music.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is to become a freelance graphic design artist for advertising companies and to become a private music teacher on the side. My love for the arts stems back to middle school when I discovered my talent. I haven’t looked back since.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment so far was completing my first semester, because it has encouraged me to move forward with my education by showing me that I can complete and surpass my goals here at TSTC.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I’ve learned a couple lessons. First, I have learned that by doing what makes me happy I will be led to many new things in life. Second, I have volunteered with soup kitchens and food pantries and it has opened my eyes to those less fortunate and how we have to show and spread love.

Who has influenced your success the most?

My parents are the two people who continuously influence me to be successful. They are my support and have always encouraged me to go for what I want in life. Finishing college and getting a good career will be my way of thanking them for all they have done for me.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

Find something that gives you the motivation to keep moving forward, and do not listen to the people who try to bring you down.

(HARLINGEN) – At least 35 Building Construction Technology and Skills USA students from Texas State Technical College are building a house to help give someone a home.

The Green Building and Construction Technology 2 classes, and Skills USA community service team gain real-world experience as they work closely with Habitat for Humanity to help make families’ dreams come true.

TSTC Building Construction Technology Instructor Rolando Cuellar said when the opportunity to partner with Habitat for Humanity was introduced one year ago, he knew it was a perfect match.

“We’ve been working with Habitat and building homes across Harlingen, while reinforcing what we teach in the classroom with hands-on experience every semester,” Cuellar said.

This is the program’s fourth house and counting. Cuellar said Habitat for Humanity has assigned them three more houses, with the next one in Primera. He added that it generally takes the students about one month to finish a house.

“This partnership has allowed our students not only to work toward their career goals, but also to help the community,” he said. “We’re excited for the future of this partnership because it is definitely worthwhile.”

Building Construction Technology student Denisse Godinez agrees that this opportunity has been a great experience and an eye opener for her.

“Being given this type of hands-on experience is invaluable to me,” she said. “Everything I’m learning I’ll be able to apply when I graduate and join my dad in the construction business.”

The mother of two said it also gives her a sense of satisfaction knowing she is helping to provide a home for a family.

“We’re not only building houses, we’re creating a place that a family can call home,” Godinez said.

Habitat for Humanity Program Director Eriberto Orta said he appreciates all the hard work and dedication TSTC has put into this partnership and helping families.

“TSTC has really become a huge support for us in Harlingen,” he said. “They have been with us literally every step of the way since our initial home in the community. They are an outlet we can count on.”

Orta said TSTC has been able to fill the volunteer gaps he faces during the week.

“During the week they’re there, no questions asked,” Orta said. “Our construction site is their learning site, and they are doing a remarkable job. They are really making a difference for our organization and the families we serve.”

Orta said he can only see this partnership growing and getting better.

To learn more about Building Construction Technology at TSTC, call 956-364-4468 or visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Francisco Vega just graduated from the Texas State Technical College Professional Driving Academy and is waiting to take his certifying exam, but he decided to get a head start on his job search during a trucking information session and job fair recently hosted by TSTC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education department.

“It’s not just about driving a truck,” he said. “There is so much more to being a truck driver than most people realize, but TSTC has prepared us for that, and by hosting this event it shows that they really do care about our success.”

This is the second year that TSTC has hosted the job fair, but it is the first year that government agencies have made presentations to academy Commercial Driver’s License students and alumni.

Those in attendance heard from representatives of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation (DOT). The representatives spoke about the increase in drug trafficking and human smuggling, as well as the rules and regulations that need to be followed while on the road.

TSTC Continuing Education Special Projects Coordinator Adan Trevino said there have been changes and updates to Department of Motor Vehicles rules and regulations that students and alumni need to be aware of.

“It’s important that our students become well-rounded drivers,” he said. “And by providing this type of outreach, we can keep them updated on changes and increase awareness on the issues drivers come across.”

Steve Rodriguez, DOT motor carrier safety inspector, said many of the challenges and accidents truck drivers face on the road are preventable.

“Our mission is to save lives by teaching safety,” he said. “And by TSTC giving us the opportunity to have these one-on-one discussions with future drivers, we get to spread our message — because it all starts with them.”

Recruiters from trucking companies Heyl, Paschall Truck Lines, Trailboss, Unimex Logistics and Werner Enterprises also took the stage to talk about their companies and the qualifications they look for in new hires.

Trevino, like Vega, said academy students and alumni want to begin their careers in the industry, and the opportunity to meet recruiters from some of the leaders in the trucking industry is an advantage many do not get.

“Looking around at today’s event, I see how engaged our students and alumni are,” he said. “It’s safe to say we’ve made an impact, and this is something we’ll continue doing for them.”

As for Vega, he was glad many of the recruiters he met were local. He hopes to stay in the Rio Grande Valley and already has a list of possible employers.

For more information on TSTC’s Professional Driving Academy, call 956-364-4503 or visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College student Alyssa Cantu is pursuing her General Academic Core and expects to complete it in 2018. She currently boasts a 3.6 grade-point average.

When the 18-year-old is not busy studying, she volunteers with her church, Lifeline Heart of Worship, as an usher and greeter.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduating from TSTC I plan on transferring to Sam Houston State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminology.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become a Forensic Psychologist. After completing my first psychology class I was interested in learning more. I did some research and came across forensics and noticed I could combine both, and since then I’ve been hooked.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment has been maintaining my grades, my GPA and making my mom proud.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

My mom has always taught me that it is important to be resilient in life, and I have always carried that with me.

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

The person at TSTC who has influenced my success the most is my Government Instructor Elizabeth Bryant. She is a very independent woman and is very dedicated to her job, teaching me and other students that dedication is important no matter what we decide to do in life.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to attend class every day. I also encourage students to get involved and attend activities on campus because this helps you meet people new people.

By Debra Gonzalez

(HARLINGEN) – Graduates of Texas State Technical College’s Medical Assistant program achieved a 100 percent passing rate on their credentialing exams last semester.

The 13 students who took the test had the option to become Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) through the American Association of Medical Assistants or Registered Medical Assistants (RMAs) through American Medical Technologists. All 13 students passed.

“Some of them decided to be certified through the American Association of Medical Assistants and some of them decided to go through American Medical Technologists,” said instructor Cinthya Valdez. “These are the two best nationally recognized credentials for medical assistants. To take those tests, candidates must be graduates of accredited programs.”

Members of the department worked together to help students prepare for their credentialing exam.

“We offered a review course. We met for three hours once a week and went over everything they learned throughout the program,” Valdez said. “We also utilized Northstar learning, a web-based review program, where they prepared with practice test questions.”

Valdez said the passing rate speaks to the quality of education the students received.

“These two are the most challenging tests out there,” she said. “Knowing that our students are fully prepared for the workforce is an advantage to our program and our students.”

Starting in the fall, the program, which currently takes 16 months to complete, will become a 12-month program.

“They can become a credentialed medical assistant in less than 12 months,” Valdez said. “The 16-month program is very draining for the students. With the new program, we’re going to prepare students at a faster pace to get them ready for the workforce in less time.”

TSTC’s Medical Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and is the only accredited program in the Rio Grande Valley.

For those interested in the Medical Assistant program, information sessions will be held starting on Monday, Feb. 20. Sessions are from 4 to 5 p.m. in room 112 and are held every two weeks on Mondays. Participants are asked to bring their immunization records, an ID and their TSI scores.

For more information on the Medical Assistant program, stop by an information session or visit tstc.edu.