(HARLINGEN) – Maribel Tovar is in her last semester at Texas State Technical College. The La Feria native will be graduating Spring 2017 with her associate degree in Health Information Technology.

The 25-year-old said she became interested in Health Information Technology when she realized her dream of working in the medical field could come true without the needles or blood. She said she has a knack for helping others and she feels that through this career she will still be able to help patients.

When Maribel is not studying for class, she is attending meetings and staying active with the American Health Information Management Association chapter in the Rio Grande Valley, learning more about policies and procedures in her field.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I hope to get my Registered Health Information Technician Certification, a national certification that will prepare me for  more job opportunities and allow me to work anywhere in the United States.

What’s your dream job?

My dream is to find a good job in my field here in the Valley where I live.  However, if I have to, I am willing to move to San Antonio or Austin. I would also love to do humanitarian work in my free time.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

I’ve always been an introvert, really quiet and shy, but during my time here at TSTC I have really grown as a person and have become more social. This is a huge accomplishment for me.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I’ve learned to not give up so quickly when things don’t work out. Eventually, everything comes together because if there is something I really want then I have to try hard to get it.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

My instructor Ana Gonzalez has been my greatest influence at TSTC. She is always pushing us to do better and motivating us to do the best we can.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want to tell future TSTC students to find a field they really enjoy, something they can see themselves doing for a long time and to move forward with their goals until they realize their dreams.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College alumnus Jose Rangel did not always know what he wanted to be when he grew up, but thanks to TSTC he has found his passion and a new career he loves.

The San Benito native graduated from high school in 2007 and immediately enrolled at what was the University of Texas at Brownsville and at TSTC.

“I tried college right after high school, but I couldn’t find my calling,” said Rangel. “I felt lost. I didn’t know what to do.”

So, the 28-year-old decided to work odd jobs. Every part-time and full-time job was temporary, and Rangel knew the answer to his problems was going back to school.

“There was never a doubt I wanted a college education,” said Rangel. “My parents came from Mexico and wanted me to have a better life and I wanted to do this for them.”

Rangel said he not only wanted a college degree, but he was a first-generation college student and he wanted to be the first in his family to graduate.

“My parents only completed up to the fifth grade and neither of my three older sisters went to college,” he said.

One of Rangel’s motivating factors was being a good example for his nieces and nephews. He said he wanted to show them that anything is possible; even going back to school.

In the fall of 2013 Rangel enrolled again at TSTC to pursue an associate degree in Wind Energy Technology.

Rangel said he made his program choice based on his research. He found Wind Energy to be one of the top 10 jobs to have a high rate of employment. In fact, according to the American Wind Energy Association and the U.S. Department of Labor, Wind Energy technician is the fastest growing profession in the United States.

“I wanted a stable job and I was ready to take the next step,” said Rangel. “It may have taken me awhile to get here, but I made it.”

Rangel took the untraditional route of leaving in the middle of his program to work in his field as a traveling Wind Turbine Technician with Cooke Electric.

“It wasn’t my dream job, but it gave me the experience I needed,” said Rangel. “I learned a lot about myself, what I wanted and how we all start at the bottom, but if I wanted to move up in my field I needed to finish college.”

After one year at Cooke, Rangel returned to TSTC to earn his associate degree in Spring 2016.

“I don’t know who was prouder, my parents or me,” said Rangel.

The alumnus credits a lot of his success to Wind Energy Technology Lead Instructor David Gomez.

“There were many times throughout this journey that I second guessed myself and my path,” said Rangel. “But he kept pushing me and telling me I could do it and that he believed in me.”

Gomez said Rangel was one of his best students.

“Despite his difficult background, he worked hard and it paid off,” he said. “And I have to give him kudos for returning. Most students who leave to work, never come back. He has a bright future.”

Ultimately, Rangel realized his dream of staying in the Valley and working with Duke Energy in Lyford, where he is now a Wind Turbine Technician.

“Coming back to school and earning my degree was definitely a challenge, but it was worth it,” he said. “The hands-on training, the lessons in the classroom and the instructors prepared me and gave me the confidence I needed to pursue a career at Duke Energy.”

Rangel said finding a career and getting hired at Duke Energy is his perfect love story.

Wind Energy Technology is offered at TSTC’s Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses.

For more information on Wind Energy Technology call 956-364-4729.

(HARLINGEN) – If you need one-on-one help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) join Texas State Technical College for its Fourth Annual Super Saturday on February 11.

The event will be held at the TSTC Student Support Service building from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  It is open to any new or current college student needing assistance completing his/her FAFSA or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) no matter what local institution of higher education a student attends or decides to attend: TSTC, Texas Southmost College, South Texas College or the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

“When it comes to financial aid, the earlier a student applies the better,” said Fred Peña, financial aid director at TSTC. “We can award aid earlier and be sure that students are prepared when it comes to paying tuition and other expenses for the upcoming Fall 2017 semester.”

Prior to Super Saturday students and at least one parent need to apply for a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID and bring it with them to complete their FAFSA. The FSA is a number used to access personal financial aid information and is used as an electronic signature for Department of Education websites.

Students and parents are also encouraged to come prepared with their completed 2015 tax return with W-2 statements, or if a tax return was not completed, a W-2 with any other income forms such as a 1099.

Peña said Super Saturday also serves undocumented students who are looking to receive financial help for college by providing them and their families with information on TASFA and help completing the forms.

“There is help available for everyone, we don’t want anyone to feel discouraged,” said Peña.

Super Saturday will also include financial literacy workshops, campus tours and a college information fair with instructors and students from TSTC’s programs on hand to provide course information and answer any questions. Veteran Services will also be readily available to help veterans with benefit questions.

Students at the event will also have the opportunity to register to win one of two $250 scholarships being raffled that day. The scholarship can only be used if the student is or will be attending TSTC.

“We are looking to promote change in the time frame students apply for financial aid,” said Peña. “We’re aiming to bring awareness on the benefits of applying early.”

Super Saturday is the combined effort of RGV Focus, an organization committed to uniting communities for education success, and a creating a partnership created between the institutions of higher education in the Rio Grande Valley.

For more information on Super Saturday contact the TSTC Financial Aid office at 956-364-4330.

(HARLINGEN) – Kassandra Martinez is pursuing an associate degree in Business Management Technology. The Brownsville native expects to graduate Fall 2019.

The 19-year-old said it was at TSTC that she began to realize her dream of becoming a fashion designer and business owner.

“In high school I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life,” said Martinez. “But after starting my business classes I thought why not combine it with my love for fashion and become a business owner. I finally felt like I had something to work toward.”

When time permits Martinez volunteers with the TSTC Service Squad and the Wellness Sports Center.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate from TSTC I hope to attend the Art Institute of California-San Francisco to earn a degree in Fashion.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to own my own fashion business and with both degrees I know this is feasible. I want to design and sell clothing, shoes and accessories. I hope to grow this company nationally as well as internationally, because I’ve always dreamed about traveling the world.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been finding my dream and successfully passing my classes with A’s and B’s.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I’ve learned patience. It’s important to remember that things always fall into place and happen when they’re meant to happen.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

My College Success Instructor John Hensley has influenced my success the most. At one time I was working and going to school full-time and I started falling behind in my courses. He was always there for me and he gave me advice. He taught me time management. This has been one of the greatest lessons he could have taught me because it will serve me well for  the rest of my life.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I advise future TSTC students to always go to class, be prepared, get involved and make friends. Your college experience is what you make of it.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College recently hosted more than 100 students from eight high schools located in Cameron County for the first “College Connection Experience.”

These students are part of the Region One Gear Up program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The partnership between 30 Rio Grande Valley high schools aims to increase the number of students who graduate from high school and enroll in post-secondary institutions.

The students who visited TSTC are in their senior year and have been followed by the Gear Up program since seventh grade. After completing the annual ACT Engage Survey, these students showed no interest in attending college after high school.

“The results we received told us that these students could benefit from additional opportunities to explore colleges and career opportunities,” said Region One Education Specialist Angela Delamar. “And from what I’ve been told by my colleagues, TSTC has worked their magic once again.”

Delamar said she had an overwhelming number of students who were reluctant to attend college, but left the event ready to apply and attend TSTC.

“Our students said they felt supported by the staff at TSTC,” said Delamar. “Many explained they see their next step and are ready to start TSTC, a place where they feel they finally fit in.”

During the “College Experience Connection,” the group of high school seniors had the opportunity to hear from TSTC’s Provost Dr. Stella Garcia, participate in ice breakers and take a tour of the campus.

Additionally, students attended sessions on the benefits of attending college and TSTC admissions and financial aid processes. They also heard from TSTC student ambassadors about overcoming barriers.

TSTC’s Director of Student Recruitment Dora Colvin, like Delamar, is excited to see that this event had a successful outcome.

“This event was a true success,” said Colvin. “They enjoyed meeting staff and students and learning what TSTC offers. I was so impressed with these students and their questions. They were so engaged.”

Colvin said many of the students in attendance had already applied to TSTC, but those that had not were inspired and applied that day.

“This day made a positive impact on their lives,” said Colvin.

In April, the same group of students will return to TSTC for career exploration, where they will have the opportunity of participating in in-depth tours of the programs they listed on their college applications as careers they are interested in pursuing.

Finally, in June, these students will return for New Student Orientation.

“TSTC is working hard to try to address every concern and question these students have about pursuing a higher education,” said Delamar. “Their goal is to remove any barrier or obstacle keeping them from attending college, and this event was a turn in the right direction. I’m excited it was such a huge success.”

To apply to TSTC visit tstc.edu. New student registration for Summer and Fall 2017 begins April 3. For more information call 956-364-4119.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College’s Continuing Education recently earned an electrical certification through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), giving the college the opportunity to create its first NCCER Electrical Level 1 course.

NCCER Electrical Level 1 is now added to NCCER Construction and NCCER Welding already offered through the department.

The 224-hour electrical course consists of NCCER Core, NCCER Electrical, and safety and forklift components. Those who enroll in the course can expect to learn the foundation of safety, communication skills and construction drawings to the theory of residential electrical circuits.

“Many of the employers out there require their employees to obtain additional NCCER certifications or continuing education hours,” said Myra Deleon, TSTC Continuing Education project manager. “So for many being able to earn these certifications locally is a convenience.”

In addition to the basic electrical wiring training, students will also become forklift-certified and will become familiar with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

According to Deleon, this NCCER certification can help graduates qualify for electrical jobs anywhere throughout the United States. The additional forklift and OSHA trainings also make students more marketable.

“This course has a big impact for anyone pursuing electrical occupations,” said Deleon. “It can give someone a step up and make them competitive when pursuing a job, or maybe help someone get a promotion.”

The NCCER Electrical Level 1 course is held in the evening and open to anyone in or pursuing a career in the industry.

“Most of our continuing education students hold full-time jobs or take classes at the college full-time,” said Deleon. “So evening courses open up our classes to more people.”

Enrollment for the June 2017 cohort opens in March. Registration is open up to the first day of class on June 5. There are no eligibility requirements to enroll.

Deleon said class tuition and books are generally sponsored by an employer, Motivation Education and Training, Inc., or through a Workforce Solutions grant.

For more information on the NCCER course and tuition sponsors call TSTC Continuing Education at 956-364-4567.