(HARLINGEN) – After long, sleepless nights and a stressful year, wife and mother Kimberly Deleon found herself speaking words of wisdom and gratitude to her class, family and friends during Texas State Technical College’s Vocational Nursing Pinning Ceremony where 15 students were recognized for successfully completing all program requirements.

The pinning ceremony is described by the TSTC Vocational Nursing Program Director Adriana Hinojosa as the rite of passage into the profession of vocational nursing.

“We gather our graduate nurses here today to pass the light of knowledge to them,” said Hinojosa. “We also cap them and pin them, which symbolize a helmet and shield. They’re going into battle, and it’s now all about our patients.”

Thanks to Deleon’s academic achievements in the program, the Harlingen native was named the Vocational Nursing Class of Fall 2016 valedictorian.

“I took every semester one day and one week at a time,” said Deleon. “And here I am. Here we are. We did it. This was for my family, especially my 2-year-old son.”

Deleon, and her fellow classmate and salutatorian Hugo Garcia both agreed it was not an easy year, which makes graduating and pinning that much more special.

“This was a very emotional day. We all went through this together, not knowing what to expect,” said Deleon. “But we overcame every challenge and we’re so excited for the future. It’s only the beginning.”

Garcia said he is thankful for all of the support he has received from his class and his family.

“This experience has been intense,” said Garcia. “But I’m so proud of myself and everyone here because we finished, finally.”

Both Deleon and Hugo will take their National Council Licensure Examination to become licensed vocational nurses in January.

Deleon will work in the field prior to continuing her education, and Garcia expects to work and continue his education at TSTC to pursue an associate degree in Registered Nursing when the program initiates Fall 2017.

The capping and pinning ceremony also included an address from TSTC’s Vice President for Student Learning Hector Yanez, a message from TSTC Register Nursing Program Director Shirley Byrd, a presentation of Vocational Nursing Club officer and academic awards, and a candle lighting ceremony.

Hinojosa said she is proud of all her students because they all worked very hard to complete the program, especially because they need to be physically and mentally prepared every day for the challenges that come with pursuing a career as a vocational nurse.

“This is a very stressful field. There are long hours and you’re responsible for patients and their lives,” said Hinojosa. “But I know these students are more than ready to out there and work, and be the light of warmth, healing and comfort for their patients.”

The Vocational Nursing Pinning Ceremony is held twice a year during the Fall and Summer Semesters.

For more information on Vocational Nursing call 956-364-4969.

Registration for Spring 2017 is in progress. You can apply or register anytime at tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Luis Coronado’s father gifted his son a brand new car to celebrate his high school graduation, but with a new baby on the way and the need for a stable career, Coronado had no choice but to sell it for tuition money.

For Coronado, selling the car went a long way because he graduated Friday from Texas State Technical College with his certificate in Auto Collision Technology, and a job offer in hand.

He was among the 253 students who received certificates or associate degrees during TSTC’s Fall 2016 commencement ceremonies held at Marine Military Academy.

“This car was special to me,” said Coronado. “But sometimes, you gotta do what you got to do. And I needed money if I wanted to build a meaningful career to provide for my family.”

Prior to attending TSTC, the Mercedes native worked at the Dish Call Center in Harlingen, along with his fiancé.

“I didn’t love what I was doing. I wasn’t happy there,” said Coronado. “But it was paying the bills, especially with a baby on the way. So when I ended up leaving for TSTC, it was a huge risk.”

It was Coronado’s fiancé that was supporting both of them while he studied, but when life threw them a curveball and she was laid off from her position, they had no choice but to move back in with his parents.

“The situation wasn’t ideal,” said Coronado. “But I’m so glad she never stopped supporting my dream and my parents had our backs. I couldn’t have done any of this without these people in my life.”

The 23-year-old said having support from his instructors was also a big deal. He said they advised and encouraged him every step of the way, especially when he felt like quitting.

“Yes, I learned the foundation of auto collision and the hands-on experience was invaluable, but the help and support the instructors provide means so much more,” said Coronado. “Sometimes students like me need that push, and it makes a world of difference.”

Coronado took the support and ran with it, applying for every body shop position he could find in the Rio Grande Valley.

“Whether it was luck or my perseverance, I got a job at Tipton Ford,” said Coronado. “All I know is I’m blessed to be able to help support my family again, but this time doing what I love.”

The new Body Man Helper said his investment in TSTC was an investment in his future.

“This was a painful process and I can’t believe graduation is here. I’m trying to soak it all in,” said Coronado. “I’ve met all the right people, at the right times, and now my family has a better future ahead.”

Coronado dreams of living the American dream. Buying a home, maybe someday owning his own body shop business and making his family proud.

His instructor Jose Vasquez has no doubt in his mind that Coronado will find success.

“He’s the student that would come in early and leave late,” said Vasquez. “We’re proud of everything he’s had to overcome to find the success he has already. I’m certain with his hard work, dedication and commitment he will go far.”

Coronado said everything he did was definitely a risk, but a risk worth taking. He is beginning to see the benefits of the sacrifices he and his fiancé had to endure during his time in school.

“Everything is coming together and I couldn’t ask for anything more,” he said.

For more information on Auto Collision Technology call 956-364- 4659.

Registration for Spring 2017 is in progress. To register or apply anytime visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Andres Hinojosa is currently completing his General Academic Core at Texas State Technical College. The 18-year-old is proud of his 3.4 grade-point average and said it motivates him to keep going.

The Brownsville native said he did not apply himself very much in high school because he did not have a goal to work toward, but at TSTC he has found his purpose through volunteering. Helping people is his newfound passion, and he hopes to do that for the rest of his life.

What are your plans after graduation?

After completing my Academic Core here at TSTC I want to transfer to the University of Texas at San Antonio, and work toward medical school to pursue a degree in psychiatry.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is to become a psychiatrist to help people become the best versions of themselves. I want to impact people’s lives for the best.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been applying myself and getting good grades. I’m learning so many new study strategies and tips that will help me in the future.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned many lessons, but the one that has stuck with me is that to change personal circumstances you must change the way you think. It is your decisions that affect the outcome of life.

Who at TSTC has been the biggest influence on your success?

I can’t name anyone by name, but there have been many advisors and tutors that have motivated and guided me, which has helped in my success this far.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice to future students is to take classes, and college in general, seriously; ask a lot of questions; and have an ultimate goal to work toward.

(HARLINGEN) – From youth director to a retired United States Navy veteran, Texas State Technical College student Chris Walters never expected to end up in Texas, much less pursuing a college education.

On Friday, Walters will earn a certificate from the Medical Assistant program joining the other 253 TSTC students who are also earning a certificate or associate degree at the commencement ceremonies at Marine Military Academy.

Walters grew up in Cridersville, Ohio living with his grandmother for most of his life. He graduated from high school in 2006 and immediately enrolled at a nearby college to study Human Services. While in school he worked full-time at a local state community center as a Youth Director, but was laid off during the recession.

“I grew up relatively poor. I’ve had to work for everything I have,” said Walters. “Which means losing my job also meant leaving school.”

The 29-year-old said the military was something he kept at the back of his mind, so he took his situation as a sign to enlist. He was only 20-years-old when it happened.

“My grandma has always been supportive, but not about me enlisting,” said Walters. “She was worried about me, but I told her I would be okay.”

Walters said he was more than okay, because the Navy is what inspired him to pursue a career as a medical assistant.

The veteran served in the Navy for 5 years, before starting at TSTC in 2015. In the Navy he worked as a Hospital Corpsman and served in Japan humanitarian missions, strategizing and preparing for mass casualty situations such as nuclear warfare or natural disasters while stationed there.

“Before enlisting in the Navy, I never thought of a career in the medical field,” said Walters. “But my job in the Navy was the civilian equivalent of medical assistant and I loved helping people.”

During his last years in the Navy, Walters was placed at the Naval Air Station in Kingsville, where he met his wife of 3 years.

It was Walters’ wife who was familiar with TSTC and the type of job opportunities that were available to graduates from the college. She encouraged him to enroll.

“If not for TSTC, I don’t know where I would be or what I would be doing,” said Walters. “The college has definitely changed my life. It’s given me hope.”

Walters said he has had the best college experience at TSTC. From the Veterans Center that helped him apply and get his GI Bill in order, to his lectures and hands-on training, he feels prepared to take the medical world by storm beginning with the job offer he has already received from the medical practice of Dr. Roa and Dr. Conchas in Harlingen.

“Everyone was so helpful and truly cares about our success,” said Walters.

The medical assistant graduate will be returning to TSTC in the spring to pursue his associate degree in the same program and complete his general Academic Core so that he can begin working toward a bachelor’s degree in Medical Administration.

“I want to keep growing in the medical field. There’s no stopping now,” said Walters. “I want to be able to help as many people as I can.”

In addition to graduating, Walters was also recently pinned at a ceremony held for all medical assistant graduates symbolizing the hard work he has done, and his dedication and commitment to the field. His wife was privileged to present him with the honor.

“The pinning was extra special because my wife got to do it,” said Walters. “She has been my support and biggest cheerleader. I’ve done all of this for her and my grandma. I want to make them proud.”

TSTC Commencement Ceremonies will be held at Marine Military Academy at Yeckel Hall. There will be two ceremonies: 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

(HARLINGEN) – With tear-filled eyes, Cecilia Mendez’s mother recently had the honor of pinning her daughter during Texas State Technical College’s Fall 2016 Medical Assistant Pinning Ceremony.

“Today reflects the hard work that my daughter has put into her studies,” said Lucero Mendez. “I’m so proud of her. I’ve always dreamed of a special day like this for my daughter. I knew she could do it.”

The pinning ceremony signifies a student’s official initiation into the brotherhood and sisterhood of medical assistants.

Mendez was one of 14 Medical Assistant students who were pinned at the ceremony. She also had the honor of being selected the class’s keynote speaker.

“Speaking to you tonight is a privilege. We have really formed a family,” Mendez told her fellow classmates and instructors. “I want to thank all of you for your support. We’ve done this together. And of course to my parents, thank you for always believing in me and my decisions.”

The 21-year-old was selected as speaker by her Medical Assistant Instructor Cinthya Valdez.

Valdez said Mendez was selected for her leadership and service to the program and community.

“Cecilia always goes that extra mile and shows a true desire to learn,” said Valdez. “She wants to eventually become a nurse and I think she will make an excellent one. We are very proud of her.”

Valdez said Mendez has been actively involved in the Medical Assistant Student Club and has made herself available for every community service event, and has contributed greatly with donations for the annual Christmas toy drive.

Despite her enthusiasm, life was not always easy for Mendez during her time in the program. The Brownsville native worked the graveyard shift at a nursing home in her hometown, giving her an average of only three hours of sleep per night after homework and studying.

Additionally, Mendez suffered the significant losses of a couple of her biggest supporters.

“Both my nephew and my grandmother passed away. They always believed in me,” said Mendez. “My success is their success. I promised them I would finish and make my dreams come true, and that is what I plan on doing for them.”

Mendez is already looking forward to beginning her career at Valley Children’s Center in Harlingen as a medical assistant. She received her job prior to graduating from the program.

What else is in her future?

“I’m already looking into the LVN program here at TSTC,” she said. “I hope I get in. Ultimately though, I dream of becoming a registered nurse.”

The Medical Assistant Pinning Ceremony is held annually to recognize and honor students like Mendez, who have completed all required coursework and clinical hours needed to graduate from the program.

Following the pinning ceremony, students read the medical assistant creed, a vow all aspiring medical assistants take promising to aspire, protect, dedicate, strengthen and remain true to their profession, while holding a lighted candle, which symbolizes service and caring.

“The lighting of the candle is the passing of knowledges and symbolizes the bright light of hope these students will be for their patients,” said Alicia Lugo, medical assistant department chair.

“This is a celebration of the hard work and dedication it takes students to enter the profession,” she said.

Mendez and her peers were among the 253 students who graduated at TSTC’s Commencement Ceremonies Friday night held at Marine Military Academy.

For more information on the Medical Assistant program please call 956-364-4806. Registration for Spring 2017 is in progress. You can apply or register anytime at tstc.edu.