Category Archives: All TSTC

Building Construction Technology at TSTC offers education for rapidly growing career

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Whether to be on the forefront of construction projects or supervising during the making of the next great skyscraper, Building Construction Technology at Texas State Technical College prepares students for careers in the constantly evolving field of construction.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this field will continue to grow by 11 percent through 2028, much faster than average. TSTC gives students the essential tools they need to head into this occupation with confidence.

“We teach the skills that encompass nearly every aspect of construction included in residential and commercial construction and management,” said lead Building Construction Technology instructor Rick Vargas. “Our curriculum provides a look into the construction industry that will help our students to find a job in a field they love.”

While Building Construction Technology does include construction management, there are also many additional career paths that students will be prepared for.

“After studying at TSTC, a student can become an Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspector, project manager, estimator, and any type of subcontractor,” Vargas said. “Several of our graduates even opened their own construction companies right after graduation and have been very successful.”

TSTC maintains high standards to ensure that students receive the training that will give them an edge in the job market, which is one aspect that makes studying the program at TSTC different than at any other college.

“Our program prides itself on having the best hands-on curriculum in the Rio Grande Valley,” Vargas said. “We have a multitude of projects going up in different classes that students love doing. It is hard work, but it is definitely a payoff to build something from start to finish throughout their time in our program.”

Statewide department chair Tony Chaffin reiterated that at TSTC, hands-on learning for Building Construction Technology is vital.

“While we do teach the textbook knowledge that all such trade programs teach, 80 percent of our technical classes have four hours per week of hands-on labs,” he said. “Students are able to touch and use the tools, materials and methods that we are teaching them about in the classroom or online. Putting on that tool belt is why our students come to TSTC.”

Building Construction Technology is an area that Vargas said is not slowing down anytime soon.

“Civilization will always need construction workers to build new buildings, repair broken or damaged buildings, or rebuild when natural disasters occur,” he said. “Construction is an essential part of human civilization.”

Chaffin added that the expanding Texas population only means a greater outlook for jobs in the industry.

“Construction is vital to our society and economy,” he said. “Texas’ population is exploding as people and companies are flocking to our state. With growth expected to continue, we are very optimistic about the many rewarding career opportunities out there in construction.”

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

 

TSTC Graduate Grows Into Career

(WACO, Texas) – The last three years will be a period that Holly Herbelin will not forget.

Herbelin dealt with family health issues and worked through the COVID-19 pandemic to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management Technology from Texas State Technical College. She completed the online program in August.

“You really have to be motivated to get your studies done if you are completely online and working,” Herbelin said.

Herbelin works at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center –  Hillcrest in Waco. She worked for18 years in the radiology department as a patient service specialist before taking a new job within the hospital in May as a supervisor of clinic operations – imaging services.

“That is the job I ultimately wanted to have,” she said.

She took her laptop to work, and whenever she could get a few spare minutes, even if it would be in the middle of a 12-hour shift before the sun rose, she would do homework.

“I would steal every single minute, every hour, during the day, night and weekends, to get everything done,” Herbelin said. “I tried to stay on top of it.”

She said that toward the end of her studies she could feel burnout coming on. She did not take a semester off during her studies.

“Holly demonstrated above-average scholastic capabilities and leadership skills while enrolled in my cooperative education course,” said Connie Moncus, an instructor in TSTC’s Business Management Technology program. “As a student, she expressed motivation through her thorough presentations, her challenging input and her insightful expositions.”

Steven Szymoniak, an instructor in TSTC’s Business Management Technology program, admired Herbelin’s work ethic throughout her time at TSTC.

“She is a very tenacious and focused student on her commitment and dedication toward success,” Szymoniak said.

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

TSTC Cybersecurity Program Plans to Revamp Certificate Curriculum

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Students in Texas State Technical College’s Cybersecurity program will have another option available to make themselves more marketable starting next summer.

Students who graduate with the Associate of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity can choose to pursue a Digital Forensics Specialist advanced technical certificate. The certificate has traditionally been offered in Waco, but an updated curriculum is being expanded to other TSTC campuses with Cybersecurity programs: Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas and Williamson County. 

The Cybersecurity program is offered online, with the updated certificate program soon to follow.

“When a student logs in, they could be getting any Cybersecurity instructor statewide,” said Amy Hertel, a TSTC Cybersecurity program instructor. “We have spread out the classes so we are all a team now.”

Graduates can go on to become digital forensics analysts or forensic computer examiners, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These jobs can fall under the umbrella of forensic science technicians, which had a median annual wage of $59,150 in May 2019, according to the agency. 

The need for digital forensic science technicians is projected to rise nationally to about 19,600 jobs up to 2029, according to the bureau. 

Some of East Texas’ larger law enforcement agencies, such as the Longview Police Department and the Tyler Police Department, have employees who work with digital forensics.

Chris Taylor, a detective at the Longview Police Department, said cybersecurity is a small part of his work. He said most of his work involves robbery and murder cases.

“Technology is designed to make our lives better, but not always easier when it comes to attempting to extract data from them in a forensically sound manner,” he said. 

Dennis Mathews, a detective at the Tyler Police Department, said people entering the field should know about logical data structures used in computers and mobile devices, operating systems and file systems.

“With the increasing capacity of mobile devices and computers, the time it takes to conduct a forensic investigation can vary greatly,” he said. “Some phones have taken over nine hours to extract the data, while others only take 15 minutes. Computers with terabytes of memory can take days or weeks to extract and review the data.”

Mathews said patience and the ability to handle problems as they arise are also good qualities to have to do the work.

“Being able to extract the data from the electronic devices is the first challenging step,” he said. “Parsing and carving through the evidence is the next challenge, but totally worth it when you find the evidence needed to make a solid case or exonerate someone who is not guilty.”

The Texas Department of Public Safety’s hiring process for digital forensic science examiner jobs in the DPS Crime Lab is competitive, according to information from the agency’s media and communications office. The agency considers hiring applicants with professional experience but can train potential employees in its internal training program. The state crime lab handles cases ranging from theft to capital murder. 

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

TSTC Culinary Instructor Receives National Recognition

(WACO, Texas) – A Culinary Arts instructor at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus has received the highest recognition given by the American Culinary Federation.

Michele Brown has received the organization’s 2020 Presidential Medallion Award. 

“This is presented in recognition of outstanding representation of the ACF’s fundamental principles,” Brown said.

She said the award shows TSTC students that they can make a long and gratifying career for themselves in culinary arts.

“It sets the tone for the program,” Brown said. “We are a group of professionals teaching professionals. I take my role here extremely seriously, as I do with almost every aspect of my professional life.”

Len Pawelek, statewide chair of TSTC’s Culinary Arts department, is proud of her achievement.

“This rare award is a recognition and celebration of her dedication to serving the ACF, the culinary industry and higher education,” he said. “Our TSTC students and staff are inspired by Chef Brown’s continued excellence in all she does.”

This newest recognition is just one more step in Brown’s career.

Brown has participated three times in the IKA/Culinary Olympics. She also provided support for Epicurean World Master Chefs Society members Patrick Mitchell and Morris Salerno on the gold medal-winning regional Texas team at the 2014 Expogast Villeroy & Boch Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg.

She earned the Certified Baker designation from the American Institute of Baking in 2010 and the Certified Executive Pastry Chef credential from the American Culinary Federation in 2017.

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

TSTC Drafting and Design students learn more than building design

(ABILENE, Texas) – Students will be able to design more than buildings when they complete Texas State Technical College’s Drafting and Design program.

Instructor Justin Price said students will have the skills to work in different industries, including the oil and gas industry.

“Our graduates will be well rounded to go into the architectural field or any other field that involves design,” Price said.

One of those areas is the oil and natural gas industry in West Texas. Price said graduates could be employed by companies such as Chevron, Conoco or Kinder Morgan because of TSTC’s advanced pipe and basic pipe curriculum.

“Our graduates will not be specific to just drawing buildings. They will be able to hit the ground running in designing something once they start a job,” Price said.

Drafters will work to put their ideas into a drawing that will detail the size, shape, materials and other specifications needed in a project. Texas employs the second-most drafters in the nation, and Price said there is always a demand in the field.

The TSTC program is offered completely online, and Price said that has helped draw students looking to expand their resume.

“We have seen a steady incline in students in West Texas,” he said. “During this time of COVID-19, the oil and gas industry has been shutting down some of its rigs, so some people are moving to bigger companies.”

Because of the wide range of oil and gas equipment in West Texas, companies need to document where the equipment is located. That is where a drafter comes into the picture.

“Companies have to document so many pieces of equipment a year, and that takes drafters,” Price said. “They are out there documenting what is in the field. We will train our graduates to use various methods to complete that type of project.”

The West Texas program is available through the Abilene, Brownwood and Sweetwater campuses. Price said instructors have been working to move the program completely online for some time, and it was a smooth transition this fall.

“We were geared up to tackle any problems we might encounter so we could be ready to rock this fall,” he said. “Students can complete our program anywhere in the state.”

Students have the option to learn during live online sessions or prerecorded sessions. Price said instructors also use online video services to interact with students.

“We want to keep the students engaged during the program,” he said. 

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC student grateful for online Health Information program

(ABILENE, Texas) – Jamie Nowotny is taking advantage of Texas State Technical College’s online Health Information Technology program this fall.

The first-semester student said she wanted to pursue a certificate in the medical records field but did not have time to be in the classroom.

“The only way I would be able to attend school was to have the program completely online,” she said.

The reason Nowotny needed an online program was to balance her job as a certified nursing assistant and an activities director at Mesa Springs Healthcare Center in Abilene.

“I work full time, almost 80 hours a week at Mesa Springs,” she said. “I work during the day and come home and do my schoolwork.”

Nowotny said the instructors have made it easier for her to communicate with them, even though she is at work during the day.

“They are working with me and are quick to respond to any of my questions,” she said. “They are very understanding of my situation.”

She said today’s “new normal” makes it easier for students to adjust to online learning.

“I just think with this new normal that everyone wants to be safer,” she said. “There is so much unknown with COVID. We are learning new things daily with this pandemic and have to adjust.”

Nowotny said she wanted to learn about medical records because her husband will be retiring from the U.S. Air Force in the next few years. When he retires, they plan to move to San Antonio.

“I wanted to get my feet wet with health information technology before we move,” she said.

Nowotny, a native of Greenville, grew up in Arizona and is no stranger to working hard. She admitted that she wanted to go to college, but because of financial issues she could not immediately further her higher education.

When her husband was transferred to Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, she earned a CNA degree and was hired by Mesa Springs. It did not take long for the company to promote her to activities director. 

Nowotny knows that adding certification in health records to her resume will help advance her career.

“You could say I am a jack-of-all-trades,” she said. “Once I get the HIT certificate, it will help me expand my career further.”

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Graduate Profile: Marisela Ferrer

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Succeeding in a predominantly male field is nothing new for Marisela Ferrer. After taking welding courses in high school, the Beasley native wanted to further her skills in another surprising industry, and she chose to attend Texas State Technical College to receive a certificate in Diesel Equipment Technology. The 20-year-old is ready to get to work and has proven that she is not afraid to get her hands dirty.

Why did you decide to pursue Diesel Equipment Technology?

I took welding courses in high school. Welding is a male-dominated field, and it showed me the perspective of entering a male workplace. While I enjoyed the work, I enjoyed proving people wrong more. I then decided to prove a point by getting my degree.

Do you have any favorite TSTC memories?

My favorite memory is when I was a part-time worker. We had on-campus events, and the other programs got to interact with one another. We had a water dunk tank and snow cones. The staff and I participated in the dunk tank.

How has TSTC helped prepare you for your career?

They helped me by showing me what day-to-day scenarios would be like in a real-life situation. I was given a lot of insight on jobs and what to be aware of.

Did you face any challenges on your journey to graduation?

The most challenging thing that happened on the road to graduation was becoming a mother and having to balance new parenthood while having schoolwork.

What has been your greatest sense of accomplishment to date?

Despite all the hardships and setbacks of working full time and being a parent, I managed to get my certificate before age 21.

What words of advice would you give to others who are about to start their journey at TSTC?

Take the experience seriously, and attendance is key. While the campus is fun and offers a lot to do, don’t get too distracted.

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC alumna becomes instructor to share passion for surgical technology

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – After completing the Surgical Technology program at Texas State Technical College in 2002, Yolanda Ramirez worked as a surgical technologist for seven years. Then, in 2009, she decided to bring her knowledge and refined skills back to TSTC to help educate future generations of surgical technologists.

She discussed her time working in the field, as well as how her experience is now helping students in the classroom.

“I decided to become an instructor because I enjoy teaching,” she said. “I wanted to share my passion for surgical technology with others.”

Ramirez’s skills in the classroom are beneficial for her students, but her work experience is something that allows students to receive genuine insight from someone who has already had a career outside the program.

“I was able to get experience in various specialties,” she said. “I started my career in obstetrics and gynecology, and then transitioned to the main operating room, where I specialized in neuro and cardiothoracic surgery. I believe my operating room experience has helped shape me into a better instructor. I am not only able to teach students about surgical procedures they can find in their books, but I can also share my personal experiences with them.”

Ramirez said that getting to utilize both of her passions, surgical technology and teaching, has made her career that much more meaningful.

“I enjoy being able to get the best of both worlds,” she said. “I still get to go into the operating room and watch my students be part of surgical procedures. Watching my students grow while they are in the program, seeing them learn and absorb all the new skills and techniques, and watching them set up and perform a surgical case with minimal assistance, are all steps I get to see. It is so rewarding to watch them grow throughout the program and become successful surgical technologists in the operating room.”

The joy she receives from her career is evident.

“I love that we are a vital part of the operating room team,” she said. “We are able to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful surgery.”

To learn more about TSTC’s Surgical Technology program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/SurgicalTechnology.

TSTC gifts graduates during Grad Swag Pickup

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Some enthusiastic Texas State Technical College summer 2020 graduates recently made their way back to campus to celebrate their achievement with a Grad Swag Pickup. They drove up to a designated area to receive a diploma cover, as well as a TSTC-branded face mask and yard sign.

“We are proud of our students and wanted to recognize this accomplishment beyond our virtual graduation,” said Larissa Moreno, a coordinator of new student orientation and activities. “We gifted them with a yard sign that says, ‘I’m a Proud TSTC Grad!’ and a ‘TSTC Strong’ face mask because that is what they are — strong.”

The event exemplified how TSTC cares about its students’ success even after they receive their diplomas or certificates.

“Our students should be proud of their accomplishments,” Moreno said. “For some, graduation was the closing of one chapter and the beginning of a new one. We were there to encourage them and cheer them on.”

Enrollment management senior staff assistant Lisa Garza reiterated that students appreciated the effort from TSTC staff.

“I truly believe our students appreciated that we put the time and effort into making this experience memorable for them,” she said. “I honestly was not sure what the attendance would look like, but I was amazed with the 100-student turnout.”

Moreno said that it was not just students who showed up at the event to celebrate.

“We saw mom, dad, grandma, grandpa and best friends in the cars that came through with their phones ready to capture this moment,” she said. “(Some had) tears in their eyes, excited conversations with our provost about their new jobs, and just genuine appreciation for TSTC.”

Garza echoed the statement.

“It was such a fun and rewarding experience to see graduates come by with their loved ones,” she said. “Families were even recording their graduates receiving their goodies. It was two hours of cheering, laughing, clapping and happy tears.”

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

 

Visual Communication Technology at TSTC invites creativity

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College has embraced remote learning, and despite studying off campus, students are still assured the same hands-on guidance that TSTC provides to students studying on campus.

Department chair JJ Vavra discussed the fundamentals of TSTC’s Visual Communication Technology program, its benefits, and what students will learn during their five semesters in the program.

How does Visual Communication Technology differ from Digital Media Design?

Both Digital Media Design and Visual Communication Technology help to train graphic design professionals. Digital Media Design concentrates on multimedia, video and photography in the last three semesters, and Visual Communication Technology concentrates on a very specific realm throughout the entire program: advertising using the print medium.

What can students expect to learn in this program?

The Visual Communication Technology program specializes in training students to become professional graphic designers. Students also learn to work in real-world collaborative groups and scenarios just like working creative professionals.

Will students receive the same support that TSTC is known for?

Of course. TSTC is known for its hands-on learning and mentoring and has adapted to the change in the industry very quickly. Even though our modality is online, our program has created a face-to-face-like environment. Every class has a “live lecture” hour once a week.

What are some characteristics that students should have to succeed in the program?

Creativity, consistency, problem-solving skills, and a desire to constantly learn. Something you may have created last year may not be how you would design it this current year. This process is ever changing, and as long as you are humble enough, you can embrace new ideas from others.

Why do you believe Visual Communication Technology is a great option for students?

The most appealing features of our program are creativity, technology and experience. For those who dream of using their artistic abilities for a living, the program offers many opportunities. Students gain experience from faculty, who are industry experts; with design software as they learn to create logos, layouts and publications for class assignments; as well as with internships. Our online program provides an affordable and accessible path to employment.

To learn more about Visual Communication Technology at TSTC, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/VisualCommunicationTechnology.