Category Archives: All TSTC

TSTC Graduate Profile: Stanley Harris

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Stanley Harris recently received his Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology from Texas State Technical College. The job security that comes from a career in welding is what motivated him to pursue welding technology, and he is thankful for the education he received while at TSTC.

What was your experience like at TSTC?

My experience at TSTC was great. The instructors really showed a lot of care when it came to the education of all us welders in the class, and they pushed us beyond our limits when it came to the skill of welding.

Do you have any favorite TSTC memories?

My favorite TSTC memory has to be all the hard work I put into welding every day, and learning via Moodle, allowing me to become a better welder. That made me very proud.

How has TSTC helped prepare you for your career?

TSTC equipped me with all the tools and knowledge I need to know in the field, so I know I will succeed.

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

Every day, put your focus toward mastering your craft. It is your future.

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Graduate Honored With Campus Award

(WACO, Texas)  – When Nancy Talley graduated from Texas State Technical College in August, she learned she was the recipient of a special award: the Mike Torres Jr. Leadership Award. 

Talley, of Waco, worked in technology sales for several years and took a couple of courses along the way at a four-year university. She then decided to pursue work that was more hands-on, so she went into bartending.

“It got monotonous,” Talley said. “I needed something that challenged my mind and helped me think. I wanted to get more settled, more into a routine.”

Talley began classes at TSTC’s Waco campus in fall 2018. She graduated in August with associate degrees in Environmental Technology – Compliance and Occupational Safety Compliance Technology.

“It is important that we protect people and our environment so others can have jobs and they can go to work and come home safely to be with their families,” she said. “We can provide a better place on Earth for everyone to live.”

Talley said some of the work she enjoyed in her programs took place in her Site Assessment and Safety Training Presentation Techniques courses. She also did an internship at ARC Abatement Inc. in Waco, where she learned about asbestos and lead abatement. One of the projects Talley worked on was creating a condensed version of the company’s safety guidelines for workers to use in the field.

Talley was nominated for the Torres award by Lester Bowers, TSTC’s statewide chair of the Environmental Technology department.

“Nancy is a well-disciplined, industrious student with a pleasant personality,” Bowers said in his award nomination letter. “Not only was she interested in and motivated to learn the material, but she also put great work into assimilating it into her own experience and developing her own ideas about each environmental topic that we discussed.”

The Mike Torres Jr. Leadership Award is given to honor the memory of Waco native Mike Torres Jr., who taught in TSTC’s Digital Media and Design program until his death in 2005. Torres graduated from Reicher High School and TSTC’s Commercial Art Advertising and Integrated Digital Image program, according to the Waco Tribune-Herald. 

The award signifies qualities that Torres was known for: courage, honesty and integrity. The award is given each semester at commencement to a candidate for graduation who is nominated by faculty or staff members. The award was first given in fall 2011, according to TSTC archival information.

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

Agility, fitness important for TSTC Wind Energy students

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Climbing a wind turbine is not as easy as it looks.

First-year students in Texas State Technical College’s Wind Energy Technology program are getting in shape for such climbs. Over the first two weeks of the semester, students had to stretch and prepare their bodies for the remainder of the program.

“We have stretched a lot to begin the program,” said Hunter Anglin, of Roscoe. “I started working out some before beginning school. I am happy I did that now.”

Anglin’s stepfather works for a crane company that is used by wind turbine crews in West Texas.

“He has taken me out there a few times in the past, and I was always fascinated by what I saw,” Anglin said.

He said the best advice his stepfather gave him was to go to college.

“He told me that I need to know what I am doing. He said it would be better to get a job knowing something than going in and not knowing anything,” Anglin said.

Evan Cheyne, of Jayton, said he is also preparing himself for future climbs. Knowing that he would need to be in shape was something he learned during a TSTC highlight day at Aspermont High School last spring.

The Wind Energy Technology department allowed students from Fisher, Kent and Stonewall counties to rappel down the mobile lab. It was part of a highlight day announcing the scholarship opportunity funded by California-based BayWa r.e. Wind.

“I talked to my counselors, and they told me about the scholarship. I was able to go down the tower, and I loved it,” he said. “If I did not get the scholarship, I probably would not be able to attend school.”

Cheyne said he liked how current TSTC students presented themselves in Aspermont. He added that was another reason why he chose to attend TSTC.

“Everyone has been quite accepting of the students. The third- and fourth-semester students have been helpful with anything we need,” he said.

Both students are looking forward to the program, knowing that at some point they will be able to climb turbines.

“I have to be in good shape to do that, so working out now is important,” Cheyne said.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC students learn to use a robotic arm with Lincoln Logs

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Students in Texas State Technical College’s Electromechanical Technology program begin the day using an unusual combination: Lincoln Logs and a robotic arm.

During lab sessions, students practice moving a robotic arm through a log structure to drop a pin from its perch. The goal is to move the pin without knocking over any of the logs. It is one of the best ways for students to focus on the tasks ahead, said instructor Jeff Olney.

“I have always been interested in learning how machines work,” said Noah Grant, a first-year student from Snyder.

Grant focused intently as he maneuvered the robotic arm through the small opening to drop the pin, but he admitted that it took him time to get the hang of it.

“It was a little strange setting it up, but once you get in the groove, it is fun and exciting,” he said. “I wanted to stay after class and work on it some more.”

During the program, which is available at the Sweetwater campus exclusively, students will combine computers with control, electrical and mechanical systems that can be used to power machines in a variety of industries.

Kristopher Talamantes, a U.S. Air Force veteran from San Angelo, had some prior knowledge in the field. He was an electrician in the military before beginning classes at TSTC.

“I figured since I was out of the military, this would be the next step for me. It is in the same field I was working in, and this will help me expand my knowledge,” he said.

Talamantes toured TSTC in high school but opted for a career in the military. He knew that TSTC would be an option to further his education after his service.

“I was excited to come to school,” he said. “We started using the robotic arm on the first day. I was ready to come back to class and do it again.”

Talamantes said he looks forward to learning about all aspects of Electromechanical Technology.

“This is going to prepare me for working with the robot, as well as teaching me patience,” he said. “I am looking forward to learning how things work.”

As for choosing a career, students will have options after graduation. Grant said he would like to work in an electrical substation or a manufacturing plant.

“I think it would be pretty fun to design and sell machines,” he said.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Faith helped TSTC student persevere

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Trials and tribulations come in many shapes and sizes. For recent Texas State Technical College graduate Gracie Arias, those trials and tribulations came when she was about to begin her second semester on the path to an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing.

That was when her doctor said, “The tumor is malignant.”

Now healthy and with her degree under her belt, Arias is ready to become a positive light for others in a field that helped save her life.

“I initially pursued nursing about 22 years ago,” she said. “At the time, I was married, and I had children. My husband and I also own a gym. So I put a pause on my nursing journey, and I directed my path toward raising my children and continuing with our business.”

Advice from her children, who have all received their college degrees, is what motivated her to reignite the flame for nursing that she had two decades ago.

“My children have already graduated,” she said. “Once they finished, they told me, ‘Mom, now it’s your turn.’”

Despite Arias’ excitement to begin her path to nursing, an extremely unexpected bump in the road tried to stop her.

“It stuns you when the medical personnel tell you that the tumor you have is malignant,” she said. “I asked if the surgery to remove the tumor could possibly wait until I was done with school because I was just going into my second semester of nursing. My doctor explained to me that this type of cancer grows very rapidly, and he wanted to operate immediately.”

Arias was determined to complete her degree and refused to let her diagnosis and treatment impact her time in the Nursing program.

“The surgery was successful,” she said. “I went through six chemotherapy sessions after my surgery. The chemo would knock me down for about two or three days at a time. But come that Monday when it was time for class, I was okay.”

Her resilience is something that her instructors saw for themselves.

“She is just awesome,” said program director Heather Sauceda. “She did not have any excuses for anything and gave it her all. She had a mentality of ‘let me do it’ and ‘I can do it.’ She was such a blessing to have in this program.”

Arias is also thankful for the comfort that her classmates provided, and for the support system she had at TSTC.

“All of our instructors are an amazing team,” she said. “The way that they want you to become the best nurse you can be shows that they genuinely care about their students. Our class was extremely close with one another.”

After graduating with a 4.0 GPA, Arias is ready to step into the health care field to help others in any way that she can.

“I truly believe that God was leading me because of the way everything played out,” she said. “I kept hearing a little voice telling me that everything was going to be okay. I know that I have been placed in this position to help people, and I fully believe that there is nothing we cannot conquer with faith, trust and perseverance.”

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

TSTC Graduate Profile: Miranda Perez

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Wanting to follow in her mother’s footsteps, Miranda Perez is ready to become a nurse. The compassion and caring that she witnessed her mother give to her patients inspired her to complete her certificate in Vocational Nursing at Texas State Technical College. Later, she hopes to obtain her Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing.

The Brownsville native knows that TSTC will equip her well for her career.

 Why did you decide to pursue this field?

I decided to pursue vocational nursing because I have always wanted to be able to help people. Growing up and watching my mom spread joy and love to her patients while helping them feel better made me want to be a nurse just like her. I am excited to be able to help patients not only feel healthier, but also happier.

Can you speak about your experience with TSTC?

My experience with TSTC has been amazing! I loved the instructors in my program. They helped us in every way possible and made sure we all knew they were there to help us become safe and knowledgeable nurses. Each morning they would greet us and say, “Good morning, future nurses!” And it never failed to make my day.

How has TSTC helped prepare you for your career?

TSTC, along with our program director, Ms. Sauceda, made it possible for me to prepare for my career by placing our cohort in amazing clinical sites. The hands-on experience allowed us to participate in providing care to patients using the knowledge we had gained throughout the year.

What has been your greatest sense of accomplishment to date?

My biggest accomplishment has been completing my certificate in Vocational Nursing during a pandemic and being able to make my family proud.

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

My advice is to pick a program you are going to love. It might be trying and demand a lot of your time and attention, but don’t give up! The instructors will help every way they can by making themselves accessible. TSTC offers so much that helps you throughout your program. It will all be worth it in the end!

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC welcomes first students to Electrical Lineworker program

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Electrical Lineworker Technology is well underway at Texas State Technical College.

The program, which began in Harlingen this semester, has seen much success at other TSTC campus locations, including in Fort Bend County.

“Students in the program have an astonishing placement rate at nearly 100 percent,” said department chair Eric Carithers.

The first group of students to take on the program in Harlingen began their journeys to becoming electrical lineworkers last week.

“We are all doing a great job of adjusting so far,” said Harlingen instructor Angel Toledo. “The first week of classes went really well. I am improving ways in which I can make the classes run smoothly for my students, and I am having a great time.”

Although classes are being taught differently now than before the pandemic, Toledo said he is doing his best to make sure that his students are learning as much as possible.

“A hybrid format is being implemented for this program,” Toledo said. “The lecture portion of the courses is being taught virtually through a Google Meet link,” he said. “Our lab sessions are face to face, with all safety protocols implemented.”

Those safety protocols include maintaining social distancing, wearing facial coverings, and following directional signs while on TSTC campuses.

Lab sessions for the program involve students using TSTC’s 100-pole outdoor lab, which was installed earlier this year.

“Students first visited the pole yard last Tuesday,” Toledo said. “They have three different lab sessions a week. They’re doing a great job.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the electrical lineworker field is projected to grow exponentially through 2028 because of population growth across the state.

To learn more about Electrical Lineworker Technology at TSTC, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/ElectricalLineworkerTechnology.

 

TSTC Graduate Profile: Frederico Luna

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Frederico Luna knew he wanted to become a lineman after seeing the disaster brought on by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. This semester, he graduated from Texas State Technical College with a certificate of completion in Electrical Lineworker Technology.

What was your experience like at TSTC?

My experience at TSTC was amazing. The instructors work with you one-on-one, and as a student you begin to understand that once you begin this career path, there are no shortcuts to becoming a lineman. You have to be 100 percent focused and dedicated all the time. While in school, I learned through hands-on experience and by observing our instructor show us how to do something. All of us would observe one another through the courses and learn from our mistakes as a team.

Do you have any favorite TSTC memories?

My favorite memory I have is when I was finally capable of going sideways on the lineworker pole. It seemed scary at first, but you trust in your gear to hold you, and it makes you feel safer. It felt amazing, and I enjoyed that memory.

How has TSTC prepared you for your career?

TSTC has prepared me for the journey once I start working. I was taught the basics about how to set up crossarms, double crossarms. I now know my knots and my transformer connections, and so much more. Our instructor taught us so many methods to do these processes because not every company does things the same way.

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?

My son, Jonah. A month after I graduated high school, my son was born, and I became a teen dad. Juggling school, work and the new responsibility of being a parent was not easy. But I knew that I wanted what was best for my family, and that pushed me to focus on my education.

To learn more about programs available at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

 

TSTC to Offer Statewide Online Microsoft Office Training

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Workforce Training department is offering a second round of online Microsoft Office courses, this time for statewide residents.

“I think employers should view this course as a cost-effective and time-conscious way to provide training to their employees on software that they are likely already using,” said Haley Chapman, an instructor in TSTC’s Business Management Technology program in Marshall.

The training will be broken down into three weeks of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Word. Chapman will teach lessons using the Cengage learning platform. 

“I think one of the big selling points of this course is its flexibility,” Chapman said. “This course is appropriate for employees at a variety of different levels of experience with Microsoft suites.”

Tuition for the course will depend on the number of people signing up for the courses. Ten people will be included in every online training cohort. 

Dirk Hughes, TSTC’s executive director of Workforce Training, said the cost range should be between $350 and $450. Hughes said Workforce Training staff can assist eligible employers in securing small business funding from the Texas Workforce Commission to pay for employee training. 

“It (the funding) is designed for companies with less than 100 people,” Hughes said. “This kind of course would fall into that.”

The training follows a round of successful Microsoft Office instruction that began in July with more than 20 people.

“The feedback I’m receiving from the current course ranges from students saying they are learning new skills that they didn’t know they could perform with the software they already have,  to students saying they are freshening up on skills they forgot they had,” Chapman said.

For more information on the Microsoft Office training, contact TSTC’s Workforce Training department at 903-923-3374.

TSTC student looks to break into male-dominated industry

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Leslie Shubert, of Abilene, knows she is entering a male-dominated industry.

Shubert is beginning her first semester in Texas State Technical College’s Diesel Equipment Technology program in Sweetwater.

“I know there are not many females in this field,” she said. “I think that is because there are a lot of heavy-duty aspects to the job. The males are stronger, but women can do the job if they set their mind to it.”

Shubert has always had an interest in big trucks. Her uncle operated a big rig, and Shubert rode along with him during his travels.

“He would never let me drive it,” she said.

A relative told her about the program at TSTC.

“He told me about the instructors and labs, and it sounded like something I wanted to do.”

Shubert said her family’s support while attending TSTC will be important.

“They are supporting me daily since I have to drive here from Abilene and then back again,” she said. “They know while I am at home there will be a lot of reading during the semester. I know I will have to pay attention to all the details while taking the online courses.”

Shubert was able to begin lab sessions this week and is looking forward to one area of work in particular.

“I really like working on engines. I can’t wait to disassemble and then assemble an engine,” she said. “I enjoy figuring out how things work.”

That started at a young age.

“I helped my dad rebuild a truck engine from scratch,” she said. “I knew then that I wanted to do this for a living. I have always liked tinkering with things.”

Once she completes the program, Shubert has a career goal in mind.

“I would like to either be a shop manager or own my own truck,” she said. “I have always liked trucks and even tractors. I know that working on them will be fun.”

Shubert hopes more women look into the diesel field. She did offer women some advice before pursuing it as a career.

“Do a lot of research. That is the most important thing before selecting any career,” she said.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.