(HARLINGEN, Texas) – John Moody is an Automotive Technology graduate from Texas State Technical College. He earned his associate degree in 2012 and since then has had a successful career in industry.

The 37-year-old, San Benito native, said vehicle maintenance and repairs has been his life. As a child he would assist his late father at his automotive shop and knew it was a career he wanted to pursue.

Moody currently works with Tesla as a mobile technician traveling much of the state.

What was your reaction when you first learned about your job offer?

Before Tesla I worked for nearly seven years with Gillman Honda in San Benito. That was my first job out of college and I was relieved and excited to begin my career. Although I had automotive experience, without a formal education or degree it was impossible to get hired. After graduating it didn’t take me long to find a job and it’s only getting better. Recently I received a great opportunity from Tesla and made the switch.

How did TSTC prepare you for your career?

While the hands-on training was invaluable and I learned so many new techniques and processes, what really helped prepare me for my career were my instructors and their genuine care for our success. They always ensured one-on-one time with us to fully explain lessons and to be certain that we understood. Their experience and their sharing made all of the difference for me.

What has had the greatest influence on your success?

My wife and my family have been my greatest influence. They have supported me every step of the way. Everything I do is for them. To give them a better life and make sure they always have the best, which is what they deserve.

What are your future goals?

My goal is to grow within Tesla and eventually become a manager. The company has many growth opportunities and I hope to gain the experience I need to keep moving up. Also, someday, I would love it if I could follow in my father’s footsteps and open an automotive shop of my own and keep with my father’s legacy.

What would you tell a student thinking of pursuing a two-year degree vs. a four-year degree?

I would tell a student that a two-year degree offers great opportunity and advancement. It’s affordable and a quicker way of entering the workforce and earning, especially for someone like me who had a family to support. I always knew a two-year degree was a perfect match for me.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I’m not going to lie; getting an education is tough. It’s hard work, but it’s possible. You have to stick with your goals and continue pushing forward. There’s a finish line, I promise, even you can’t see it.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Eric Interiano graduated from high school in the top ten percent of his class, but with no college plans or career path to follow.

For the now 20-year-old, who recently earned his associate degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology, this was concerning on many levels.

As a top 10 percent, general academics dual-enrollment student at TSTC, many had high expectations for him. He could have received acceptance into any university, yet he said nothing was calling his name.

“I had standards to uphold. It was a lot of pressure,” he said. “But I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I couldn’t find my passion. I started praying.”

Growing up in a strong faith-based family, praying was a daily ritual. So he started praying for a sign. He said he needed God to guide him toward his purpose in life.

And a sign he received.

“I walked into a local gym and overheard a group of guys talking about biomedical class at TSTC,” said the Harlingen native. “I was familiar with the college, but not the program. So I asked questions. And I knew immediately this was the answer to my prayers.”

The next day, Interiano enrolled in TSTC’s Biomedical Equipment Technology program, with only two weeks left before the first day of class.

In Biomedical Equipment Technology students learn how to calibrate, troubleshoot, test and repair medical equipment that is used to diagnose, prevent and treat illnesses and diseases, such as patient monitors or EKG machines. All of this equipment is used at healthcare facilities such as clinics, hospitals and long-term care centers.

“I went into the program with no knowledge of the industry,” said Interiano. “But the training provided by the instructors in the program changed this quickly.”

Interiano calls himself a hands-on learner. He said he learns best by doing; so the training he received on industry-standard equipment helped him understand concepts, processes and his responsibilities and duties as a biomedical equipment technician.

“The training I received was invaluable. It allowed me to better grasp and understand how things work in the field,” he said. “I was able to learn quickly and apply it in my assignments, exams and internship.

Before graduating, Interiano was hired as an intern at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, where he was hired as a full-time biomedical equipment technician immediately after graduating from TSTC’s program.

“I thank God every day for the opportunities he allowed me to find at TSTC and I thank God for the instructors and people he placed in my path,” said Interiano. “I was fully prepared and confident to hit the ground running when I got hired and that was because of the training and support I received at TSTC.”

During the program, Interiano and his classmates received real-world experience by maintaining and repairing equipment for TSTC’s Allied Health department, which he said better helped him sharpen his skills.

With a two-year degree, Interiano now receives a salary between $40,000 and $50,000 a year, and a full benefits package, and said he looks forward to growing and hopefully becoming a manager one day.

“I want to continue to learn as much as I can about my field. There’s something new every day,” he said. “And I hope to one day become a manager. I’m leaving it in God’s hands and I will go wherever he leads me. But I do know for sure, I have found my passion and purpose in life at TSTC.”

Biomedical Equipment Technology is also available at TSTC’s Waco campus.

For more information on the program, visit tstc.edu/programs/BiomedicalEquipmetTechnology.

Registration for Fall 2019 is in progress. The last day to register is August 23.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Jose Luis Garcia II, 37, graduated in 2018 with an associate degree in Business Management Technology from Texas State Technical College.

The Harlingen native served in the U.S. Air Force for nearly five years before becoming a disabled veteran due to on-the-job injuries. He was stationed in North Dakota and was on the security forces team.

The veteran decided to attend TSTC to gain new skills and a new career and credits the TSTC Veterans Center employees for his success because of the employees their assistance with veteran benefits, college registration processes and resources.

Garcia currently works as a customer service/sales representative for Proforma RGV, a creative solutions and printing service company in San Benito.

What was your reaction when you first learned about your job offer?

It was a really exciting moment for me and my family because one, it didn’t take long to find a job, especially with the help of TSTC Career Services, and two, I had received a job in my field; all of my hard work had paid off.

How did TSTC prepare you for your career?

The training I received at TSTC and my instructors were phenomenal. Every faculty member worked together to help us achieve. They taught us the ins and outs of business and really laid a solid foundation. They were the ones who set me up for success.

Who has had the most influence on your success?

From my TSTC instructors to the TSTC Veterans Center staff, I have had so many people cheering me on and encouraging me to succeed, but ultimately, it was my family, my wife and kids, who took the sacrifice like champs. They stood by me, no matter what, and they are my reason why I try to continue excelling.

What are your future goals?

The company I work for offers great opportunities for growth. The owners really encourage us to excel. I would love to continue moving up, someday leading a sales team and helping the company reach its max potential. It’s my training from TSTC that will allow me to do this.

What would you tell a student thinking of pursuing a two-year degree vs a four-year degree?

There is a still a misconception about two-year degrees, yet they offer a number of career opportunities, and it’s technical colleges like TSTC that provide the technical training needed to help graduates be competitive in the job market. And really, an education depends on the work you put into it. Whether it’s a two-year degree or a four-year degree, what comes of it, depends on the person.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

There is more to TSTC than just its Academic Core, or basics, like students call it. It’s our responsibility to explore our options and career opportunities. If it worked out for me, it can work out for others. Also, no matter what you are studying, be all in. Work hard, get involved in organizations and clubs and build your resume with experiences and leadership.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College in Harlingen will host its first of four registration rallies for the summer on Wednesday, June 12.

The event, to be held at the Engineering Technology Center on Airport Drive, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. will focus on programs: Architectural Design & Engineering Graphics, Biomedical Equipment Technology, Building Construction Technology, Industrial Systems, Mechatronics Technology, Precision Machining Technology, Wind Energy Technology and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC).

This is the first time the campus has tailored its registration rallies to promote specific programs. This will help emphasize the application and registration processes of certain departments and give prospective students an in-depth look into each program.

“Choosing a career is a big choice and we want students to have the opportunity to take a close look at all of their options,” said TSTC assistant director of Enrollment Services Ricardo Trevino.

With this new approach, TSTC faculty and students will showcase their programs with presentations and hands-on activities for those in attendance.

“Networking is what these registration rallies is all about,” said Trevino. “We want these students to make informed decisions and to be familiar with their instructors, the campus and the resources we offer before even registering. This will make for an easier transition.”

Enrollment services representatives will also be on hand to assist prospective students with the TSTC application and registration processes, advisement and testing.

Representatives from Student Life, Career Services, Housing and the Veterans Center will also be at the event to answer questions.

Trevino added that financial aid and scholarships are available for those who quality; and in fact, there will be a drawing for a $250 TSTC scholarship for those who apply and register for classes at the event.

Free hot dogs, chips and popcorn will also be served.

“Not only is this a great event for prospective students to get to know us, but it’s a great opportunity for us to get to know them,” said Trevino. “That’s important because then we’re able to match them with the resources they need. We always have our students’ end goals in mind.”

Trevino said he hopes these registration rallies not only bring in students to register, but also give them a better understanding of the types of opportunities a technical education and two-year degree can provide.

The next registration rallies at TSTC’s Harlingen campus will be hosted on July 11, July 16 and August 6 and will focus on other programs such as Aircraft Airframe and Powerplant, Computer Science, Computer Networking & Security, Culinary Arts, Dental Hygiene, Emergency Medical Services and Nursing.

Registration Rallies are being held across TSTC’s 10 campuses statewide.

For more information, visit tstc.edu/rally.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – It was May 2009 in the neonatal intensive care unit when life changed for Texas State Technical College vocational nursing alum Jesus Herrera and he realized nursing was his life’s passion and path.

The 35-year-old’s eldest daughter was born with gastroschisis, a birth defect of the abdominal wall in which the baby’s intestines are found outside of the baby’s body, and Herrera came to respect  the nurses that they relied on to keep their baby safe during her two-month stay in the hospital.

“This was a really difficult time. I hated leaving her there, but the nurses seemed to make everything less scary,” said Herrera. “This is when I knew that I wanted to become a nurse and be the same kind of security and support for others.”

Herrera’s daughter is now a healthy 10-year-old girl still inspiring her father’s career.

“Everything I do, I do for my children; for my family,” he said. “They are my everything and make it all worthwhile.”

It was only a couple of years after this life-changing moment that the Mexico native and now father of three decided to enroll at TSTC to complete his nursing prerequisite courses.

“Throughout my educational journey I have come so close to quitting,” he said. “My family and I have had to overcome some great obstacles, but each time I had someone from TSTC rooting for me and being my strength, making it possible to continue.”

It took about four years, but the Harlingen native graduated with a certificate as a nursing assistant in 2017 and as a vocational nurse in 2018, with an almost-perfect 3.9 grade-point average.

He said he achieved all of this while juggling a family and two jobs because he had to make ends meet. He describes this period as not only a sacrifice for him, but also for his wife and children.

“I hit a dark moment in my life during the vocational nursing program,” he said. “Anxiety got the best of me. Everything was piling up and I thought for sure I was dying.”

With no health insurance and most of his money tied up in school and family needs, Herrera did not have the money to pay for a doctor visit.  Eventually he was forced to seek medical help to help him overcome his anxieties.

Despite the pressures he was facing and his health scare, he gained a new career and he credits his success to all of his nursing instructors.

“It was the strength that my instructors exude that helped me stay focused on my end goal,” he said. “They empathized with me, they were there for me and never let me quit. For that, I thank them. It’s because of them I’ve found success for me and my family.”

Herrera now works as vocational nurse at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Brownsville in the telemetry unit specializing in the cardiovascular system.

And only last week, he got his acceptance letter into TSTC’s registered nursing program. He will return to the college in the fall.

“When I received my acceptance it was a celebration for the entire family,” said Herrera. “This next year is going to be another large hurdle for my family one I plan to overcome, but when I came to the United States in 2000 for better opportunities, I promised myself the ‘American Dream.’ And TSTC is helping me achieve that.”

Herrera said he’s ready to face this next year and do whatever it takes to be successful because his ultimate dream is to not only become a registered nurse, but also buy his family a house to call their own.

“I want to continue teaching my children that’s it’s not about being smart. It’s about how hard someone works and how dedicated they are to achieving their goals,” he said. “This next year is what’s going to help me take my career to the next level.”

TSTC also offers nursing at its Breckenridge and Sweetwater campuses.

Graduates from this program will enter an occupation that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is expected to grow 15 percent, much faster than other occupations and is in demand across the state and especially in South and West Texas, moth medically-underserved regions. Graduates can expect to find careers at hospitals, clinics, long-term facilities or anywhere nursing care is needed.

Registration for Fall 2019 is underway.

To learn more about nursing visit tstc.edu/programs/nursing.