(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Hector Rosa graduated last week from Texas State Technical College with an associate degree in Building Construction Technology.

But that’s not all. Before even putting on his cap and gown, the 40-year-old had a job offer in hand and started this week with Morton Buildings in Houston as a Level 1 carpenter.

When did you first learn about your job offer?

I learned about this job offer the week of commencement. I had other job offers leading up to this, but Morton’s made me an offer I could not refuse. Receiving these job offers, these opportunities, is exciting; it’s a new chapter for me. This just goes to show that you can accomplish anything at any age.

How did TSTC prepare you for your career?

TSTC’s Building Construction Technology is amazing, and not only because I graduated from the program. The majority of the training you receive is hands-on, real-world training and exposes you to nearly everything you will face out in the workforce. And of course, none of it would be possible without experienced and knowledgeable instructors who showed us the right way, gave one-on-one instruction if needed and always pushed us to do our best.

Who has had the greatest influence on your success?

The person with the greatest influence on my success is my wife. She has my back and supports me no matter what. When times get tough and I feel like quitting, she’s right there cheering me on and motivating me to keep going. This is a second career for me after working many years as a supervisor at a local juvenile detention center, and she always told me the sacrifice we made when I came to TSTC would be worth it.

What are your future goals?

My goal is to return to TSTC as a Building Construction Technology instructor. My instructors have made such a great impact in my life that I want to do the same for others.

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 moves you ahead and gives you benefits that a four-year degree does not. With a technical degree, you have a leg up in industry because you have the skills that are in demand, making you more marketable among companies, which in turn provides a great career with great pay.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

When the road gets tough, don’t give up. Keep your head high and your eye on the prize. I promise, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For high school seniors, picking a college can be stressful. But for a handful of Rio Grande Valley high school students, choosing Texas State Technical College was an easy decision.

Recently several technical dual enrollment seniors signed a “Change of Major” form, marking the transition from high school student to college student, during TSTC’s first Senior Spotlight signing event at the Dr. J. Gilbert Leal Learning Resource Center on campus.

“We hosted this event to celebrate these students’ accomplishments and to welcome them to the TSTC family,” said TSTC dual enrollment recruitment representative Sarai Duran. We’re so proud of them and are excited that they chose TSTC as their college.

Technical dual enrollment provides high school students the opportunity to take college courses and earn simultaneous college and high school credit in a technical program.

College courses are available at some high school campuses through a credentialed instructor, through distance learning classes taught by a TSTC instructor, and on-site at TSTC.

The students recognized during Senior Spotlight have completed at least one semester in a technical program such as Auto Collision and Management Technology or Wind Energy Technology and will attend TSTC in Fall 2019 to pursue a certificate or associate degree.

There are currently 13 dual enrollment pathways at TSTC that high school juniors and seniors can pursue. At the end of each pathway, the student completes an average of 12 semester credit hours, or one semester of study.

“Completing four courses within a program while still in high school not only gives these students a head start, but it is also a money saver for them and their families,” said Duran.

As a dual enrollment student, each student’s tuition, books and supplies are covered by the school district they attend.

For Lyford High School senior Orlando Gonzalez, dual enrollment was a game changer, and he said he is looking forward to becoming what he calls a “full-fledged” TSTC student in the Auto Collision and Management Technology program.

He was bused in every morning from Lyford to attend classes on campus.

“To have this kind of opportunity is invaluable to me and my future,” said the 19-year-old. “I love working with my hands, and I never thought a university was for me, so I’m lucky to have found a college where I can pursue my interests while still working toward a rewarding career.”

He also said that being a dual enrollment student has made his transition from high school to college less nerve-wracking and has saved him time and money.

In fact, at the Senior Spotlight, Gonzalez’s name was drawn for a $1,000 scholarship that can be used for tuition, books or tools.

“Dual enrollment has allowed college to be less of a financial burden for my family, and this scholarship takes it to the next level,” he said. “I’m very excited to be joining the TSTC family in the fall.”

Gonzalez will be graduating from Lyford High School at the end of the month.

Representatives of several TSTC programs, along with staff from enrollment, student life and housing, were available at the event to answer questions and give parents and students more information about the college and their transition.

“Our goal with dual enrollment is to capture a student’s interest in college while still in high school and give them the opportunity to discover their interests,” said Duran.

“Many middle-skilled jobs in Texas are in demand, and those jobs make up half of the labor market. These students are going to get those jobs because most students who complete dual credit are more likely to complete their degree,” she said.

Duran added that many of TSTC’s graduates have jobs waiting for them when they graduate, and TSTC’s industry partners actively recruit them.

For more information on the programs offered at TSTC, go to www.tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – It has been more than 10 years since J. Gilbert Leal retired as president of Texas State Technical College in Harlingen. But at a recent plaque presentation ceremony hosted in his honor at the TSTC Learning Resource Center that bears his name, it was evident that his educational legacy lives on.

“He is the true legend of TSTC’s Harlingen campus,” said TSTC Vice Chancellor, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel Ray Rushing. “He started many of the strategies, programs and partnerships this college has seen. It takes a true visionary, and Gilbert Leal is the man, the myth and the legend.”

Leal served TSTC for 30 years before retiring in 2008 and being named president emeritus by the TSTC Board of Regents. The college’s library was named in his honor as the Dr. J. Gilbert Leal Learning Resource Center.

“Everything Gilbert Leal did during his service to the college had a ripple effect,” said TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez. “And he continues to invest in the region’s education and continues to serve our campus wholeheartedly.”

When Leal started as an Adult Basic Education instructor in 1969 while TSTC was still Texas State Technical Institute, the campus sat on only 25 acres, had four buildings and enrolled 67 students.

“To this day we see the impact that Gilbert Leal had on our campus,” said Hernandez. “What we are today comes from taking risks and thinking big, and that is how Gilbert helped TSTC in our region grow.”

At the ceremony, Leal was presented with a commemorative plaque that reads, “In recognition of and in appreciation for your commitment and support to Texas State Technical College.”

The Texas-shaped plaque was designed and manufactured by students in TSTC’s Precision Machining Technology program.

“When I’m at TSTC, I am home,” said Leal. “The people here are my family.”

To put into perspective how far TSTC has come, Leal mentioned that the Learning Resource Center is situated on land once occupied by a recreational vehicle park.

“TSTC has become a respected technical college that plays a major role in the development of technical skills needed to meet industry demand,” said Leal. “And it’s important to remember why we’re here: for the students.”

Leal said his favorite thing about TSTC is how it changes lives and inspires students to greatness.

“Learning and teaching are at the forefront of everything TSTC does,” he said. “Not only is it a great place to learn, but it is also a great place to work, which is a benefit to the students who walk through this campus. So keep up the great work, TSTC, and know you have my continued support. You can’t keep me away.”

For more information about the programs offered at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – After two decades of working in construction as a surveyor, Ismael Gaitan Sr. is looking forward to a new career as a graduate of Texas State Technical College’s Wind Energy Technology program.

The San Benito native earned his associate degree on Friday during TSTC’s Commencement Ceremonies at the Harlingen Convention Center, joining more than 300 TSTC students in Harlingen and 1,000 statewide who will graduate from the college this semester.

“From the moment I decided to enroll at TSTC, I made the choice to succeed,” said the 45-year-old. “I had a lot riding on this with a family to support and counting on me. I’m excited for this new chapter.”

It was while working as a surveyor for Ambiotech Civil Engineering Group in Brownsville, building substations for electric and wind companies, that Gaitan discovered wind energy and its increasing popularity.

“All of the wind turbines popping up across the Rio Grande Valley really intrigued me,” he said. “So I began doing research and found that there were a number of career opportunities in wind energy and room for growth.”

The realization that his son, Ismael Gaitan Jr., was also interested in wind energy motivated the pair to enroll at TSTC and enter a field that would set up both for successful careers.

Gaitan Sr. said it was all about pursuing a brighter future and finding stability.

“I wanted us both to strive for better,” said Gaitan Sr. “And the rigor of the program and the training we received from our instructors and hands-on experiences really prepared us for the field.”

In fact, both men have been hired by One Wind Inc. in Harlingen as wind energy technicians.

“This is a huge achievement for both of us and our family,” said Gaitan Sr. “This makes all of the hard work and sacrifice worth it.”

Gaitan Sr. said his college experience was made more memorable by going through the program with his son.

“We had a unique experience,” said Gaitan Sr. “We were fortunate to have each other, even though he’s all grown up and has his own friends. We were still able to learn a lot from each other and be each other’s support.”

Gaitan Jr. is expected to graduate next semester with an associate degree. He will complete his last required class online while working full time with his father at One Wind.

“The number of opportunities that have been presented to my father and me stemming from this program is impressive,” said Gaitan Jr. “It feels great knowing that we came to TSTC to find success and have found it.”

Gaitan Jr. said it was never a plan to be in college with his father, but he is glad it turned out that way.

“We motivate each other, and he has taught me so much about overcoming obstacles, taking risks and starting over,” said Gaitan Jr. “He has shown me that hard work pays off, and I am proud of him and what he has been able to accomplish.”

Both men look forward to working together as they begin their new careers and know that this is not the end, but a beginning to bigger and better things.

Wind electricity generation is expected to grow rapidly over the coming decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For more information on Wind Energy Technology, visit tstc.edu.