Category Archives: All TSTC

TSTC Graduate Honors Instructor

(ABILENE) — Friendships can be one of the greatest things about a student’s time at college.

Recent Texas State Technical College Emergency Medical Services graduate Ricki Coleman found a great friend in his EMS instructor, Ronnie Pitts. So Coleman took time to honor him at TSTC’s Fall 2018 commencement ceremony.

“Ronnie is the reason I’m graduating,” Coleman said. “He really listened to me and became a friend and a mentor, and I wouldn’t be here without him.”

Coleman is a member of the academic honor society Phi Theta Kappa, and as a thank-you he gifted Pitts with an honorary Phi Theta Kappa stole.

“I had no clue he was going to give me this, and I am so honored,” Pitts said. “We’re both about the same age and have gone through a lot of the same things, so I’m just glad I could offer some advice.”

Coleman served in the U.S Army from 1990 to 2004. After he left, he worked in several fire service and emergency medical service jobs.

“I’ve always had a calling to this field and just want to help people,” Coleman said.

Despite years of experience in the industry, Coleman wanted to be an example for his children and get a degree.

“It’s showing that you can be committed and consistent in the business world, and I can’t tell my kids to do something if I can’t be the example,” Coleman said.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, emergency medical technician and paramedic jobs are expected to grow by 15 percent over the next 10 years.

With the expected growth in jobs, TSTC in Abilene moved the EMS program to the new Industrial Technology Center that opened at the beginning of the fall semester.

“The new building is beautiful, and I think it helps to teach these skills in a real-life setting,” Coleman said.

Wanting to follow in his mentor’s footsteps, Coleman hopes to become an instructor in TSTC’s EMS program.

“Ricki has always been an ideal student: respectful, professional and open to feedback,” Pitts said. “And I think anywhere would be very lucky to have him in their employment.”

Before the commencement ceremony, Coleman and Pitts shared a laugh and a hug as they celebrated his achievement.

“This was a bucket-list accomplishment, and there have been so many people — my kids, my wife and of course him (Pitts) — that helped to get me here,” Coleman said.

For more information about TSTC, log on to tstc.edu.

TSTC and Goodwill-West Texas Partnership Helps Students Dress for Success

(SWEETWATER) — ’Tis the season for giving, and Goodwill-West Texas has partnered with Texas State Technical College in Abilene and Sweetwater to embrace the tradition.

In collaboration with TSTC Talent Management and Career Services, Goodwill has agreed to give graduating TSTC students vouchers for a free business professional outfit.

“Goodwill’s mission has always been to provide opportunities for people to overcome barriers,” Danielle Robertson, director of Communications and Development at Goodwill-West Texas, said. “We understand that going to an interview is stressful enough, and we want this to be one less stress.”

The initiative started when TSTC Talent Management and Career Services recognized that students may struggle financially to find business professional clothing that makes them feel confident while applying for jobs.

“TSTC provides the skills to make sure our students are qualified for the job, but we wanted to make sure they have the attire and the confidence to get the job when they interview,” Julia Humphrey, director of Talent Management and Career Services at TSTC in Abilene, said.

For students who need help preparing for interviews, creating resumes or finding a job, the Talent Management and Career Services department welcomes them to visit.

“This is just another feature we get to offer students to help them succeed,” Brittany Wilson, Career Services associate at TSTC in Sweetwater, said. “We want the best for these students.”

Goodwill encourages the community to donate gently worn professional clothes.

“We are happy to partner with TSTC because they align with our mission to help others overcome barriers,” Robertson said.

Goodwill has given over 80 vouchers for TSTC students at its campuses in Abilene and Sweetwater and plans to give more as needed.

For more information about TSTC, log on to tstc.edu.

National Auto Collision Repair Company Looks to TSTC for Employees

(WACO) – Blake Cole grew up reading automotive magazines and at 10 could eagerly recite facts about cars to anyone who would listen.

As he grew up and began working, Cole also developed interests in accounting, fashion merchandising and restaurants.

The 2003 Midway High School alumnus said his life became focused when he enrolled at Texas State Technical College and began taking classes in the Auto Collision and Management Technology program. He received an associate degree in 2008.

“Once I went to TSTC, everything stuck,” he said.

After graduation, he worked at L3 ISR Systems in Waco painting airplanes and later moved to Missouri to work in the auto collision field.

“Just knowing I had learned something and could use it was helpful and a good feeling,” said Cole, now 34.

Cole’s being hired at Service King brought him back to Texas. He is currently the general manager at the Leander location.

“Coffee keeps me motivated,” Cole said. “But it’s always different. I’m never going to come into the same thing every day.”

Cole said he has seen an employment gap develop between workers in their 20s and those in their 40s and older who have been in the auto collision industry for several years. As these workers age and retire, new employees are needed to fill positions.

Clint Campbell, TSTC’s statewide department chair for Auto Collision and Management Technology, said there are goals for increasing the number of students studying in the program.

“We need to be getting our faces in front of these high school students, probably sophomores and up,” Campbell said.

The number of automotive body and glass repairers is expected to grow to about 195,000 jobs nationally by 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Cole said the auto collision industry also needs people with electrical, welding and computer programming and networking experience.

New hires at Service King are placed with experienced technicians in the company’s yearlong apprenticeship program at select locations. Cole said company recruiters can build relationships with technical colleges to find potential employees.

James McGee, 35, of Austin was hired by Service King in February and placed in its apprenticeship program. He received an associate degree from TSTC’s Auto Collision and Management Technology program in 2010.

“Get in as early as possible if that’s what you want to do,” McGee said about making a career choice. “Shadow as many people as you want.”

McGee already had some industry knowledge, having worked at small body shops,but said he was glad to learn about pulling techniques and heavy collision work through Service King’s new hire initiative.

“Our job is mainly to problem-solve,” McGee said. “I like the people, and I like to fix things. I like the sense of accomplishment when it’s done. The field will drive you crazy at times and make you head-over-heels excited at other times.”

Cole said employees complete work certifications through the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, or I-CAR, which provides training in all branches of the auto collision and management industry.

Vincent James, 25, of Leander is a Service King technician who works primarily on tearing vehicles down early in the repair process. He is a 2015 graduate of TSTC’s Auto Collision and Management Technology program.

“I like cars, and I like art. So I thought about auto collision as the melding of the two,” James said. “I was extremely hooked on it. There is something about body work that drew me into it.”

James said he likes the hands-on work and making customers’ vehicles look good.

Robert Castaneda, 29, of Jarrell graduated with an associate degree in 2012 from TSTC’s Auto Collision and Management Technology program.

He said wrecks caused by bad weather tend to mean that he and his co-workers stay busy. He said the rise in aluminum exteriors will mean more training and adaptation for workers in the future.

“I’m doing it until my body won’t let me do it anymore,” Castaneda said about his work. “Always listen and pay attention. There is more than one way to do things.”

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

Student Success Profile – Jovany Hensley

(HARLINGEN) – Jovany Hensley graduated Friday night with a certificate in Computer Maintenance Technology from Texas State Technical College. The 20-year-old said computers and technology in general have intrigued him since high school, which shows in his 3.4 grade-point average.

When the La Feria native was not busy studying or completing projects, he served as historian for the Computer Maintenance Technology Club, where he would also participate in community service events and repair computers for TSTC faculty, staff and students for free.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on enlisting in the U.S. Air Force and using my computer maintenance skills to be a technician for the military. I also hope to continue my education to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to someday work for a large company like Microsoft or Dell, or even a network provider like AT&T.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment has been maintaining my grades and being able to put my training and knowledge to use on fixing computers not only in labs, but also to help out our TSTC family.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned about myself is that I would rather work in teams than alone. I’m a team player and really extroverted, so it’s hard for me to work alone. I think this stems from playing sports when I was younger.

Who at TSTC has had a great influence on your success?

My computer maintenance instructor, Elizabeth Martinez, has had a huge influence on my success. She pushed me to be active on campus and always inspired me to keep going when times get tough. In fact, TSTC in general has made a difference in my life and has influenced me to explore and be successful in different areas of my field and leadership.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

Advice for future TSTC students is to keep trying even when you fail; don’t make excuses. Learn to adapt to your situations and overcome challenges. Don’t give up.

TSTC Board of Regent honors grads recognized with ceremony

(HARLINGEN) – In a momentous occasion, Texas State Technical College honored its four Board of Regent honors graduates with a ceremony and dinner to recognize them for their academic achievement.

This is the first time TSTC hosts a recognition event for these graduates who have earned and maintained a perfect 4.0 grade-point average throughout their college careers. Ceremonies are being held statewide.

“These students have worked so hard, sacrificed so much and have dedicated themselves to reach this type of achievement,” said TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez. “Ceremonies like this are important. Student success is our mission and this allows us to honor their success.”

Daniel Alvarez, Certificate in Precision Machining Technology; Alberto Gonzalez, Certificate in Industrial System Technology; Hector Lima, Certificate in Building Construction Technology; and Jackie Vasquez, Associate of Science in Biology were all recognized as Fall 2018 Board of Regent honorees.

Gonzalez, 46, said he never imagined this kind of achievement, especially returning from a long hiatus.

“I’ve been out of school for a while, but with the changes and advancements in technology I felt like it was time to come back,” he said. “And I’m so glad I’ve been able to share this moment with my family.”

TSTC Regent and Pharr City Manager Alex Meade, along with TSTC administration and faculty joined the students and their families for the celebration.

Regent Meade addressed the graduates and extended a congratulations to their families as well.

“This is as much your accomplishment as it is theirs. There’s a lot of sacrifice that happens when your family member is in school,” Meade told the families. “This is something we, as a Rio Grande Valley, need to recognize and be proud of. You (graduates) are the ones changing the Valley for the better.”

Meade, whose career focuses on economic development, said TSTC plays a huge role in the area because of the technical training it provides.

“TSTC is tasked in preparing highly trained and skilled graduates for the workforce,” he said. “And you all are a testament to that. You have all exceeded every expectation and we are so proud of you.”

Meade concluded the ceremony by presenting the Board of Regent gold medallion to each student to wear during their commencement ceremony and keep as a memento of their hard work.

“This is really exciting for me and my family,” said Vasquez, 22. “I’ve aimed for this since day one, and I think it’s great that TSTC has taken the time to honor us in this way. I appreciate being able to share this with the ones I love and have stood by me through my journey.”

Hernandez said these ceremonies will become a tradition for the college statewide.

“It’s important that we go above and beyond for our students,” said Hernandez. “We applaud their success; they deserve this.”

On Friday night during TSTC’s commencement ceremonies these student joined an alumni network 100,000 strong.

For more information on TSTC and the programs offered, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC takes graduate’s future to new heights

(HARLINGEN) – Unsure about his future, Nicholas Trevino left the Rio Grande Valley to work in the oil fields. Although the pay was good, he knew that his future in a fluctuating industry was not secure, so he decided to enroll at Texas State Technical College in 2016.

Fast forward to December 2018: The 23-year-old graduated with honors last night with his second associate degree and a 4.0 GPA in Aircraft Powerplant Technology during TSTC’s commencement ceremonies at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium. He joined more than 100 graduates who also earned certificates or associate degrees.

“I never thought college was for me, and TSTC changed that,” said Trevino. “Thankfully, everything has come together like it has, and I’m excited to begin a new chapter in my life with a new career.”

The Kingsville native, who earned his first associate degree from TSTC in the summer of 2018 in Aircraft Airframe Technology, said it was his uncle Raul Garcia, also a TSTC alumnus, who inspired him to attend TSTC and pursue a career in aircraft maintenance.

“Through the years I have seen his success and how TSTC shaped his career and life,” said Trevino. “And I’ve always been amazed by it. So when he suggested I move back home and attend TSTC, I didn’t hesitate.”

In fact, Trevino not only followed in his uncle’s footsteps by attending the same college, but he also pursued the same major.

Garcia currently works in Kingsville at L3 Technologies, an aerospace and defense company, overseeing a team of mechanics.

“I hope to work with my uncle someday and to join the L3 family,” said Trevino. “I have set goals for myself, and this is one of them.”

Trevino already has his Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license and an FAA aircraft airframe license. Upon passing his certification exam, Trevino will also have an FAA aircraft powerplant license.

He said he hopes also to learn to fly and become a pilot, get certified in aircraft inspection authorization and later become an FAA instructor.

“It feels great knowing that the experience and training I received at TSTC and the certifications I worked hard to receive have given me confidence to enter the workforce,” said Trevino. “I’m in this for the long haul and ready to continue to learn and grow.”

When he was a student, Trevino had the chance to work hands-on with a Piper Aztec airplane, some aircraft engines and a helicopter.

Trevino said working in TSTC’s Talent Management and Career Services office as a work-study program student also gave him experience and the opportunity to develop soft skills in communication, leadership, teamwork and adaptability.

“From my instructors and supervisors to my peers, I have built lifelong relationships and friendships,” said Trevino. “Everyone has been a blessing in my life, and for that I am grateful because never in a million years did I think I would be given any of the opportunities TSTC has given to me.”

Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology are also offered at TSTC’s Abilene and Waco campuses.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Vocational Nursing graduate looks forward to healthy future

(HARLINGEN) – For Sandy Leal, curveballs in life have become obstacles to overcome, not insurmountable roadblocks. She has not let anything stop her from fulfilling her dream of becoming a nurse.

The year has not been easy, but tonight Leal will join more than 100 graduates at Texas State Technical College’s Fall 2018 commencement ceremonies at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium and earn a certificate in Vocational Nursing.

“I honestly still can’t believe that I’m here at this point in life,” said the 49-year-old. “I’m so happy and excited. After everything that has happened, I’m finally here.”

The Brownsville native enrolled at TSTC in 2016 to begin her prerequisites for the Vocational Nursing program. But immediately after enrolling, Leal was rushed to the hospital for an emergency hernia repair.

In the process, the single mother also learned she had a tumor on her right kidney.

“I never had symptoms or felt sick. It was a huge surprise for me. Scary, really,” she said.

Fortunately, the tumor was benign. After surgery and some time off from school, she made a full recovery.

“After I healed, it was time to hit the books hard,” she said. “I didn’t want to waste any more time. I needed to become a nurse for me and for my daughter.”

While in school as a full-time student completing her prerequisites, she also worked full time as a medication aide at Retama Manor Nursing Center in Harlingen.

That all changed, however, when she was accepted into the Vocational Nursing program.

“I never thought I would get in,” she said. “So I never thought about what I would do if I did.”

The woman who moved from Matamoros, Mexico to the U.S. at 15 years old with her family said she often used her language barrier, age and financial situation as an excuse.

“When I found out I was accepted, I was surprised, excited, happy and nervous,” she said. “I never thought in a million years that this girl from Mexico could accomplish this dream. How was I going to support myself and daughter while in school?”

Leal also knew she would have to quit her job to make it through the rigorous program, and she leaned on student loans to survive.

Her now 16-year-old daughter and Leal spent a lot of time at the Brownsville Public Library because Leal didn’t have a laptop to do homework at home.

“School was a huge sacrifice, not only for me, but for my daughter as well,” she said. “Even though I knew it would all be worth it in the end, there were still times that I cried myself to sleep, felt like a failure and felt like quitting.”

A couple of semesters into the program, Leal’s mother had a heart attack and passed away. Leal described her as her best friend, support system and backbone of the family.

“Although my instructors were very understanding and empathetic, I had no time to grieve her,” Leal said. “I was smiling on the outside, but crying on the inside. I literally buried her and had to be at a mandatory community service project the next day.”

Leal said studying in class about what killed her mother was also very difficult.

“I had to pick myself up and keep going. But the beautiful thing is that I know she’s with me,” she said with a smile.

And she knows she will be with her Friday night at commencement.

“This was her dream to watch me graduate,” she said. “I dedicate this moment and night to her.”

Leal will begin working in the coming days at Retama Manor Nursing Center as a graduate nurse and transition into a vocational nursing position upon passing her National Council Licensure Examination.

“This program and its faculty made me a stronger person,” Leal said. “I want to thank them for that, thank my family for their support and especially my daughter for her understanding and always standing by my side.”

TSTC Vocational Nursing program director Heather Sauceda said she is proud of everything Leal has overcome and of her achievements.

“She has a passion for nursing. She has a heart for the profession,” said Sauceda. “This is what has gotten her through, and I know she will be a great asset to the profession, will be a great patient advocate and will bring smiles to those she cares for.”

Leal hopes to work for the next year, save money and be able to do special things for her daughter before returning to TSTC to earn her associate degree as a registered nurse.

TSTC’s commencement ceremonies will be held tonight at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium at 4 and 7 p.m.

For more information on Vocational Nursing or Registered Nursing at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/programs/Nursing.

TSTC in North Texas Holds Fall Commencement

(RED OAK) – More than 40 graduates received certificates and associate degrees at Texas State Technical College’s Fall 2018 Commencement held Monday, Dec. 17, at the Waxahachie Civic Center.

When David Sotelo, 41, of Waxahachie enrolled in 2014, he was the first student to do so at TSTC in North Texas. Now, he can call himself a college graduate.

Sotelo earned the Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Maintenance – Electrical Specialization. He took classes around his work schedule and also took a semester off before taking a mathematics class this fall to finish the degree.

“I’m very happy and excited,” he said. “I didn’t think this day would come.”

He said the degree will help him in his maintenance job at Owens Corning in Waxahachie.

“It changed my life drastically going to this college,” Sotelo said.

Several other graduates already have jobs.

Peyton Allen, 20, of Palmer received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel Equipment Technology. He chose to pursue the degree field because he grew up working on trucks and farming equipment.

He will begin work in the upcoming days in the diesel shop at Dart Container Corp. in Waxahachie.

“I am ready to make money,” Allen said.

Ethan Owen, 22, of Red Oak received a certificate in Industrial Maintenance – Electrical Specialization. He chose the major because he grew up working on a farm.

Owen did an internship this fall at LafargeHolcim in Midlothian and was recently hired to work full time doing mechanical maintenance.

“I’m ready to start my life,” said Owen.

TSTC has more than 900 students graduating this fall across the state.

For more information, go to www.tstc.edu.

Del Rio Students Find Their Place at TSTC

(WACO) – The tradition of Del Rio High School graduates traveling more than five hours north to attend Texas State Technical College in Waco continues to grow.

“We’re especially proud that the Del Rio community values the work that we do and entrusts their students to us,” said TSTC Provost Adam Hutchison. “It’s a relationship that we intend to keep strong for many years to come.”

Brenden Paradis, 19, is one of at least 15 Del Rio students who were enrolled during the fall semester in TSTC in Waco’s Welding Technology program. He just finished his third semester in the program.

“The reason so many come here is because our (Del Rio High School) welding instructor, Tod Townsend, pushes us beyond high school and to get a college education,” Paradis said.

Knowing that many of Del Rio’s welding students have enrolled at TSTC since the late 1990s, as estimated by TSTC faculty members, made going to college easier for Paradis.

“All of the guys, at first, room together, but after the first year a lot tend to go out on their own,” he said.

Paradis became interested in welding after attending a job fair during his freshman year of high school. He was impressed with sculptures on display that were made by welders.

“I would tell (other) students to really think about their future before their senior year comes up,” Paradis said. “If you haven’t decided on something, it makes it difficult to pick a path to go down.”

After graduating in 2019 from TSTC, Paradis plans to take a summer advanced pipe course on campus and then work in custom fabrication.

Roger Gonzalez, director of career and technical education for the San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District, said district staff looks at job opportunities in the area and reviews Texas Workforce Commission data to adapt classes for students. Some of the school district’s most popular career and technical education (CTE) courses are in aircraft technology, health sciences, law enforcement and welding.

“We want our students to graduate with more than a high school diploma and be future-ready,” Gonzalez said. “The school district continues to invest and expand the CTE program with the use of technology and industry equipment to better prepare our future graduates with expansion of industry certifications and dual-credit opportunities.”

Gonzalez said the students in Del Rio’s welding program build strong relationships with one another, making the transition to college a little easier.

“It seems TSTC is the destination for most of our welding students due to its excellent reputation within the welding community,” he said. “Our welding students never leave us, at least not entirely. Every chance they get, they come to our welding class and share their positive college experience with our current high school students. I believe the reputation and the bridge established between TSTC and our welding program is evidence of our current and future success.”

One Del Rio resident has started what he hopes is a new tradition for Val Verde County students attending TSTC.

Andres Hernandez, 19, of Del Rio finished his first semester in the Automotive Technology – Toyota Technician Training and Education Network, or T-TEN, specialization program. He is among the first generation in his family to go to college.

Hernandez said he has enjoyed the different teaching styles he encounters at TSTC and knowing more about automotive electrical systems.

Hernandez became interested in automobiles when he was a child because of his father, a mechanic. He learned about TSTC when a recruiter visited his high school when he was a sophomore.

“I knew most of the welding students go here (to TSTC),” Hernandez said. “It helped me because I would know some people here.”

Hernandez said he misses his family occasionally but enjoys living on campus. When he is home for visits, he gets work experience as a lube technician at Toyota of Del Rio. He said he also works on tire rotations and other routine maintenance.

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

TSTC Welding grad has a bright future in the industry

(FORT BEND) – Cheyenne Kuta was only 16-years-old when she purchased her first $5,600 welding machine, she knew at the time that this would be a great investment toward her future.

Fast forward to December 2018, she is now a graduate from Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County.

“I’m so excited to finally be celebrating this milestone,” said Kuta. “I’m excited to begin working and looking forward to a successful career in welding.”

The Plantersville native walked across the stage Monday night at the Stafford Centre in Stafford, Texas as an honors graduate with a grade-point average of 3.75 and received two certificates and an associate degree from TSTC.

She joined close to 60 other graduates from TSTC in Fort Bend County who also earned certificates and associate degrees.

“We are so proud of our daughter,” said Kuta’s mother Sandra Kuta. “She has achieved so much at the young age of 19. She’s goal-oriented, driven and determined. All of this has carried her to the top.”

Kuta was exposed to the field of welding at an early age by her grandfather and uncle. She eventually began her own welding journey in high school.

She quickly rose to the top, beating a lot of the boys in her class and earning two “Top 10 Awards” in the high school’s welding department.

“I really got into welding. I loved it and I was good at it,” said Kuta. “I had a lot of support and a great mentor.”

That mentor was Don Tullos, president of Texas Boiler Makers in Kuta’s hometown. Kuta said he took her under his wing and always encouraged her to continue in the field no matter what the men said.

“There came a point where I was going to Don’s shop every day to practice my welding,” said Kuta. “Then one day he told me, ‘You’re really great at this. You could make this a career.’ And it all changed for me.”

Tullos was also the person who introduced Kuta to TSTC. She toured both the Waco and Fort Bend County campuses, and although further from home, TSTC in Fort Bend County was the perfect fit for her.

“It was a new campus with new labs and equipment. I couldn’t wait to start,” she said. “There were also still smaller class sizes so that meant more one-on-one time with instructors.”

It was August 2017, when Kuta enrolled at TSTC, set up a trailer at a local RV park, where she stayed during the week; and sped up her program completion by testing out of Welding Technology introduction courses because of the welding experience she brought from high school.

Kuta was even inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.

“TSTC was a really great experience for me. It was a great place to kick-off my welding career,” she said. “And I was fortunate enough to have instructors who believed me, supported me and pushed me to be the best welder I could be.”

TSTC Welding Instructor David Torres called Kuta a great welding student who is goal driven.

“Cheyenne is very dedicated and you can see that dedication in her welding abilities,” said Torres. She’s always lending a helping hand and coming in early and staying late to build her skills. She will go far in this industry; I know she’ll make it because she has all of the skills. Her future is bright.”

Kuta also said the best thing, for her, about graduating from TSTC, is that she is leaving debt free because of a collection of scholarships she received in high school, financial aid and non-traditional students scholarships from TSTC and other welding industry organizations.

Her advice for other students, “Always put yourself out there. Apply for scholarships, you just never know. This is a possibility for everyone,” she said.

She also wants other girls and women to know that there is no need to feel intimidated about entering into a male-dominated career.

“Don’t be scared. If you have a passion for something and you want to do it, do it,” Kuta said.

“We can do the job just as good, if not better, than the men. Let’s show them what we got.”

So what’s in Kuta’s future?

She has already begun the job application process. She has interviewed with several oil field companies such as National Oilwell, Conroe and Baker Hughes.

“The oilfield is where the jobs are at and I can’t wait to get started,” she said.

Kuta also hopes to become a Certified Welding Inspector and a Certified Welding Instructor in the coming years.

For more information on Welding Technology, visit tstc.edu/programs/WeldingTechnology.

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