(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Thanks to a grant from the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation, the Emergency Medical Services and Dental Hygiene programs at Texas State Technical College received some welcome additions to better serve students.

Upgrades include adding top-of-the-line equipment to the real-world setting of the Dental Hygiene program, as well as an indoor ambulance simulator for the Emergency Medical Services program.

TSTC senior field development officer Richard Mesquias explained that the process of obtaining the simulator began with the desire to add a few technological improvements to the programs.

“The idea was to add another emergency medical services simulator,” he said. “We are deeply grateful to the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation for enabling us to enhance our Dental Hygiene program and our Emergency Medical Services efforts. Both programs were provided additional equipment to expand their labs in an effort to prepare students for the workforce.”

TSTC Associate Provost Jean Lashbrook said that the ambulance simulator is an additional way for the programs to ensure that TSTC students experience thorough and realistic training before entering their careers.

“We are always on the lookout for best practices in how our students can get a real-life feel of what will be expected and experienced in the field,” she said.

Emergency Medical Services program director Dan Forbing reiterated the statement.

“The simulator is very close to working in a real ambulance, all the way down to the dashboard,” he said.

The grant not only covered the simulator itself, but also the special flooring needed to allow for realistic road conditions.

The Dental Hygiene program was first introduced at TSTC in 1996, and much of the resources that students had been using were from that time frame.

Updates to complement the program include a new lab, radiology chair, radiology digital scanners, and a disinfection and sterilization system.

Dental Hygiene instructor Victoria Martin is thankful for the upgrades in the program.

“We provide patient care in our clinic,” she said. “Just like going to your doctor or dentist’s office, you want that place where you get treatment to look nice and clean. With new equipment, we are not only able to modernize our program, but also produce students with advanced technical skills.”

The new technology is another way that TSTC is giving students beneficial experience that will allow them to make a difference in their communities, something that the foundation strongly believes in.

“The Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation invests in healthy initiatives that will improve the health and quality of life in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Bernadette Perez, grants associate for the foundation. “We want to address health-related needs and close the skills gap in the Rio Grande Valley area specifically. It is important that the students are receiving all of the education that will fully prepare them to go into the workforce and make a difference in our area.”

The updates to both programs will allow TSTC students to do just that.

“I like being able to train students so well that they go out into the field absolutely confident,” Forbing said. “Our new equipment is a huge benefit to our students.”

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

Photo: TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez (left) and Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation Executive Director Judy Quisenberry (right) during the check signing ceremony at TSTC on August 10, 2020. (Photo courtesy of Texas State Technical College.)

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Cars and trucks decorated with balloons and window art lined up across the Health Science and Technology Building parking lot at Texas State Technical College recently to celebrate the newest graduates of the Surgical Technology program.

While maintaining social distancing guidelines, one graduate at a time exited their vehicle and walked up to a tent, where they were presented with their surgical technology pin, a rose, and even a festive cookie to celebrate the occasion.

The original pinning ceremony, which was planned for early August, had to be canceled because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. However, the program instructors felt that the 28 graduates still needed to be celebrated.

“We knew we wanted to do something special for our students,” said Surgical Technology instructor Yolanda Ramirez. “We have been planning the pinning parade since the start of the summer semester.”

Like many TSTC students this year, this cohort had to adjust rapidly to the environmental changes of their program, including hybrid learning with online classes and in-person labs.

“Each of our students worked so hard to continue their education and achieve the goal of graduating from the Surgical Technology program,” said Ramirez. “This class had to quickly adapt to our current situation, and it was important that we honor their hard work.”

Surgical Technology program director Anna San Pedro added that this cohort is well equipped to leave their mark on the industry.

“The faculty and I send our most sincere well wishes to our students,” she said. “We are confident that our graduates will have a prosperous future, and we look forward to seeing their continued success in life and in the surgical technology industry.”

She said that teamwork was an effort that guided this class on the way to graduation.

“I always start a cohort by saying ‘we are a team until the end, and we will get through the program together, one step at a time,’” she said. “In the end, we become a family. Now these graduates have become part of the TSTC Surgical Technology alumni family.”

Registration for fall classes is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – With guidance from her sister, Taryn Crow made the decision to pursue a career in the medical field. Now she is one of 28 graduates who will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology this month from Texas State Technical College.

The Los Fresnos native is grateful for how TSTC prepared her to embark on her new journey and is eager to begin her career.

Can you speak about your experience with TSTC?

My experience at TSTC was absolutely wonderful. The staff and instructors in my program helped get me to where I am today.

Do you have any favorite TSTC memories?

I loved all the events that we had and the opportunities that were presented to students. I will say, though, my favorite memories all include being a part of the Surgical Technology program. You become close with your peers and the instructors who have guided you through the semesters.

How has TSTC helped prepare you for your career?

TSTC has been very helpful in every way possible. The staff were sure to have a whole layout designed to show me exactly what I needed to do to accomplish the program I wanted to start. There are incredible resources to help guide and aid you through so that you are better prepared to take on the world.

Did you face any challenges on your journey to graduation?

Yes, I absolutely did. I am a mother and a wife, and on top of all the studying and late nights, the pandemic happened. It put a wrench into our plans for surgical technology, but we did it and came out of the program even stronger.

What has been your greatest sense of accomplishment to date?

I was able to show my son that it is never too late to pursue your dreams and goals. Here I am, graduating from an amazing program, which will allow me to be able to provide a better life for my family. The best words I will ever hear are “I am proud of you, mommy!”

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

Stay focused, and do not lose sight of what is important. Whatever your dream or goal is, you will reach it. Do not be afraid to seek help when needed. There is help available in more places than you think. Above all, enjoy your time at TSTC; you will not regret it.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. To apply to TSTC, visit https://www.tstc.edu/admissions.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College recently celebrated 25 of its Nursing graduates in a special and socially distant way.

Smiles were noticeable despite mandatory facial masks as family members participated in the tradition of “pinning” the graduates. Parked cars honked for joy as loved ones received their pins, which signify completion of the program and preparedness for a career in their field.

TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez said that the special ceremony is one of the ways to recognize those who will serve in health care.

“One of the blessings we want to bestow on our front-line workers is making sure that we send them out into the workforce not only with the skills that they need to impact their industry, but also with the traditional blessing received by health care workers, which is the pinning ceremony,” she said. “These students are going to go out and leave their mark on the industry.”

Nursing instructor Heather Sauceda reiterated the importance of the pinning ceremony for health care workers.

“This time is such a special moment,” she said. “As a nurse, your pinning is a rite of passage.”

She added that despite the trials and tribulations that are part of studying for a career in health care, ceremonies like this create fond memories that last a lifetime.

“You remember the hard times that made you cry, and you remember the moments that made you proud,” she said. “The pinning is something that they will always hold to heart.”

After the students received their pins, they lined up in front of their vehicles to recite the Nightingale Pledge, which is a modified version of the Hippocratic Oath named for the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale.

Sauceda offered some advice for the graduates as they embark on their new journeys.

“Be a safe and competent nurse,” she said. “Always listen to your inner gut because that will save you.”

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing at its Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses. A Certificate 2 in Vocational Nursing is offered in Breckenridge, Harlingen and Sweetwater. For more information, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/Nursing.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. To apply to TSTC, visit https://www.tstc.edu/admissions.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Last month, Rebecca Davila celebrated her eighth year with Texas State Technical College.

After earning her Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management Technology from TSTC, she knew that she wanted a career in higher education. The Rio Hondo native said that her time as an enrollment coach has been filled with many wonderful memories and, most importantly, she gets to help students along the way.

What inspired you to work in higher education?

My Business Management Technology instructors inspired me. They took such a genuine interest in making sure I succeeded, and that dedication planted the seed in me of wanting to work for TSTC and in higher education.

What do you enjoy most about your career?

I enjoy the camaraderie that I have with my teammates and my supervisors. During my time with TSTC, I have been able to build friendships and create a network of staff and instructors from all over our Texas campuses.  We all share a common goal, which is to serve our students in the best way we can.

What is one of the best things about helping students change their lives?

The fact that we are able to play a part in this journey with them is one of the best feelings. Their time at TSTC will not only be able to help them individually, but it will also impact and open doors for their family.

What do you think makes studying at TSTC different from other colleges?

The personalized attention we give our students makes all the difference. I believe that effort shows the genuine personal interest that I, my teammates and my colleagues take with students who pass through our doors.

Fall registration is currently underway.  For more information, visit https://tstc.edu/admissions.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Rey Rocha has always had an interest in gears, transmissions and engines.

Now he is gearing up to receive his Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology from Texas State Technical College this fall, and he already has a full-time job lined up.

Rocha is currently working part time at Boggus Ford in Harlingen through TSTC’s cooperative education program as a technician’s assistant, an opportunity that will transition to full time after he graduates this fall.

“I chose to study automotive technology because I have an interest in the theory and combined systems that come together and make the modern vehicle,” Rocha said. “I like using tools and dexterity to accomplish a job.”

The accomplishment he feels after completing a vehicle repair is what drives him to continue to thrive in the field.

“Nothing beats the feeling of being able to troubleshoot the fault in a vehicle, repair it, turn the key on, and hear the vehicle come back to life,” he said.

Eventually Rocha would like to become a recognized Ford technician transmission specialist. His time at TSTC is helping him achieve that goal.

“The hands-on aspect of the program is a fun and necessary experience for those entering the automotive field,” he said. “Our instructors not only teach us the ins and outs of the automotive world, but they also provide life skills that will help make students successful.”

The tactics for success used at TSTC extend beyond the automotive technology curriculum.

“I feel one of the biggest impacts is how students are grouped in the program,” Rocha said. “The class you start with is the same class you graduate with. This grouping creates a camaraderie that helps boost the experience, friendship and comfortability that I feel all students can benefit from.”

The support he has received from his instructors has not gone unnoticed.

“They (instructors) recognize the skills and talents in their students and build off that to create success, and constantly remind students about opportunities related to the automotive field to give them that first step through the door.”

TSTC Automotive Technology instructor Miguel Zoleta has seen Rocha grow as a technician since he began the program.

“Rey has shown so much improvement in his automotive skills since his first semester,” Zoleta said. “We have received great feedback regarding his work with Boggus Ford. He has a lot of initiative and is going to do great in his career.”

Rocha said his greatest sense of accomplishment is embarking into an industry that he loves, and he is grateful that TSTC’s Automotive Technology program helped him find that.

“It offered education, motivation and support,” he said. “I am taking on a career path that I have the utmost confidence and passion for.”

Fall registration is underway. For more information, visit https://tstc.edu/admissions.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – As she was wrapping up her final year of high school, Mary Guerrero knew that she wanted to spend her career helping others.

A senior class trip to Texas State Technical College helped guide her right where she needed to be. Now the Santa Rosa native is ready to embark on a new journey when she receives her Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology from TSTC later this month.

“We visited TSTC on a class trip during my senior year,” she said. “I remember meeting Mr. Robert Sanchez when we were taking a tour of all the programs offered. Seeing how passionate he was about the Surgical Technology program helped me realize that it was the perfect career for me.”

Guerrero credits Sanchez, who retired from his position as a Surgical Technology instructor in 2019, as being one of the biggest reasons she pursued the degree.

“If it wasn’t for him being there during my class trip to give us a tour, I probably would have never heard about the program and would have most likely gone into a completely different profession.”

Sanchez said that Guerrero’s knack for overcoming bumps in the road will benefit her as she begins her next chapter.

“She does not let obstacles get in her way,” he said. “The perseverance she has will allow her to do very well in her career.”

Guerrero enjoyed the positive relationships she formed during her time as a TSTC student.

“My experience was truly life-changing,” she said. “I’ve met so many people and have built friendships during my time at TSTC. The instructors were very supportive of their students, and I could not even imagine being able to get through this program if it wasn’t for them. They have been amazing.”

Registration for the fall semester is underway. To apply to TSTC, visit https://www.tstc.edu/admissions.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Robotics, machining, and computing, oh my! Mechatronics Technology at Texas State Technical College offers an exciting degree path to an even more exciting career. Lead instructor Eldwin Leija discussed some of the program’s courses, as well as the characteristics that make studying mechatronics at TSTC technically better.

What courses do you teach?

I teach a few of the basic courses for the program, such as digital circuits, electromechanical systems, and manufacturing robotics.

What is mechatronics, and what is the outlook for jobs in this industry?

Mechatronics is the study and use of multiple disciplines, such as industrial maintenance, industrial robotics technology, and process controls. To simplify, mechatronics technicians can go from working on oil rigs — maintaining pumping systems and all of the sensors and controls

that keep them running — to working inside a manufacturing shop.  We repair control systems that keep the manufacturing companies going strong.  The job outlook for mechatronics engineers is very healthy.

Why are jobs in mechatronics important?

We help maintain the equipment for the necessary products that we use every day.

What makes studying mechatronics at TSTC different?

We have a solid curriculum, supplemented with industry-relevant equipment. Even during these times, we have managed to have hands-on labs on campus while strictly following guidelines and regulations. Our staff has many years of relevant industry experience in mechatronics, and we help students find a career when they are done.

Fall registration is currently underway.

To learn more about Mechatronics Technology at TSTC, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/MechatronicsTechnology.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – If there is one word to describe Mallory Torres, it is fierce.

Not only is she conquering the male-dominated field of mechatronics, but she is also doing so after overcoming personal hardships.

In 2017, she completed an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College, where her curiosity for mechatronics began to grow. Then, in 2019, she earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics Technology at TSTC.

“A lot of the machines that we used in our welding classes were very expensive,” she said. “I started to wonder who would repair them if they broke down. I got curious about what technicians would even look for as they were repairing the equipment.”

That interest in electrical components led her to mechatronics.

“As my time in the welding program ended, I knew mechatronics was something I wanted to explore,” she said. “The program really showed me that anything can be repaired or built. It’s all about troubleshooting and finding the problem.”

Torres excelled in the program despite personal hardship.

“I joined the program at the same time that my mom was battling stage 4 cancer,” she said. “She passed away in December 2017. My dad pushed me to finish school for my mom, and that’s what I did. Losing her made me work harder.”

Two short years later, Torres is working as a mechatronics technician and is elated to have two beneficial trades under her belt.

“My time in the programs flew by, and the instructors were always very helpful,” she said. “They always wanted us to succeed as if we were their own kids.”

Mechatronics instructor Eldwin Leija saw firsthand the perseverance that Torres showed as a student.

“Mallory was very dedicated and always pushed herself to the next level,” he said. “Her dedication has carried on over to her job and career. It was a pleasure having her in class, and I know she will succeed.”

Torres is also grateful for the skills that she learned outside the classroom.

“TSTC taught me how to prepare myself when I entered the workforce,” she said. “We received assistance with interviews and the job search. Studying there was honestly the best decision I ever made.”

Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – As students gear up to start classes this fall, Texas State Technical College has been diligently planning and preparing for a new way of learning.

The coronavirus has very quickly changed the way we go about our daily lives, a change that has also had an impact on how TSTC distributes curriculum. While student safety remains a top priority, the quality of education was also an aspect carefully taken into consideration when making the progression to distance learning and the changes to labs and housing.

“TSTC has transitioned their training programs to either completely online or hybrid modality,” said Harlingen Provost Cledia Hernandez. “Each program did a thorough assessment and analysis of the program’s skills and either adopted an online platform to assess student skills or modified their on-campus lab to allow students to complete their hands-on skills on campus.”

Adjustments were also extended to programs that require on-campus labs.

“Lab layouts were reconfigured to account for physical distancing while in the lab,” Hernandez explained. “Additionally, students scheduled time slots throughout the week to come into the lab to minimize the group size. Technology was also integrated into labs to help instructors facilitate instruction and feedback while still complying with physical distancing requirements.”

The campus has taken all necessary precautions to comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for students who need to visit campus to complete required lab work.

“All students are required to wear face coverings while at TSTC,” Hernandez said. “In some programs, based on the skills being performed, additional personal protective equipment is required to help maintain safety.”

Surgical Technology instructor Yolanda Ramirez reiterated that student safety was a top priority when configuring the new ways in which labs will be conducted.

“The skills will be taught via Webex through both pre-recorded and live stream sessions,” she said.  “We have been recording various skills videos, as well as instrument videos that students are required to learn. All of these will be covered during our Webex class sessions, so we will also be available in real time to answer any questions that students may have.”

Efforts have also been made to ensure that student housing follows strict safety protocols once students move into their dorms later this month.

“TSTC Housing has worked to de-densify residences to the best of their ability,” said Director of Housing Lorena Garza. “For that matter, TSTC Housing is only offering a single occupancy option for residents at this time. Non-resident guests are not allowed in the housing complex, and current residents are required to wear a face covering or mask at all times outside of their residences while in the housing complex.”

Additionally, TSTC has also taken measures to ensure that quality hands-on learning is upheld because it is one of the school’s most vital components.

Hernandez said that students can still access all the same services, just in a different way.

“Tutors, library services, veteran services, and enrollment coaches can all be reached through various digital platforms.”

Emily Mancini, who recently completed her Associate of Applied Science degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology online, reiterated that the efforts made at TSTC through remote learning were just as beneficial despite students not being on campus.

“From the admissions office to counselors and coordinators, everyone was responsive and helpful with the many questions I had,” she said. “It was especially helpful since this was my first year doing online distance learning.”

The dedication of her instructors was especially appreciated.

“With each semester, I felt the instructors were open to questions and discussions to help make the online distance learning as manageable as possible for the students,” she said. “I had email correspondence with each of my professors, and they all replied promptly and helped with any concerns I had.”

Fall registration is currently underway.  For more information about TSTC’s online programs, visit https://www.tstc.edu/tstconline.