(HARLINGEN, Texas) – After a perfect first semester at Texas State Technical College, Jianina Sells knew that she could finish the remainder of her years as a Health Information Technology student on the same note. Not only was the Raymondville native able to graduate as a TSTC Board of Regents honor graduate, but she was also able to do it while maintaining a full-time job.

Was it your goal to graduate as a Board of Regents scholar?

When I started college, I never thought that I would graduate with honors. It wasn’t really a goal of mine until the end of my first semester, when I saw that I finished with straight A’s. I’ve always been determined to succeed at anything I set my mind to, so once I decided I wanted to graduate with a 4.0 GPA, I gave it my all and refused to let myself fail.

Were there any challenges you faced while on your journey to a 4.0 GPA?

I was employed full time when I was a student. Working 40 hours a week and being enrolled in college full time was difficult to say the least. I studied during any breaks I had and from the time I got home up until I went to sleep. Balancing my personal life, work and school was challenging.

Why did you decide to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology?

I have been a pharmacy technician since 2013. So I knew if I was going to change my career, I still wanted to stay in health care. I would hear about health information technology programs on the radio, and one day I decided to look into it. I’d heard great things about the online Health Information Technology program that TSTC offers, so I decided to apply.

Who at TSTC had a great impact on you?

My Health Information Technology instructors Katrina Stotts, Randa Weeks and Joni Wallace were always there for me to answer questions I had or clear up anything I was confused about. There were times I would call Ms. Stotts or Ms. Wallace multiple times a day, and they always answered. I love these instructors. Without them, I probably wouldn’t have made it.

What advice would you give to incoming TSTC students who also hope to finish college as Board of Regents honor graduates?

Study hard, but make sure to take breaks. Take notes, and if you think you might not understand, read the chapter again. Make flash cards, and reach out to your instructors. Talk to them about your assignments, and don’t be afraid to speak up.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA is no easy task. Graduating with one after serving your country in the U.S. Marines is even harder.

However, for San Benito native Mauricio Cruz, commitment, focus and determination are second nature. Those attributes helped Cruz become one of the few Texas State Technical College students to finish his degree as a TSTC Board of Regents honor graduate.

“I don’t think I ever grew accustomed to the school environment,” he said. “That was the biggest challenge, especially after coming from a military background.”

Cruz was on active duty from 2012 to 2016 before being honorably discharged as a corporal in the Marines.

“I was attached to a unit named Marine Corps Security Forces,” he said of his time in Virginia. “I served as platoon armorer.”

While a military background did pose a challenge in terms of his environment, he kept in mind that the key to success in college was maintaining a keen focus on academics.

“I knew that all I had to do was study, do my homework and pay attention.”

Cruz’s love of the outdoors inspired him to earn an associate degree in agricultural technology.

“I have always enjoyed agriculture, such as cattle and the outdoors,” he said. “I figured if I was going to start college, it would have to be for something I enjoy.”

Cruz’s journey to the finish line would not have been the same without an instructor who had quite an impact on him.

“Mr. (Sammy) Gavito was hands down the best Instructor I have ever had,” Cruz said. “Not just as a teacher, but as a person, he was just amazing and very passionate when he would pass down his knowledge to his students.”

While Cruz dedicated earlier years in service to his country, he is not quite done yet.

“I hope to one day work for U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” he said. “It is not a short process, but it is something I will be striving for.”

With many students getting ready to start college in the fall, Cruz offered advice on how they too can achieve a perfect 4.0 GPA.

“Pay attention in class, take notes, do your homework and stay focused,” he said. “Do that, and you will be just fine.”

Cruz’s hobbies do not stray too far from what he was studying.

“I enjoy my time off caring for my chickens and cattle,” he said. “I’m always making sure they stay at their best.”

Fall registration is currently underway. To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – After spending 22 years with the Brownsville Public Utilities Board as a certified lineworker, Candelario Deanda is ready to climb to new heights as an Electrical Lineworker Technology instructor when Texas State Technical College introduces the program at its Harlingen campus this fall.

“We are still in the process of getting everything ready,” Deanda said. “I will be an instructor for courses in obtaining the certificate, as well as the associate of applied science degree.”

The program will entail both online learning and labs, which will include the hands-on learning that TSTC is known for.

“Students will get to climb the poles and work with transformers,” he said. “It will never get boring.”

Lineworkers are often the first responders during power outages and major storms, making the hands-on learning not only fundamentally important, but also essential.

“If power lines go out, we fix the problem,” Deanda said. “Outside of weather circumstances, a lineworker’s day consists of work orders, digging for underground lines, setting the poles for new lines in subdivisions — all of that.”

It is no secret that the South Texas heat keeps people confined in their air-conditioned homes throughout the year, and it is because of such conditions that lineworkers are in demand.

“There is always going to be a need for lineworkers,” he said. “There will always be a need for somebody to ensure the power is on and running.”

While Deanda has two decades of experience under his workman’s belt, the main lesson he hopes to pass on to his students is the importance of being safe in the field.

“I hope my students learn that safety is vital,” he said. “I will teach them the importance of wearing their gear and their gloves; that’s my priority. I want to ensure that I teach them everything I can.”

For more information about TSTC’s Electrical Lineworker Technology program, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/ElectricalLineworkerTechnology.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Seventeen years at Texas State Technical College have brought Sarah Brooks many moments she will never forget. Serving as program chair for Health Information Technology, she not only has found a meaningful career but also has guided students toward fulfilling aspirations of their own.

What inspired you to take on a role in the medical field?

I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in the health care field, but not necessarily with direct patient contact. I was very excited to learn about the many different job opportunities available in the health information field. This career path also allowed me to have a normal work schedule while having a busy family life.

Do you have a favorite TSTC memory?

There are so many it is difficult to choose just one. My most treasured memories all stem from previous students who have contacted me to share their career successes. I love hearing the excitement and pride in their voices.

What do you enjoy most about working with students?

Being an online instructor allows me the opportunity to interact with many students from different areas across the state with a variety of life experiences. It is so rewarding to watch our students learn, develop, and then apply the knowledge and skills that I had a hand in teaching and mentoring them. It is such a privilege to watch these students grow and realize their own capabilities.

To learn more about Health Information Technology at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/programs/HealthInformationTechnology.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Encouraged by her father, Sabrina Wicker was determined to finish what she started and obtain her college degree. The Lubbock native studied Digital Media Design at Texas State Technical College, and now she is ready to share her creative side with the world after graduating with an Associate of Applied Science degree.

“When I walked into my first class, the students thought I was the instructor,” she said. “That gave me a good giggle. But my favorite memory was when I presented my final project, a website. It sounds simple, but it was then that I knew I could finish school.”

Though there was a happy ending, Wicker faced a few personal barriers on her road to graduation.

“I have always had anxiety about school,” she said. “I never had confidence in my ability, so finishing that website was a huge accomplishment for me.”

While credit is due to Wicker for finishing her journey, she did have an additional boost of confidence in knowing that her biggest fan was right beside her to encourage her along the way.

“My dad always had faith,” Wicker said. “He took every opportunity to encourage and support me. He is actually my hero. He knows hardship and how to overcome every obstacle. He is always teaching me to trust myself.”

Although the pandemic caused the spring semester to end differently than she and her classmates had expected, the impact TSTC had on her is evident.

“I now have the confidence and skills to move forward,” she said. “My instructors were wonderful and very supportive. They brought their professional understanding to class, and I feel I now have real-world experience. My instructors were all so patient, and I had an opportunity to learn from every bump in the road. It was life-changing.”

Enrollment for the fall semester is underway. To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Billboards, magazine layouts, and websites are all intricately crafted by graphic designers. Digital Media Design at Texas State Technical College brings those skills to life for students seeking a vibrant career.

Jerry Vavra, TSTC’s statewide department chair for Digital Media Design, explained that while technology makes up a large aspect of the program, the key to crafting the perfect illustration is research.

“A lot of a graphic designer’s job is trying to figure out how people think,” he said. “Analyzing social trends, rebranding, and figuring out what makes a client different are all a part of creating perfect visuals for clients. With great research comes great design.”

In this day and age of social distancing, the online program is a great opportunity for a prospective student who wants to become a graphic designer while still being able to learn from home.

“You can come into the program not even knowing how to draw a circle,” Vavra said. “We teach students the fun stuff.”

He added that job security is something that potential graphic designers can look forward to.

“When you drive around town and see designed billboards, there was a graphic designer behind that,” he said. “The world of graphic design is not going away. If anything, it has become enhanced.”

The end of the spring semester also brings the end of a few student journeys at TSTC, and Vavra has some words of wisdom for Digital Media Design graduates.

“Master your programs, always seek inspiration, and research,” he said. “Your portfolio is everything, so make it a great one. It’s OK to have multiple portfolios that match the jobs you are applying for.”

While graduation celebrations look a little different due to the current pandemic, Vavra reiterated that a student’s sense of accomplishment should not diminish because of it.

“Our design students work very hard at their craft,” he said. “Many hours go into designing for the right person, and I know our graduates are going to continue doing their job well when they start their careers. I can’t wait to see what they design next.”

For more information, visit tstc.edu/programs/DigitalMediaDesign.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Despite her final semester ending rather unconventionally, Lizette Padilla is eager to graduate from Texas State Technical College and begin her career as a dental hygienist. The Brownsville native is grateful for her time at TSTC and looks forward with anticipation and excitement to what her new career will bring.

Do you have a favorite TSTC memory?

My favorite memories would be the times my classmates and I were able to go out into the community to educate people about dental health. Being able to give back to the community in this way was rewarding.

Is there anyone specific who inspired you the most during your time at TSTC?

My instructor Mrs. (Victoria) Martin inspired me. She was and is always willing to help students with anything needed. She is an amazing instructor who truly cares about us and is great at what she does.

How has TSTC changed your life?

TSTC has given me the chance to obtain a career in dental hygiene. I feel confident that I have received the proper training and education needed to succeed in my career.

If you could give a message to fellow graduates, what would you tell them?

I know that these are not the circumstances in which we expected to graduate. Nevertheless, we should be proud of ourselves for graduating. It was a difficult journey for all of us. However, I am confident that we will go out into the community and change lives.

Fall registration is currently underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – On Thursday, June 11, Texas State Technical College honored its spring 2020 graduates with a socially distant celebration on campus.

The drive-thru ceremony was TSTC’s twist on congratulating the graduates while maintaining safety standards set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“TSTC wanted to put together a celebration for our newest graduates and wish them well before they start their careers,” said Larissa Moreno, a coordinator of new student orientation and activities. “What they have accomplished is significant. And even though we are celebrating in a unique way, we paid attention to every detail with them in mind.”

Families and friends cheered and honked their horns to celebrate the graduates, whose face coverings barely concealed their smiles and excitement.

“My hope is that the graduates leave here feeling celebrated and proud of their accomplishment,” added Moreno. “It’s a big deal. Many (TSTC) employees helped make this day special. I am proud of these graduates, not only because they are our students, but because they are TSTC family. And as in most families, we celebrate milestones.”

TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez reiterated that the ceremony was a token of appreciation for the graduates, who have gracefully handled the very different semester.

“This small celebration is our rainbow during this unprecedented season we find ourselves in,” she said. “While it is not our traditional formal ceremony, it is a small, heartfelt way to honor the accomplishments of our students. We know the importance of graduating, and we did not want it to go uncelebrated.”

Moreno noted that the graduates had adapted well to the unforeseen circumstances brought on by the current global pandemic.

“Many of our students had to adjust to a new way of learning in their final semester,” she said. “It took patience, confidence and perseverance. But they did it.”

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.