(HARLINGEN) – As a U.S. Navy and Coast Guard veteran Jeromy Jeffries has lived across the United States and overseas, but he now calls the Wind Energy Technology program at Texas State Technical College home.

After more than two decades, the 44-year-old decided it was time to return to college and earn a degree.

“The military was my life. It was my career,” said Jeffries. “I never imagined that I would be a college student, much less be this close to graduating.”

Jeffries expects to earn his certificate and associate degree in Wind Energy Technology in May and currently boasts a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.

“This is a second career for me and I expect it to sustain my family and me until I retire,” he said. “I did a lot of research before enrolling and I’m confident that I’m going to have a great paying, stable job for a long time. There is a lot of growth and opportunity in this industry.”

Employment of wind turbine service technicians is projected to grow 96 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And with wind electricity expected to continue growing rapidly opportunities are expected to increase.

In an article by Rio Grande Valley Partnership President and Chief Executive Officer Sergio Contreras, Texas is a leader in wind energy power with close to 25,000 Texans working in support of the wind industry.

He states that the impact of these thousands of jobs is also felt in the Rio Grande Valley.

“Opportunities range from the fastest-growing middle-wage position in Texas, wind turbine technician, to the construction workers and suppliers that support continued growth of the state’s wind industry,” said Contreras. “In fact, TSTC in Harlingen Wind Energy Technology program graduates are earning an annual average salary, with a two-year degree, of $53,000, which can go to $90,000.”

Jeffries said knowing the type of opportunities that lay ahead, he made it his goal to work hard and maintain an “A” average and a knowledge that would be impressive to employers.

His determination paid off because he recently accepted an internship position with transition to full-time employment with One Wind Renewable Energy Services in Willacy County as a Wind Turbine Technician starting in April.

“I treat school as a job and I do my very best,” said Jeffries. “And I’m excited for the opportunity I have been presented with and I look forward to beginning my career.”

He credits his success to not only his instructors, who have been a source of knowledge and experience for him, but also the TSTC Veteran Center for helping him in his transition from military to civilian life.

TSTC is a Gold-Level Military Friendly School and the TSTC Veterans Center serves veterans and their dependents as a centralized one-stop shop to get assistance with admission, financial aid, GI Bill and Hazlewood applications, in addition to other internal and external services and referrals to ensure a successful college experience.

“It’s been a difficult transition, but the Veterans Center helping me with all of my documents and processes, and my instructors and classmates who have become family, have made it a bit easier,” he said. “And I know that my two-year degree is going to take me far.”

Wind Energy Technology is also offered at TSTC’s Sweetwater campus.

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

(HARLINGEN) – Daniel Rodriguez, 21, is a Computer Maintenance Technology student at Texas State Technical College and maintains a 3.7 grade-point average.

The Harlingen native already holds an associate degree from TSTC in Computer Networking and Security Technology, which he earned in Spring 2018.

Rodriguez volunteers at the Harlingen Public Library for the children/teen department because he hopes to be a role model for those younger than him.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I hope to work for the city of Harlingen or the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District as a computer technician.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to work as a computer or network technician and expand and enhance the Rio Grande Valley’s networking infrastructure.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishments are my first associate degree and becoming a college graduate, maintaining my GPA and making it on the dean’s list for my grades and also earning a President’s Volunteer Service Award for my hours of community service.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is to have patience and perseverance. Don’t let self-doubt keep you from your plan or goal. Be confident and overcome obstacles.

Who at TSTC has had the greatest influence on your success?

I have a number of people who influenced my success, but the ones who have stood out and really pushed me out of my comfort zone and believed in me when I doubted myself are my English instructor Timothy Kikos, Physics instructor Jose Alvarez, Computer Maintenance instructor Alex Alcoser, Computer Science Division associate professor Norma Colunga-Hernandez and Business Management Technology professor Edna Claus.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

Don’t let people shame you because you’re enrolled at a two-year technical college. There are many benefits to a two-year versus a four-year degree. TSTC is a great place to learn, grow and it’ll lead to a great career. I know many people who have found success through TSTC, all anyone has to do is work hard, have confidence and believe.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College was created to place more Texans in great-paying jobs, fill the middle-skills gap and meet industry demand, and it leads numerous initiatives throughout the year to accomplish its mission.

One of these initiatives is the biannual Industry Job Fair, where TSTC students and alumni can meet potential employers. The event was recently hosted not only in Harlingen, but also at several other campuses throughout the state.

“This event is growing in popularity statewide,” said Viviana Espinosa, director of Talent Management and Career Services. “Industry is looking for qualified, highly-skilled graduates, and they know they can find that right here at TSTC.”

More than 500 TSTC students and alumni, and more than 60 company representatives, attended this month’s fair in Harlingen.

The event served as an opportunity for recruiters and students to connect and network. TSTC students and alumni were able to submit resumes and applications, and numerous companies conducted on-site interviews.

“Our students’ skills and knowledge really make an impression with employers,” said Espinosa. “A number of our students are usually hired during this event, even before they graduate.”

TSTC’s overall job placement rate is 94 percent, and many TSTC graduates land jobs with good starting salaries and full benefits packages.

“Two-year degrees are enough for these students to find very successful positions,” said Espinosa. “They’re work-ready, and many of our certificate graduates find similar opportunities.”

Because many of TSTC’s students gain the hands-on training and experience they need to be successful in the classroom, Espinosa said they are ready to hit the ground running when they enter the workforce, with little on-the-job training needed.

Robert Salazar, who is in charge of senior talent acquisition at Tenaris, said he hires most of his employees from TSTC’s Industrial Maintenance and Engineering programs.

“The training that students get at TSTC encompasses everything from the basic skills to troubleshooting and real-world experience that help companies like us because they don’t require much training when they get hired,” he said. “And it’s great that TSTC puts us in connection with these students before they even graduate. They help us fill an immediate need.”

Joe Lopez, senior superintendent at Joeris General Contractors in San Antonio and a TSTC Building Construction Technology alumnus, said they currently employ about seven TSTC alumni and are ready to hire more TSTC graduates.

“At the moment, we’re focused on hiring carpenters. And from my experience, TSTC students possess the skills they need to go far with the company,” he said. “There’s always a demand for skilled labor, and we can find qualified candidates at TSTC.”

Espinosa said this semester’s Industry Job Fair was a success, thanks to industry partners, TSTC faculty and staff, and her Talent Management and Career Services team.

“Our Industry Job Fairs are a success because of the support we receive from everyone,” she said. “I’m grateful for everyone’s efforts in ensuring that our students find success and get that job offer.”

TSTC’s Talent Management and Career Services department offers Industry Job Fairs, interview practicums, resume building, and interview coaching statewide for all TSTC students and alumni.

For more information on the services offered, call 956-364-4940.

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Diana Mitchell is a Biology major at Texas State Technical College. The 23-year-old expects to earn her associate degree in Summer 2019.

The Harlingen native is also active on campus as a work-study employee with the biology department, a member of the TSTC Student Leadership Academy and, most recently, as founder and president of the Biology Club. Under her leadership, the club has partnered with TerraCycle for a recycling drive and with the Pizzeria for a fundraiser.

Mitchell has also recently begun volunteering and job shadowing at a local veterinary clinic.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on transferring to Texas A&M University – Kingsville to pursue a bachelor’s degree in animal science and pre-veterinary medicine.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become a veterinarian. I’ve always loved animals and have always had pets. Caring for them and ensuring they’re healthy is my passion.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishments have been maintaining A’s and B’s and starting the Biology Club. It has taught me leadership and communication skills I may not have otherwise received if I wasn’t an active student on campus.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lessons I have learned are to do what you’re passionate about, don’t compare yourself to others because everyone’s path is different and don’t dwell on your mistakes, instead learn from them.

Who at TSTC has had the greatest influence on your success?

First, there’s my number one supporter and fan, my mother Sanjuanita Quintanilla; she is a custodial worker at TSTC’s Learning Resource Center. She is my everything. Next, my instructors, but especially biology and anatomy and physiology instructor and club advisor Jena Campbell. She has a wealth of knowledge and is one of the people pushing me to continue my education, and last, but not least, my supervisor and academic English program maintenance specialist Alma Garcia, for teaching the value of work ethic.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to take advantage of what TSTC has to offer in your own backyard, and take school seriously. I didn’t when I was younger, and I regret it. So find a passion and stick with it.

(HARLINGEN) – A record 13 faculty and staff members at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen have been named recipients of the prestigious Chancellor’s Excellence Award, chosen from among 160 nominations.

Texas State Technical College has celebrated the dedication of its staff and faculty by awarding the Chancellor’s Excellence Award to those committed to the excellence of the college and its students for almost two decades.

The 2019 recipients are – Maria Magana, contract compliance manager; Daniel De La Garza, director of strategic sourcing; Heather Sauceda, vocational nursing program director; Shirley Byrd, vocational nursing to registered nursing transition director; Tom Cross, aviation maintenance lead instructor; Jennifer Colten, director of stewardship and donor relations; Robert Foshie, executive director of enrollment center; Tracy Vallejo, records processing specialist; Llesmin Gonzalez, executive director of testing center; Teresa Rivera, custodian worker; Leo Villarreal, maintenance department painter; Janette Gomez, community standards liaison; and Arnulfo Alanis, maintenance electrician.

Each staff and faculty member have worked with TSTC anywhere between three and 20 years, and were nominated by their peers, provosts and vice chancellors.

They were selected for their distinguished service and dedication to the college, communities and their state for this award and for exhibiting daily TSTC’s core values of Excellence, Accountability, Service and Integrity.

“The teammates who win this award model excellence for us all and are recognized for both their sound character and for advancing TSTC’s new direction,” said TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser. “Due to their caring and dedicated efforts, TSTC continues to make a difference in the employment success of our students.”

Every recipient shared the sentiment of surprise and shock. They said they don’t come to work with receiving an award in mind, but instead on the doing the best job they can.

Foshie said it’s an honor to recognized by his peers, but to him his work is more than the awards.

“TSTC is my career and family and I’m already honored to be part of this amazing community,” said Foshie, who has been with TSTC for 11 years. “And being able to see students begin this important part of their lives and seeing them achieve success as they walk across the stage at commencement is my favorite part of the job.”

For Cross, who has been with TSTC for nearly two decades, said he works every day with the goal of building the aircraft airframe and powerplant programs and creating a culture of success so that TSTC graduates are the first choice for employers. He said it was never about winning awards or receiving recognition.

“It was such a surprise learning about this award,” said Cross. “I just do my job to the best of my ability. TSTC gives us a great opportunity to help change students’ lives for the better.

I didn’t think I was worthy of this recognition, but I am humbled and honored.”

For some like Byrd, who has been with TSTC for four years, this award has allowed for reflection.

“When I read the email I thought it was a mistake. My department is very small and I couldn’t imagine who would nominate me,” she said. “But I am excited and honored and this has made me look at myself and evaluate as to why I received this award, and I am already looking at how to improve my department and live up to the expectations of this honor.”

Foshie, Cross, Byrd and the other recipients will join the other 35 TSTC recipients from across the state at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards dinner and celebration in Austin where they will receive their medallions.

Arnulfo Alanis

Tracy Vallejo

Tom Cross

Teresa Rivera

Shirley Byrd

Robert Foshie

Maria Magana

Llesmin Gonzalez

Leo Villarreal

Jennifer Colten

Janette Gomez

Heather Sauceda

Daniel De La Garza

(HARLINGEN) – As a U.S. Navy and Coast Guard veteran Jeromy Jeffries has lived across the United States and overseas, but he now calls the Wind Energy Technology program at Texas State Technical College home.

After more than two decades, the 44-year-old decided it was time to return to college and earn a degree.

“The military was my life. It was my career,” said Jeffries. “I never imagined that I would be a college student, much less be this close to graduating.”

Jeffries expects to earn his certificate and associate degree in Wind Energy Technology in May and currently boasts a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.

“This is a second career for me and I expect it to sustain my family and me until I retire,” he said. “I did a lot of research before enrolling and I’m confident that I’m going to have a great paying, stable job for a long time. There is a lot of growth and opportunity in this industry.”

Employment of wind turbine service technicians is projected to grow 96 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And with wind electricity expected to continue growing rapidly opportunities are expected to increase.

In an article by Rio Grande Valley Partnership President and Chief Executive Officer Sergio Contreras, Texas is a leader in wind energy power with close to 25,000 Texans working in support of the wind industry.

He states that the impact of these thousands of jobs is also felt in the Rio Grande Valley.

“Opportunities range from the fastest-growing middle-wage position in Texas, wind turbine technician, to the construction workers and suppliers that support continued growth of the state’s wind industry,” said Contreras. “In fact, TSTC in Harlingen Wind Energy Technology program graduates are earning an annual average salary, with a two-year degree, of $53,000, which can go to $90,000.”

Jeffries said knowing the type of opportunities that lay ahead, he made it his goal to work hard and maintain an “A” average and a knowledge that would be impressive to employers.

His determination paid off because he recently accepted an internship position with transition to full-time employment with One Wind Renewable Energy Services in Willacy County as a Wind Turbine Technician starting in April.

“I treat school as a job and I do my very best,” said Jeffries. “And I’m excited for the opportunity I have been presented with and I look forward to beginning my career.”

He credits his success to not only his instructors, who have been a source of knowledge and experience for him, but also the TSTC Veteran Center for helping him in his transition from military to civilian life.

TSTC is a Gold-Level Military Friendly School and the TSTC Veterans Center serves veterans and their dependents as a centralized one-stop shop to get assistance with admission, financial aid, GI Bill and Hazlewood applications, in addition to other internal and external services and referrals to ensure a successful college experience.

“It’s been a difficult transition, but the Veterans Center helping me with all of my documents and processes, and my instructors and classmates who have become family, have made it a bit easier,” he said. “And I know that my two-year degree is going to take me far.”

Wind Energy Technology is also offered at TSTC’s Sweetwater campus.

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

(HARLINGEN) – Mariela Ramirez, 20, is pursuing an associate degree in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics at Texas State Technical College.

The Harlingen native maintains an impressive 3.9 grade-point average while working as a mentor with the TSTC Office of Student Success.

What are your plans after graduation?

This month I will begin an internship with Garver, an engineering, planning, architectural and environmental services firm, in Harlingen and hopefully if all goes well I will be hired at the end of my internship and gain employment immediately upon graduating.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become an architectural engineer or civil engineer. I’ve always had a fascination on how things work and are built so I hope to continue this curiosity by also pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment is my GPA. I’ve been listed on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll and the Vice Chancellor’s Honor Roll for my grades. It’s been a great honor.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that it takes a lot of hard work and determination to find success. Success isn’t handed over on a silver platter and opportunity doesn’t seek you; you seek opportunity.

Who at TSTC has had the greatest influence on your success?

My supervisors Jennifer Porras, pre-technology advisor, and Norma Salazar, director of instructional tutoring, have had the greatest influence on my success. They are the best motivators and are always pushing us to be the best self we can be for those we mentor.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to never give up; keep going. School is not a race and can be done at a person’s own pace. What matters is that you finish. There’s no exact time frame.

(HARLINGEN) – Yordan Rueda has gone from confused young man undecided about his future to successful business owner – all in a matter of three years.

The 24-year-old graduated from TSTC Welding Technology with a certificate in 2016.

“I had no idea what I wanted to do. I didn’t even have a prior interest in welding,” he said. “But after speaking with some TSTC advisors and doing some research I found that welders were in demand and making great money.”

Rueda enrolled in Welding Technology for the opportunities he knew lay ahead and said he is blessed to have found TSTC, because the college helped him find his way.

“The hands-on training and the program’s experienced instructors are what sold me,” said Rueda. “By the time graduation rolled around I had experience and I felt prepared and confident to enter the workforce.”

The Harlingen native worked with a metal structural construction company as a welder the year after he graduated, but then he joined forces with his best friend and opened up R&Z Welding in Dallas.

“This was a scary move. I was making good money already and I left it all behind to become a business owner,” he said. “I knew it would be a challenge, but also knew that the reward could be worthwhile.”

The first year in business was tough for Rueda, it wasn’t until the end of that year that the company landed its first contract.

“There wasn’t a lot of welding going on that first year,” said Rueda. “But because I was able to save and didn’t have any student loan debt I wasn’t too worried, I just worked hard at making sure our business would be successful.”

A welding certificate at TSTC costs about $12,300, an amount that Rueda said was affordable and he was able to pay with earnings from his night job as a cashier at a local convenience store.

Fast forward a couple of years and R&Z Welding is now making about half a million dollars a year and working with large contractors such as Ranchers Group of Companies, LLC, welding steel structures for the construction of Hilton Hotels and Resorts.

Rueda and his friend are now booked through next year for jobs in Dallas, Iowa, New Mexico, among other states.

“None of this would have been possible without the support and care from my TSTC instructors and the training they provide,” said Rueda. “I’m so accomplished at such a young age. There’s some pride in that.”

TSTC Welding Technology graduates can find careers as welding, soldering and brazing machine setters, cutters and pipefitters.

Upon graduating, TSTC students can make more than $40,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

But for Rueda the return of investment on his education has tripled.

“I owe so much to TSTC and the moment that our business expands and we begin hiring welders I plan on giving back and hiring TSTC grads,” said Rueda. “I know the quality of training they receive and I’d be proud to have them working for us.”

All 10 TSTC campuses statewide offer Welding Technology.

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

(HARLINGEN) – Ivette Cruz started her journey at Texas State Technical College as a biology major with the dream of becoming a nurse. And while it’s been a long road for the single mother, t she can finally call herself a licensed vocational nurse.

“Aside from the program being demanding, I had the challenge of also being a present mother,” said the 26-year-old. “But I was blessed because I had a support system like none other.”

The New York native, who moved to the Rio Grande Valley her senior year in high school, graduated from TSTC’s vocational nursing program in December 2018 with a certificate and honors.

She maintained a 3.8 grade-point average while at TSTC making her valedictorian of her graduating nursing class, and earning her a membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

“None of this success would have been possible without my family and boyfriend,” she said. “My sister moved in with me to help me with my son. She was pretty much his mother during this time.”

And although she said she missed some special moments with her six-year-old, everything she is doing is a childhood dream come true and a chance to give him a better life.

“When we were kids my sister had her gallbladder surgery I remember how attentive and caring all of the nurses were. They were patient advocates and I loved that. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a nurse.”

So becoming a licensed vocational nurse is not the end for Cruz.

And although she has received numerous job offers from hospitals and clinics, even before graduating, she has made the personal decision to not work in preparation for the Fall Semester when she expects to begin TSTC’s Registered Nursing program.

“This is something I need to do,” she said. “I’m ready, my son is ready and my family is ready for me to finally become a registered nurse.”

Cruz said as a registered nurse there will be more job opportunities for her and better pay.

According the Bureau of Labor Statistics licensed vocational nurses average about $45,000 a year, while registered nurses double that amount.

This makes the return of investment for Cruz, and for others like her, significant and well worth the time and financial investment.

“Many encouraged me to go to a four-year university, but I knew TSTC was the place for me,” she said. “I would be receiving the same, if not better, training and be in line for the same jobs as anyone who had a bachelor’s degree.   “Plus, TSTC’s training is top-notch and recognized throughout the medical industry. Why would I want to go anywhere else?”

Cruz did have to take out some student loans, but primarily because working during the program was not an option for her, but she said she is not worried because she knows once she starts working she’ll be able to pay them off without a problem.

“I did what I had to do to support my son, but everything is going to be worth it,” she said. “I have no doubt that this next year will be another challenge, but I’m ready because TSTC is helping me make all of my dreams come true.”

TSTC Vocational Nursing has a 100 percent job placement rate or continuing to registered nursing school, and has a 96.9 percent National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate.

The program is enrolling now through May 17.

For more information, call 956-364-4762 or visit tstc.edu/programs/nursing.