It all started with a Home Improvement 1-2-3 book for Kristen Perales, who was among a group of 40 students who graduated Friday from TSTC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Construction level 1 course.

“My family was spending a lot of money doing simple repairs on our home,” said Perales. “What these workers were fixing I knew I could do, so I did.”

The 28-year-old isn’t only a graduate from NCCER, but also from the college’s Building Construction Technology program. She earned her associate degree in Spring 2018.

“TSTC has really opened doors of opportunity for me,” said Perales. “I haven’t been without work since graduating. I feel like l’m taking leaps within my career.”

Immediately after earning her degree, Perales accepted a job offer with Davaco Inc. doing retail remodels and installations throughout the United States.

She is now the construction supervisor for Habitat for Humanity in the Rio Grande Valley.

“Davaco was a great place for learning and gaining experience,” she said. “But I’m glad to be home and doing what I love; all thanks to TSTC and its programs.”

NCCER Construction level 1 is a 262-hour course and focuses on the NCCER core and NCCER basic framing. It is an introduction to carpentry, wood frame structures, layout, walls, roofs and floors and also includes a safety and forklift component.

Graduates of the course earn an NCCER certification and become forklift and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certified.

TSTC Continuing Education coordinator Myra Deleon said these certifications are recognized internationally so they can be used to work across the country and abroad.

“These are credentials that most, if not all, large contractors require their employees to have,” said Deleon. “They are precursors to an individual looking for a career in construction. They become more marketable and employable.”

For Robert Young, who also graduated Friday with an NCCER certification, this course has allowed him to begin his career.

With no prior college under his belt, this certification has allowed him to gain employment with Davaco Inc. as a retail installer.

“I enjoy working with my hands, creating and building things,” said the 27-year-old. “But I was undecided on a career path. Thanks to the TSTC NCCER course I now have a job and a direction.”

Young said he will return to TSTC to pursue a degree in Building Construction Technology and hopes to open a business building residential cabinetry and furniture.

“I’m so excited to have graduated, and it’s all thanks to my mom’s encouragement and TSTC,” he said. “I’m looking forward to my future.”

For more information on the upcoming NCCER courses or on the services that TSTC Workforce Training and Continuing Education offers, call 956-364-4567.

The Workforce Training and Continuing Education office at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen was recently recognized by the Texas Workforce Commission for its small business training across the lower Rio Grande Valley.

The award was presented during the Texas Workforce Commission annual conference to recognize top performing workforce training providers serving small businesses in city populations between 50 and 100 thousand.

“This small business award means we’re doing something right among many small business training centers in the area,” said Isidro Ramos, TSTC Workforce Development executive director. “TSTC is a leader in preparing the workforce against the latest industry standards.”

TSTC has served small businesses in Cameron County for the last six years.

“Serving small business employees created a multiplier effect because a better trained workforce means growth, efficiency, product development and expansion,” said Ramos. “Small businesses are always looking for ways to be more competitive in the market, improve operations and business bottom line.”

TSTC trains to enhance the skills of the small business employees that will ultimately improve operations and how the customer is served by offering various courses such as QuickBooks, Marketing, Customer Service and beginner Microsoft Office training.

Ramos said future plans for TSTC’s workforce training include tracking key performance indicators that the small businesses are recognizing when the training is complete.

“We want to make sure that the training we are offering is producing the bottom line results the customer is expecting. Our goal is to continue improving and evolving what we offer,” said Ramos. “It’s a win-win for TSTC and the small businesses we work with.”

TSTC has trained employees from businesses such as MediForce, Harlingen Glass and Mirror and Just Bead It receiving positive reviews.

“I really enjoyed the QuickBooks class I took,” said Romie Arellano, owner of Just Bead It, a jewelry and bead store in Harlingen. “I was able to learn about features I didn’t know QuickBooks offered and I had overlooked. It was beneficial to me and my business. I highly recommend this class and I hope to sign up for others.”

Ramos added that small businesses are the backbone to the economy and combined hire the most workers.

 “Our community is made up of small businesses, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the resources they need,” said Ramos. “And our focus is to provide the training needed to create innovation and spur growth.”

TSTC Workforce Training is preparing for its upcoming small business Marketing series that is aimed at providing marketing skills and tactics that will enhance business marketing and outreach performance.

The classes are driven by applied activities and hands on learning in subjects such as Marketing Communication Channels, Marketing with Social Media, Creating a Marketing Campaign and Developing a Comprehensive Marketing Plans.

For more information on the Marketing Series or other trainings offered by TSTC Workforce Training and Continuing Education, call 956-364-4615.

AnaDi Arispe is a student at Texas State Technical College, taking the prerequisite courses she needs to apply for TSTC’s Vocational Nursing program this fall.

The 34-year-old has worked as a licensed pharmacy technician for eight years and said that’s where her passion for nursing began. She expects to earn her certificate in vocational nursing in Fall 2020.

When the San Benito native is not in the classroom you can find her working with TSTC’s Leadership Academy and TSTC’s Service Squad. Through her participation in both organizations she has earned a President’s Volunteer Service Award for completing more than 100 hours of community service.  

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on returning to TSTC to pursue an associate degree in registered nursing.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to work in a hospital setting, ultimately ending up as an emergency room registered nurse. I love the fast-paced environment and the thought of always experiencing something different.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been getting involved in on-campus organizations. This has changed my mindset and has helped me become more focused on my plans and goals. I feel it has also helped me grow as a person and find my voice.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is patience, especially being one of the older few in class. I constantly remind myself that education is not a race and it’s never too late to pursue your dream. My education is what’s going to help me become a better version of myself and all I have to do is continue believing that I can achieve what I set my mind to.

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

The person who has had the greatest influence on my success is TSTC Student Life coordinator Belinda Palomino. She is so dedicated to her work and her students. She’s a motivation and inspiration to all. She’s always pushing me to do more and to do better. She’s a great person and I really look up to her.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to be engaged; engaged in everything they do. Take advantage of all the resources TSTC offers; they want to see you succeed. All you have to do is go for it.

Flora Guerrero is majoring in Mathematics at Texas State Technical College and expects to earn her associate degree this semester.

The Los Fresnos native holds a 3.75 grade-point average and is a work-study employee with TSTC’s enrollment management.

When the 20-year-old isn’t busy on campus, she serves as a teacher for second through fifth grade at her church in Olmito and is a member of a Catholic ministry called, “Conquistando Las Naciones Para Cristo,” or translated, “Conquering the nations for Christ.”

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on working as either a math teacher assistant or substitute teacher and I will pursue a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a teaching certificate online through Texas A&M Kingsville.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become a high school math teacher. This is the age where students get discouraged in the subject and I want to be there to change their outlook on math and encourage them.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC is my Grade Point Average. I’m very proud that I’ve been able to maintain such high grades and that I’m close to earning my degree. I will be the first from my family to graduate college and I hope that I am setting an example for my younger sister.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned throughout life is patience, especially as a teacher. Every child is different; has different learning styles and different needs. This is why patience is so important in my field.

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

My supervisor Rebecca Davila, executive assistant for TSTC Student Development, has had the greatest influence on my success. Her positive attitude is contagious and she’s always making sure I do my homework, study and doing well in my classes. She truly cares. And actually, everyone I work with is great and has influenced me in one way or another.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to focus on a goal and the end product, not so much the work it takes to get there. I’m not saying don’t study, because that’s very important to reach success, but when times get hard, know it’s only a season and it shall pass. It’ll all be worth it in the end.

A Minnesota transplant, Jonathan Eichten is ready for his first South Texas summer at Texas State Technical College doing what he loves best – helping students start and finish college.

The 53-year-old is only a couple of weeks in as TSTC’s newest campus enrollment executive, but brings with him more than two decades of experience to the field.

“I’m so excited to be here at TSTC,” said Eichten. “I first heard of the college after meeting some people at a conference. So, after learning about the college and its commitment to technical education and jobs, and hearing about warmer weather, I was sold.”

Eichten said people always appear surprised that he chose the Rio Grande Valley as his new home, so he came up with a top-10 list to explain his reasoning.

A few items on his list, aside from the weather include – the fishing, the area’s value on family, the fresh fruit at H-E-B, the food, the palm trees and Texas is only two syllables making it easier than Minnesota to pronounce.

“My journey started in Minnesota and it has continued in Texas,” said Eichten. “I can’t wait to see what’s in store.”

Eichten earned his undergraduate degree in 1987 from St. John’s University in Minnesota in business and French; yes, Eichten is fluent in French and is now learning Spanish so he doesn’t feel left out in his new home.

He also earned, from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Business Administration in 1999 and a Ed.D. in 2005 with a dissertation focused on education and the transferring from a two-year college to a university.

“Working in higher education has always been my passion,” said Eichten. “I love working with students and helping them achieve success.”

During his 25 years with the Minnesota State Colleges and University System, or Minnesota State System, Eichten worked for several colleges and universities within the student services division improving and advancing the technology students use to enroll in college.

In his role before moving to TSTC, he was the senior assistant director of student support technology and implemented “Students First,” a project that focused on making it easier for students to navigate enrollment processes and student services available.

Within this project, Eichten played a major role in the improvement of student websites and campus portals and in the development of mobile friendly applications.

“Our goal by improving and developing technology is to give students all of the information they need and want right at their fingertips,” said Eichten. “All technology was adapted to fit the needs of the student and to help them identify college and career paths.”

Eichten added he believes students are better served with technology that gives them immediate solutions and answers.

Which is why his goals as TSTC’s campus enrollment executive is working with TSTC leadership in the near future to advance the technology that students use for enrolling and wait listing for classes that are at capacity.

“There are a lot of good things happening in the area of student services here at TSTC and I’m happy to be a part of it,” said Eichten. “Technology is the central point of how we serve students and it’s something that’s constantly evolving. We must always make sure that it fits our students’ needs and that our students know we’re here to serve them.”

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

Graphic designer by day and toy photographer by night, Adam McGrath is sharing his skills with younger generations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

The lead graphic designer at Texas State Technical College grew up in Melbourne, Australia, a place he calls art central.

“I grew up enjoying graffiti art and drawing, and putting my creative eye to work to make a few dollars. Art is big in Melbourne and encouraged,” said the 46-year-old. “But I never knew I could turn what I love into a career until my late twenties.”

McGrath was 29-years-old when he earned his associate degree in graphic art from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology after completing a apprenticeship as a desktop publisher.

“This apprenticeship is when I knew art is what I was supposed to be doing,” said McGrath. “So I found my own path, my family wanted me to study computer science, but I pursued my passion.”

And art wasn’t the only thing McGrath was passionate about, he was and still is an avid Star Wars fan collecting action figures by the hundreds. These action figures are what have set up McGrath’s life.

“I wanted to expand my horizons and have new experiences, so I sold my first Star Wars collection for $3,000 and that purchased my ticket to the U.S.A.” he reminisced.

Fortunately for him, Star Wars action figures were less expensive in America and he was able to begin growing his collection again, because now children are reaping the benefits of his career and collectibles.

After working various graphic design jobs for advertising agencies around the Valley, McGrath ended up at TSTC, where he has been the lead graphic designer for nearly six years.

It is here at TSTC, where his curiosity for social media peaked and he knew he had to learn more.

So he began putting his Star Wars action figures to good use and started dabbling into toy photography, gaining inspiration from the hundreds who already saturate social media and never expecting he would grow his Instagram page, “The Chip Monsters,” following from 10 to close to 23,000 people.

“Toy photography happened by accident, but the toy photography is very welcoming. There’s no competition, just learning from one another and helping each other out,” said McGrath. “I have learned so much from the folks I’ve met through Instagram, and that has allowed me to grow as a photographer and a creative.”

McGrath’s photos have been featured at the South Texas Comic Con and have been published in England magazines and high profile, influencer Instagram pages, earning thousands of likes.

And since his hobby has become a second career for him, he decided he wanted to share his skills and knowledge with younger, like-minded, generations.

“I’ve been told that I’m dumb for taking pictures of toys and liking books about font and art, but I love it and I don’t want my kids or other kids to grow up thinking that what they enjoy and love is weird or dumb,” said McGrath. “Every child has the access to art with crayons and coloring books, but it’s society that takes away the love of art.”

So the father of two young boys set out to create photography workshops for children between the ages of four to 18, so they too could pursue their passion. All of the photography is done with smartphones.

What started as small pop-up workshops in McAllen are now a series of one-hour Saturday workshops that have anywhere from 15-40 children in attendance, with workshops also offered in Harlingen on occasion.

McGrath said it is because of the support he has received from friend and McAllen comic book store owner Ramsey Ramirez, that he is able to have a location to host these workshops and classes for the children of the RGV.    

“I’ve had a great response from children and their parents,” said McGrath. “Some parents are so happy that they have found an outlet for their child who enjoys taking photos and making videos, and a place. Where they’re understood and supported.”

McGrath has also hosted art exhibitions in local art galleries showcasing his students’ work and has begun a comic drawing workshop.

“I want my kids and these kids that I’m teaching to embrace their love for art, which can encompassed into so many fields they can grow up to be successful in,” said McGrath. “I don’t want their love to be diminished, I want it to be supported. And if I am that support, then I have done my job and that’s enough for me.”

Jonathan Collins is an Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics student at Texas State Technical College.

The 30-year-old spent five years in the Marines, with a deployment to Afghanistan before returning home to Harlingen.

The father of two expects to earn his associate degree this semester and is active on campus, serving as president of his program’s club and volunteering with TSTC’s Veterans Center.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate, my family and I will be moving to Fort Worth; it’s a popular market for drafters and engineers. I will also look into enrolling at TSTC in North Texas to pursue an associate degree in Precision Machining Technology.

What’s your dream job?

With the degree I’m about to earn, there are so many career paths I can choose. Right now I’m interested in working in the Geographic Information System (GIS) path, but ultimately I hope to become a civil or mechanical engineer.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment is being this close to finishing and finally earning my degree. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that there is always room for improvement. I left the military with so much knowledge, but coming back to school has helped me realize that there’s still so much to learn.

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

All of my instructors have influenced my success. They all have industry experience and share that with us so we learn all aspects of the field. It’s encouraging to see how much they truly want us to succeed.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is immerse yourself in your chosen field and career path. Get involved in learning it outside of the classroom by job shadowing or completing internships; it’s a game changer.

(HARLINGEN) – Drone technology is revolutionizing the field of agriculture, and to ensure that students’ skills meet industry standards, Texas State Technical College’s Agricultural Technology program recently implemented drone training into its curriculum.

“Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles, are transforming the way work gets done out in the field,” said TSTC Agricultural Technology instructor Sheren Farag. “And it’s important that our students are introduced and trained to this technology because it’s the present and the future.”

When she joined the instructional team in Fall 2018, Farag was able to offer extensive drone-related experience and qualifications that helped the program realize a longtime goal of incorporating the study of drones into its curriculum.

Agricultural Technology department chair and instructor Sammy Gavito said exploring new technological advances used in different phases of agriculture is something he wants his students to be exposed to.

“Technology is constantly evolving, and we need to keep up with it and continue moving forward so that our students remain employable,” said Gavito. “Drones are changing the methods of agriculture operations, and this training will diversify our students’ opportunities.”

Students in the program have access to six industry-standard drones: five DJI Phantom 4 Pros and one multispectral drone.

The drones have already been introduced in several courses, including Crop Science, Horticultural Food Crops, Agricultural Records Management, and Forage and Pasture Management.

Students learn how to manually fly the drones and perform simple equipment maintenance, calibration and camera repairs. They also learn how to use the drone software and phone applications, and how to interpret data and map coordinates.  

Two new drone-focused classes will be introduced in coming semesters. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be available in Fall 2019, followed by GIS Applications in Spring 2020.

The drone training that students receive at TSTC prepares them to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate through the Federal Aviation Administration after graduation.

“Learning this technology now is essential and crucial to these students’ finding high-paying jobs when they graduate,” said Farag. “This training will open doors for them and make them more marketable in the agriculture field.”

Students are learning that drone technology is an efficient way to improve production in the agriculture industry.  

Drones help map and survey land, prepare for future growing and harvest seasons, identity crop issues, manage irrigation, dust and spray crops, and monitor livestock.

Information gathered from done photos and videos can be used to save time and money, and produce higher crop yields.

Wally Santamaria, an Agricultural Technology student who plans to graduate with an associate degree this semester, said he is glad that drone technology was introduced in the program because it has created more opportunities for him.

“Before last semester, I had heard about drones but had never used one before. It’s safe to say it’s been pretty exciting,” said Santamaria. “And with the training I have received, I now have a leg up over other students in other programs who have not received this type of opportunity.”

The 20-year-old added that learning the benefits of using technology in agriculture has changed his perspective.

“Now that I’ve used drones to get research and analysis done, I don’t know if I’ll be able to go back,” he said with a laugh. “This will definitely be beneficial to my future.”

Farag and Gavito agree that studying drone technology makes for well-rounded graduates.

“If our students don’t learn this technology now, they won’t be able to work in the field. This is the future,” said Farag. “This training will allow our graduates to work anywhere.”

For more information on Agricultural Technology, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – From serving as president of the Texas State Technical College Student Government Association to being president and chief executive officer of her own coffee and food catering business, Café Canasto, Johanna Lozano has come a long way.

Lozano recently catered the SGA Open House for TSTC’s Spring 2019 Welcome Week and provided specialty Colombian coffees, hot chocolate and cuisine to the delight of visitors, students, faculty and staff.

“It feels so surreal being back as a business owner,” said Lozano. “All my dreams are coming true, and I credit the education I got at TSTC for a large part of my accomplishments.”

The 33-year-old, with a background in bilingual education, came to the United States from Colombia and settled in Massachusetts in 2004.

With an entrepreneurial spirit and a dream, Lozano earned an associate degree in marketing and business analytics from Johnson & Wales University in 2012.

“A coffee shop is something I’ve always wanted,” said Lozano. “Management and business for me is a passion.”

Having grown up in Colombia on a coffee farm, opening a specialty coffee shop just made sense to Lozano.

When she and her husband relocated to Harlingen, Lozano enrolled in TSTC’s Business Management Technology program. She ended up getting a lot more than she bargained for.

“TSTC not only taught me business, but also leadership,” she said. “I was given so many opportunities to get involved on campus and in my community that it all laid a foundation for what I’m doing now.”

As a student at TSTC, Lozano served as secretary and president of the SGA; served in the TSTC Service Squad, earning a President’s Volunteer Service Award for more than 500 hours of community service; and served in the TSTC Leadership Academy and in Leadership Harlingen.

“I am so grateful for the support I continue to receive from TSTC,” she said. “All of these experiences allowed me to meet new people and make new friends. It has all opened so many doors for me.”

Lozano graduated from TSTC with an associate degree in 2015, and because of her leadership roles on campus, she had the opportunity to sit on the boards of Keep Harlingen Beautiful and the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation.

Shortly after graduating and saving up some money, Lozano took her education and leadership experience to begin the planning phase of opening Café Canasto with the help of the Women’s Business Center in Brownsville, the Small Business Administration in Harlingen, and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Adopt a Startup program.

“It still feels like I’m dreaming,” said Lozano. “All of the research, planning, every business trip to Colombia, and blood, sweat and tears are beginning to pay off.”

Lozano said she is proud of her Colombian heritage, which is the reason her business is named Café Canasto.

“Canasto is the basket the coffee farmers put the coffee beans in when they’re picked. And since I’m importing my coffee from Colombia, I want my business to pay homage to their hard work,” said Lozano.

Lozano’s catering business is gaining popularity among folks in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.

Besides the specialty coffees Lozano serves, she also has a menu of Colombian cuisine consisting of chicken and beef empanadas, chorizo and beef arepas, and desserts.  

“We want to offer our customers more than just a menu — we want to offer them a Colombian experience,” said Lozano. “We want them to feel, if even just for a moment, like they’re in Colombia.”

Although starting a business hasn’t been without its challenges, Lozano said it is her support system that keeps her going.

“I have received so much support from my community, family and husband in this endeavor that even when I come upon challenges, they’re not so bad because of the people I have by my side,” said Lozano. “And I hope to continue catering at TSTC because I’m so proud that it’s my alma mater, and I hope that my story can help other students.”

(HARLINGEN) – Jennie Remington is an Education and Training student at Texas State Technical College. She expects to earn her associate degree in Spring 2020.

The 28-year-old is a student volunteer for TSTC Student Life and Engagement and is the TSTC Leadership Academy lead for 2019.

When the Harlingen native is not on campus, she can be found volunteering with her church as the youth leader mentoring girls and women and at the Harlingen Community Theater acting and helping with play productions.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I will transfer to Texas A&M-Kingsville to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Early Education. I will then return to the University of North Texas (UNT) to complete what I started there – my bachelor’s degree in Theater.

What’s your dream job?

I have a passion for children and for the theater, so my dream job is to become a theater teacher and introduce young children into the profession.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment is returning to school. After I moved back home from UNT, not sure about my future I had a lot of fear because I was getting older. But I didn’t let that get in the way, I married my two passions and here I am.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is to remember to give yourself grace. You’re never too old to learn, and we should never stop learning.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

The two people at TSTC who have had the most influence are Student Life Executive Director Adele Clinton and Student Life Coordinator Belinda Palomino. College can get stressful and the weight can get heavy, but these two ladies have been such a blessing and breath of fresh air for me. They are my safe place.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to take your time – college is not a race, ask plenty of questions and learn a lot – this is the place to make mistakes and if you do make mistakes remember that it’s not the end of the world.