(HARLINGEN) – The Rio Grande Valley Partnership recently presented Texas State Technical College in Harlingen with a donation in the amount of $18,800 for the Texan Success Scholarship fund to be used for Vocational Nursing and Registered Nursing scholarships.

The initial donation was $9,400 and was matched dollar-for-dollar by TSTC’s Foundation and came from an endowment that the RGV Partnership started in 2014.

Brent Baldree, RGV Partnership Foundation chairman and chief lending officer and South Texas regional market president at Texas Regional Bank, said the endowment was first started as part of the foundation’s mission to promote education in the four counties of the Rio Grande Valley: Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy.

“We have a long-time partnership with TSTC and they have always provided our workforce with quality graduates and it’s important that we continue assisting with their mission,” said Baldree.

Baldree added that since the inception of the RGV Partnership Foundation they have contributed nearly $160,000 to post-secondary institutions Valley wide.

“One of our main focuses is to raise funds that will continually support the youth in the RGV,” he said. “With the intent and hope they (students) stay to fill skills gaps in our area.”

A financial endowment is a donation of money to a non-profit organization and is designed to keep the principal amount intact while using the interest collected over time for charitable efforts such as scholarships.

In this case, RGV Partnership wanted nursing students to be able to use this money for tuition, room and board or books sooner rather than later and decided to move the monies to the TSTC Texan Success Scholarship Fund.

And with the reintroduction of the Vocational Nursing to Registered Nursing transition program it was agreed that this was perfect timing.

“We’re beyond grateful for the RGV Partnership recognizing how these funds will have a positive impact on our students,” said TSTC Senior Development Officer Amy Lynch. “They are great advocates for our college and we’re excited to be working hand-in-hand in creating a stronger, skilled workforce for our state.”

First-time TSTC students who are enrolled in vocational and registered nursing are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Those who are awarded will receive $1,000 for the year; $500 for the Fall Semester and $500 for the Spring Semester.

TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez said with the demand for nurses increasing these scholarships will help fill a gap.

“You can’t put a dollar amount on the impact RGV Partnership is making,” she said. “There is a shortage of nurses across the Valley and the state and this donation is one step closer to closing the gap by giving us the opportunity to train the skilled workforce we need.”

Already, with this donation, five nursing students have been awarded a Texan Success Scholarship for the Fall 2018 Semester.

To date, the Texan Success Scholarship has helped more than 660 students statewide and TSTC Foundation has raised more than $746,000.

“This money removes a burden from our students and allows them to focus on their studies to get to the career they have their eyes set on,” said Hernandez. “It’s important that our students know they have us at TSTC and in our community supporting them and cheering them on.”

For more information on how you or your company can give to fund student scholarships, call TSTC Foundation at 956-364-4500.

(HARLINGEN) – The last time Texas State Technical College featured student Sylvia Cleary she was studying biology at TSTC with two of her children and waiting for the inaugural Registered Nursing courses to start.

Now one year later she is part of the first graduating cohort of the program and its first valedictorian with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Last night, the 50-year-old and 29 of her classmates earned their associate degrees during TSTC’s Commencement Ceremonies at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium, joining the nearly 300 other students who earned a certificate or associate degree from the college.

“It’s still so surreal. I can’t believe that I can check this off my bucket list,” said Cleary. “My personal goal was to become a registered nurse by the time I turned 50. And here I am.”

The Rio Hondo native, who worked two decades as a licensed vocational nurse before returning to school, said she thought being accepted into the program was a long shot, especially at her age.

“It was scary returning to school and being the oldest in all of my classes,” said Cleary. “But I had a goal and wanted to prove to myself and my children that success is possible at any age.”

So in 2015, Cleary quit her job and devoted 100 percent of her time to school.

And although her family was supportive of her decision and desire to apply to TSTC’s first registered nursing program, she still kept the application process a secret.

“I secretly applied last year in case I didn’t get in. I didn’t want to have to disappoint anyone,” she said. “But fortunately I was one of 30 students to get accepted. It was a competitive bunch.”

Throughout the program, graduating was a distant and sometimes impossible goal for Cleary who struggled and was close to giving up on several occasions.

“This was a huge sacrifice, like for many, for my family and me,” she said. “And things got tough. At times I was torn between my two loves: family and nursing.”

Cleary is a mother of four and also her husband’s full-time caregiver. He is a decorated army veteran who earned a purple heart for his service, but suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.

“I didn’t want to falter as a wife or a mother, so I pushed myself at home and at school and it eventually takes a toll,” she said. “Most of the time I did my homework while my 15-year-old did his just so we could spend time together.”

Cleary said she credits the support and care she received from her instructors in the program for her will to continue pushing forward.

Shirley Byrd, Registered Nursing program director, said she is proud of Cleary and all she has accomplished in the past few years and months.

“She is an inspiration to me and everyone in our program,” said Byrd. “It takes a lot to come back to school after being away for so long, but she really devoted herself and made it through.”

Byrd added, “She was one of our best students and I can’t wait to see her succeed like I know she will. She is definitely going to be a leader in the nursing profession.”

Clearly has a few ideas of where she wants to work now that she has graduated, but is waiting to pass her National Council Licensure Examination, which she will take in the next few days.

Her journey with school is also not stopping with TSTC. She hopes to pursue her bachelor’s degree in nursing and eventually a master’s degree so she can return to TSTC as a nursing instructor.

“It is my family that keeps me going. Everything I do, I do for them,” said Cleary. “My son John who is legally blind has overcome so much and is my biggest inspiration. If he can do it, so can I.”

Her son John is studying Education and Training at TSTC, and her daughter Logan who also received her associate degree in Biology from TSTC and has recently been accepted to medical school at the island of Antigua, were last featured with Cleary.

Cleary will officially be sworn into the nursing profession on August 4, during TSTC’s Registered Nursing Pinning Ceremony at the TSTC Cultural Arts Center.

For more information on TSTC’s Registered Nursing program, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Left for dead during an armed robbery, Leonel Garza Jr. believes he was given a second chance at life for a reason and, with the help of Texas State Technical College, he has set out to make it the best life he can.

Tonight, the 33-year-old McAllen native will put on his cap and gown and walk the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium stage to receive his associate degree in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) from Texas State Technical College.

“The fact that I’m graduating hasn’t sunk in yet,” said Garza. “I’m excited and proud, but it’s all still so surreal.”

Surreal because Garza almost didn’t make it to see this graduation day.

On April 28, 2016 at 6:45 a.m., Garza still remembers every detail of the day, an armed robber entered his apartment in Irving, Texas.

“My roommate, who I called ‘Abuelo,’ or grandfather, and I were getting ready for work and throwing out trash, when we forgot to lock our front door,” said Garza. “A simple mistake nearly cost us our lives.”

Garza and his 65-year-old roommate were shot by a would-be robber.  ‘Abuelo’ was shot in the chest and Garza was shot five times on his right side and back as the gunman demanded money and items.

“By the grace of God I was able to call 911,” said Garza. “I couldn’t feel my legs so I crawled to ‘Abuelo’ who was laying on the ground. This is the day I realized who I was as a person. I could have easily given up, but I didn’t.”

Garza said he remembers thinking that he had to live for ‘Abuelo,’ who survived the attack, and for himself.

“At that moment I realized I wasn’t ready to die. There was more to life. I wanted a career, to be a husband and a father. That’s why I fought hard to live,” he said.

Garza had only been in Arlington a few months on that fateful day. He had recently left  a 10-year job as a security guard with the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District, was celebrating the completion of his HVAC certificate at an Irving vocational institute and was looking to start a new career.

The gunman was never arrested and Garza was left to slowly recuperate with three bullets forever lodged in his body. The incident also affected him emotionally and mentally.

“Physically I was a mess. I couldn’t walk without a walker or a cane and I was advised not to work for at least a year to allow my body to recuperate,” said Garza. “But I also wake up every day with the fear of being shot.”

Since then, Garza has returned to the Rio Grande Valley, married and now has a one-year-old son, but he struggles daily with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. But that has not stopped him from achieving his goals and living his life to the fullest.

Garza said TSTC, his instructors and classmates have helped him more than they will ever know.

“For a person like me who lives in constant fear, everyone at TSTC has given me the power to overcome it,” he said. “They have helped me move forward with my life and my education. They have helped me gain my life back.”

During his time at TSTC, Garza maintained a 3.75 grade-point average allowing him to graduate with honors, served as president for TSTC’s SkillsUSA chapter and parliamentarian for the Texas SkillsUSA chapter, even traveling to Louisville, Kentucky last month for the SkillsUSA national conference.

Garza has also already interviewed with local HVAC companies and is waiting to get a call back.  He hopes to gain experience in the field for a few years before pursuing his ultimate goal.

“Someday I plan on returning to TSTC as an HVAC instructor,” said Garza. “I hope to follow in my instructors’ footsteps and help other students the way everyone has helped me.”

Nearly 300 students will receive certificates or associate degrees during TSTC’s Commencement Ceremonies tonight at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

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

(HARLINGEN) – Joe Ramos is celebrating 30 years at Texas State Technical College and a career that was life-changing in many ways.

The 52-year-old is now the maintenance mechanic at TSTC in Harlingen, but he started as a part-timer in the custodial department in 1988 when the college was Texas State Technical Institute.

“I didn’t think I’d make it to 30 years. Time flies,” said Ramos. “I had given myself six months max when I first started, but it (TSTC) turned out to be the place where I was meant to be.”

The San Benito native grew up a migrant worker, traveling to Northwest Texas every summer with his family to work in the cotton fields and gins of Memphis, Texas.

“It wasn’t my favorite thing to do during summer vacations, but it’s what put food on our table and a roof over our heads,” said Ramos.

For Ramos, working in the fields was temporary; it was not something he wanted to do forever.

However, at 17 he got married, dropped out of high school and found himself at the gins working maintenance, even during off-seasons.

“At this point the cotton farm was more seasonal than now,” he said. “I was a husband and had responsibilities. It was my turn to support my wife and our future family. I had no choice but to work.”

It was then that Ramos realized he would not get far without a proper education, so he and his wife moved back to the Rio Grande Valley. Through a federally funded job training program, Ramos was able to earn his GED diploma and start working at TSTC.

“I loved TSTC, so when a full-time position in the custodial department became available, I jumped at it,” he said. “And like they say, the rest is history.”

Through the years, Ramos has grown with the college, even completing his certificate in Welding Technology and becoming a certified welding inspector.

To this day he continues to learn and is currently enrolled in TSTC’s Continuing Education National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Electrical Level 1 course.

“TSTC prides itself on being a great place to work, and for me it truly has been,” said Ramos.

“From the opportunities I’ve been given, the benefits I receive, to the people I have met and get to work with, I can’t imagine myself anywhere else.”

Ramos’ son, Danny, is enrolled at TSTC in the Agricultural Technology program and is currently interning with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“TSTC really has given my entire family opportunities and has changed our lives,” said Joe Ramos.

TSTC Building Maintenance Supervisor and Interim Physical Plant Director Roberto Chapa has worked with Ramos for 10 years and said he is a great asset to the TSTC family and is proud to have him on his team.

“I want to congratulate him on his 30 years, and I want him to know we appreciate everything he does,” said Chapa. “He is dependable, a problem solver and everyone’s helping hand.”

Chapa added with a laugh, “I hope he doesn’t retire anytime soon, at least not before me. He saves me a lot of headaches.”

Ramos said he hopes to be at TSTC for another 30 years — as long as he is still able to work and TSTC will have him.

“I was a youngster when I started, and I can’t believe I’ve made it this far,” he said. “Thank you, TSTC. It’s been a pleasure.”

(HARLINGEN) – Ailina Rojas, 26, of San Benito expects to graduate in August 2019 with an associate degree in Surgical Technology. She currently holds a 3.6 grade-point average and aspires to attend medical school and eventually become a surgeon following her graduation from Texas State Technical College.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan on finding a job in the Houston area, the “medical mecca” of Texas. Houston is a growing area in both medicine and technology, which would benefit me as a prospective employee. There are plenty of opportunities there that I am excited to pursue.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become a surgeon. Graduating with my associate degree in Surgical Technology is the first step in that process. I have always known that I wanted to venture into the medical field, and while I was exploring the different programs at TSTC, Surgical Technology caught my eye. After observing a surgery, I immediately knew it was the right fit for me.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

Going back to school has been a challenge for my family since I have four kids. We have had to make many sacrifices, especially since my recent separation. I have had to assume the role of mom and dad and still pass my classes. Amidst this, I still made the dean’s list, so that’s something I definitely consider an accomplishment.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned recently about perseverance. Life can be tough at times, but never give up when it gets hard. That is when I learned the most about my own strength. Getting through school while supporting my kids on my own is a challenge, but it will pay off in the end. That is how I motivate myself.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success.

I have had great teachers across the board; no one in particular is better than the other. They are all helpful, and their various teaching styles are effective. Their hands-on approach is what I enjoy most.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice is to be ready when you enroll. School is a huge commitment, and if you’re not willing to put your all in it, then what’s the point? But, if you are mentally ready for this commitment, then go for it. And remember, it is never too late to pursue your education. I am 26 years old and came back after having kids. If I can do it, so can you!

(HARLINGEN) – It was in 1996 when Michael Muniz first stepped foot in Texas State Technical College as a computer maintenance major, but after some soul-searching, Muniz grew up to be a pharmacist. He will share his wisdom and experiences with TSTC graduates next Friday as the Summer 2018 commencement speaker.

“I was surprised when I received the invitation to be speaker,” he said. “I never even thought this was something I would be considered for, and now that the initial shock is over, I’m excited and honored.”

Muniz was selected as commencement speaker because of his alumni status and the success he has found since he graduated from the college — even though his life took him in a different direction from his initial plan.

At age 13, Muniz started building computers, but when he enrolled in computer maintenance classes at TSTC, the subject was no longer exciting to him. So he changed majors and chose chemical technology, but it still did not give him joy.

“I could not find my passion, so I concentrated on working instead,” said Muniz. “I needed some time, but it took longer than expected to return to school.”

After six years, a job at FedEx and working as a medical billing clerk for a local surgeon, Muniz decided to pursue surgical technology at TSTC, earning a certificate in 2004.

“After observing the doctor I worked for and sitting in on surgeries, I knew surgical technology was for me,” said Muniz. “It was exciting, but I wasn’t done — I wanted to be the surgeon.”

Of course, for Muniz, life happened. And with a wife and three children, he knew medical school was not an option.

So after tutoring students from the pre-pharmacy program at the University of Texas at Brownsville (now University of Texas Rio Grande Valley), where he also graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry, he decided to pursue pharmacy school.

He earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 2012 and completed a metabolic and nutritional medicine fellowship through George Washington University.

“I am no different than most of the students out there right now,” he said. “I was undecided, and it took me time to find what I wanted to do. But TSTC helped me find my passion and set my foundation.”

Muniz added, “It’s been a good ride. I’ve had wonderful experiences, great mentors, and the Lord has guided me. For me it’s all about helping people, and my profession allows me to do that in different ways.”

Muniz, who also has been a guest speaker for surgical technology pinning ceremonies, said he hopes to pass a message of hope and encouragement that will invigorate TSTC graduates and current students to keep pursuing their goals and dreams.

“It doesn’t matter where you go to school; it’s what you make of your situation,” Muniz said. “TSTC provides a quality education that leads to great careers. Plus, for many, it’s affordable and close to home, and I hope many of the college’s graduates realize how lucky they are to be part of such a wonderful institution.”

While Muniz still practices as a pharmacist at his uncle’s pharmacy, Muniz Rio Grande Pharmacy in Harlingen, he is also opening his own shop: Krave Market, a one-stop health-food market for people living on ketogenic, paleo, gluten-free or Whole30 diets.

“This is an exciting time for me. I get to serve the community I grew up in by helping them stay healthy and fuel their body through nutrition — all thanks to the education and experiences I had at TSTC and thereafter.”

Muniz said he hopes to continue serving TSTC students through guest lectures and speaking engagements.

(HARLINGEN) – It all started in 1987 at Texas State Technical Institute, now Texas State Technical College, for Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District Superintendent Gonzalo Salazar.

Fresh out of high school, the Brownsville native enrolled in what is now Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics, to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming an architect.

“For as long as I can remember I wanted to be an architect,” said Salazar. “And I was finally in college, I felt accomplished. This is was my shot to pull my family out of poverty.”

Growing up one of eight siblings, Salazar helped his parents pay bills and put food on the table, so while enrolled at TSTC he worked fulltime at a service station in Brownsville.

“I was in a position many of our students are in,” he said. “I was a disadvantaged student, with an unreliable car that made it difficult some days to get to class.”

So when a customer, who was a border patrol agent suggested he join the force, Salazar took it to heart and withdrew from TSTC.

“I thought the border patrol was a great idea, but getting in turned out to be a long, drawn out process. A lot of waiting,” said Salazar. “And I had to do something while I waited.”

That’s when Salazar, through encouragement from his parents, enrolled at the University of Texas at Brownsville, now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1996 in Bilingual Education and Spanish and in 1999 a master’s degree in Educational Administration.

It’s safe to say, Salazar never got to the border patrol, but instead found a different career path that was fulfilling and rewarding.

Immediately after earning his bachelor’s degree he accepted a job as a fourth grade teacher at Dr. Cash Elementary School in San Benito, later joining the Los Fresnos CISD family.

“There was guilt about leaving TSTC that’s why I never went back,” he said. “But I feel that everything that has happened was God’s plan for me. Education was my calling, it just took me time and some failures to realize it.”

With more than 20 years of experience in education and 18 years with the district having served as an assistant principal and principal for Los Fresnos CISD, the district’s Board of Trustees appointed Salazar superintendent in 2006.

“I’ve really had a fantastic and very rewarding career, and it all started at TSTC,” said Salazar. “I may have abandoned one dream to find a new one and although I’m not designing buildings, I’m still designing.” Salazar added, “We’re designing futures here at Los Fresnos CISD. And what we do shapes the world.”

Salazar said as superintendent he works to maintain a partnership with TSTC and other higher educational institutes because of the impact college has on lives.

Not only did TSTC kickstart Salazar’s college career, but it also touched his son’s life when he graduated from the college with an Academic Core certificate before even graduating from high school.

“It’s amazing how life comes full circle,” said Salazar. “This was a proud moment for me. TSTC and all higher education creates pathways for our students and gives them the chance to forge a brighter future.”

Salazar said the advice he shares with his children and his students about education is the same thing his late grandfather and father shared with him.

“My grandfather always said, ‘You must work hard to get out of poverty and, although life will give you challenges, education holds a promise,’” said Salazar. “And like my dad always said, ‘The years will go by anyways, have something to show for it.’”

With that being said, it took Salazar nearly seven years to complete his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from UTRGV, but he finally crossed the finish line this summer officially becoming Dr. Gonzalo Salazar.

“My goal is to continue modeling lifelong learning and to continue making a difference in the young lives that cross my path,” he said.

By Emily Swartz

(HARLINGEN) – Hugo Gamboa of Los Fresnos is a Mechatronics Technology student at Texas State Technical College. He expects to graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Spring 2019.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I hope to work for a company like Toyota. I want to get a few years of work experience under my belt and then go back to school.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become a mechatronics engineer for Toyota. I first became interested in the company when my family purchased their first Toyota, plus I have heard that they offer great benefits and opportunities to grow.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment so far is a project that I am working on: Creating a do-it-yourself vending machine. It’s amazing to see something you build come to life. And I am also extremely proud of the work I’ve done around TSTC repairing other vending machines.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is not to procrastinate. I was guilty of this in high school and had to learn the hard way when I enrolled at TSTC. TSTC has been a pleasant surprise and has helped me with my study habits. I have also learned to never take opportunities for granted and to never give up on my dreams.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success.

It’s difficult to pick just one person because all of my instructors at TSTC have been great and accommodating. They calm me down when I am stressed and tell me not to worry and that I will get through it. They show that they have faith in me, which further motivates me.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

Trust your teachers. You may not know them well at first, but they are more than willing to run a mile for you if you show them that you are willing to put in the effort. Also, take your education seriously, but do not let it stress you out too much. Learning is like a dance. In order to perform it seamlessly, you have to know the steps and the beat first. Lastly, always pick yourself back up when you fall.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College student Dalila Martinez, 20, is currently working hard on completing her pre-requisites for the Registered Nursing program. The San Benito native is a hard-working student and has achieved a 4.0 grade-point average. She expects to graduate in Spring 2020 with her associate’s degree in Biology.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan on pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing and get a job in my field to serve the Valley.

What’s your dream job?

I consider myself a compassionate person and one of the things I enjoy is helping as a volunteer at the hospital in the emergency room, which is why I hope to become a registered nurse and specialize in pediatrics.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

I enjoy helping tutor other students. Achieving a high grade-point average was a great accomplishment especially because I struggle with math. But with the support of my instructors, it was possible and has allowed me to help other students.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

Before TSTC, I attended Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi but was unable to finish due to a back injury. Fortunately, I was able to overcome all odds and enroll at TSTC to return to college.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success.

I have too many wonderful instructors to list one in particular. They are all invested in my success and they motivate me to become a better student and maintain good grades.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice would definitely be to use your resources. TSTC provides the help that students need to be successful.