(HARLINGEN) – Paul Lopez has belonged to the Texas State Technical College family for 13 years, troubleshooting and solving problems as an Application Administrator for the Office of Information Technology (OIT), and this year he is being recognized for the problem solver he is with a 2018 Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

“I thought someone was playing a joke on me. I thought how cruel,” he said with a laugh. “I couldn’t believe I was actually getting one of these (awards). I never expected it.”

The Chancellor’s Excellence Award is given by TSTC’s Chancellor Mike Reeser to select faculty and staff for their distinguished service and dedication to the college, communities and their state.

“These teammates were nominated by their peers, recommended by their Provosts and Vice Chancellor’s and chosen as faculty and staff who model excellence in our college every day,” said TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser. “Their caring and dedicated efforts embolden us all to make a difference in the success of our teams and the lives of our students.”

The San Benito native graduated from TSTC’s Computer Science program with an associate degree in 1996 and worked with Rio Hondo Independent School District and Region One Education Center in Edinburg as a lead technician/interim technology coordinator and help desk developer, respectively, before returning to TSTC.

“I have to credit the mentors I’ve had along the way,” he said. “Because of them I’ve been able to be successful in my career for so long. Every piece of advice I have taken to heart and have carried with me.”

Lopez has 20 years of experience in the information technology world.

And for at least four years during the Windows XP era in the early 2000’s, Lopez worked as an instructor with TSTC’s Corporate College, which is now Workforce Training and Continuing Education.

He helped train  industry leaders and their employees, ranging from assembly line workers to supervisors.

“This was definitely a learning experience for me,” he said. “I loved teaching and sharing my knowledge and seeing faces light up when they learned something new and understood it.”

In 2005, Lopez made the full transition to TSTC and began his journey at the TSTC Help Desk, moved up to a network technician II and eventually into his current role.

As an applications administrator he has worked on both the support and project side of the house, initiating and maintaining various projects for departments such as TSTC’s Learning Resource Center, Police Department and HVAC program.

Senior Executive Director of Infrastructure for OIT and also Lopez’s supervisor Rick Collatos said this award is long overdue for Lopez.

“Paul is a dedicated employee who goes the extra mile for everyone he works with,” said Collatos. “He demonstrates an excellence in customer service every day and has so for many years. Congratulations Paul.”

Collatos also said that Lopez is an innovator for TSTC, always thinking ahead and dedicating himself to projects that will take the college to the next level.

Those who nominated Lopez for this award have remained anonymous, but he has a special message for them.

“Thank you, thank you,” said Lopez. “I don’t get out of my office, everyone I have contact with is over the phone or video conference, so I appreciate people taking notice of my work and recognizing me for it. It’s a true honor.”

So what is next for Lopez?

Lopez said he hopes to go back to school and finish what he started: a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. He also hopes to move back into teaching at TSTC and share his knowledge and skills with others.

Lopez will join the other 16 Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipients from across TSTC’s 10 campuses in May for the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards dinner and celebration in Austin where the honorees will receive their award.

(HARLINGEN) – It all started at Texas State Technical College for Linda Gonzalez, director of Health Information Management at Valley Baptist Medical Center, where she has been for three decades.

The Harlingen native graduated with an associate degree in 1993 from TSTC’s Health Information Technology program.

“If not for TSTC, I wouldn’t be where I am now,” she said. “To move up the ladder I needed a degree and I am thankful that TSTC gave me that opportunity.”

Gonzalez’s first experience in the health information and medical records field started in high school when she worked for a local doctor’s office. After high school she continued working there and tried university life.

“A four-year university wasn’t for me at the time. I was fresh out of high school and needed a break,” she said. “Plus I was really enjoying my work.

In 1987, while still working full-time for the doctor, she joined the Valley Baptist Medical Center family as a part-time birth certificate clerk. She eventually moved up to assembly and analysis clerk and healthcare statistics clerk.

“By this time I knew I wanted to make this my career and I wanted the chance to become a manager or director, so I knew what I had to do,” she said.

That’s when she enrolled at TSTC after hearing about the program from her then colleague Ana Gonzales. Gonzalez is now a Health Information Technology instructor at TSTC.

“I would go to work at 3 a.m. every morning so I could complete my work by the time I would leave for school,” she said. “Was it hard? Yes, I was always sleepy and would find myself dozing off in class, but so worth it.”

Immediately after receiving her associate degree she applied for and appointed to a manager position overseeing the statistic clerks, beginning the next journey on her career path.

Gonzalez went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix in Healthcare Administration to move up as director at Valley Baptist.

The 52-year-old now oversees a staff of 51 employees, 24 of which are also TSTC graduates, and she sits on the TSTC Health Information Technology advisory board, providing updates and recommendations to program instructors.

“TSTC graduates have always been top picks for Valley Baptist,” said Gonzalez. “We recognize their skills and the fact that they come on board ready to hit the ground running.”

Gonzalez added that over the 30 years she has been at Valley Baptist their support for TSTC students and graduates has never faltered, even allowing students to complete their clinical rotations at both Valley Baptist locations in Harlingen and Brownsville.

“I’m here to support and to encourage all of them (students) to be the best they can be and to continue pursuing specializations in their field,” she said. “They all have so much potential.”

Students who pursue an associate degree in Health Information Technology will learn the skills needed to manage health information across computerized systems and its secure exchange between consumers, providers, government entities and insurers and will also be trained in billing and coding.

TSTC’s program is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIM), allowing TSTC graduates to take the national exam needed to obtain the credentials of a Registered Health Information Technician improving career possibilities and increasing salaries.

Health Information Technology is offered at TSTC’s Harlingen campus and is also offered 100 percent online.

Registration for Summer and Fall 2018 begins April 2.

For more information on the program, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Richard Ruiz, a Biomedical Equipment Technology student at Texas State Technical College is expected to graduate next month with his associate degree, but already finds himself working in the field.

“It all happened so quickly,” he said. “I was only looking for an internship, but ended up with so much more.”

The La Feria native is completing his internship work and has a permanent position at XOtech, LLC, a Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business federal contracting company in Utah that focuses on providing services to the Department of Defense.

The 28-year-old is contracted by the Medical Equipment Concentration Site 88^th area as a Biomedical Electronic Technician 1 overseeing the maintenance and repair of medical equipment in the healthcare setting.

“I am so blessed to have been given this opportunity,” said Ruiz. “This is a huge stepping stone for me.”

Prior to pursuing a career path in Biomedical Equipment Technology, Ruiz enrolled at TSTC as a Dental Hygiene student, but realized it was not the path he wanted to follow.

So, he applied to TSTC’s Vocational Nursing program and unfortunately did not get accepted.

“I’ve always loved the medical field and anatomy and physiology, but I was lost,” he said. “I had no idea what to do.”

Ruiz ended up taking a summer semester off to work and earn money, and then stayed out longer than expected.

“I lost momentum and enjoyed the money I was making, but when my fiancé and I learned we were expecting a baby everything shifted,” he said.

The jobs he was working at places such as Peter Piper Pizza, Dollar General and in the oil field suddenly were not enough for Ruiz.

“I needed to do more for my family and I knew I could only do that with an education. And that’s when I found TSTC’s biomed program. I immediately fell in love,” he said.

He credits God and all of the instructors in the Biomedical Equipment Technology program for his success and doubled income.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without God, TSTC and the training I have received,” he said. “Everything got me ready for something amazing.”

Ray Longoria, TSTC Biomedical Equipment Technology instructor, said he was not surprised when he learned about Ruiz’s placement.

“Richard is an excellent student always demonstrating great initiative, leadership and teamwork,” said Longoria. “He has a bright future and I see him becoming a lead technician and even opening his own business one day.”

Longoria said when students like Ruiz move on, which they rightfully should, it’s a bittersweet moment.

“Ruiz did so much for us. He always helped other students, helped us around the lab and even with recruiting,” he said. “We’re so proud of him, but we’re going to miss him.”

Students like Ruiz get extensive hands-on training during their time in the program with the latest technology and equipment being used in the healthcare field.

The program currently works closely with TSTC’s Allied Health and Emergency Medical Technician departments, Culture of Life Ministries’ free health clinic, Loaves and Fishes and Ace Medical, maintaining and repairing their medical equipment.

As for Ruiz, who now lives in Utah with his family, he said it is this training that prepared him for his new career and gave him the confidence to pursue it and dream big.

Ruiz hopes to one day open his own biomedical business.

For more information on Biomedical Equipment Technology at TSTC’s Harlingen and Waco campuses, visit tstc.edu.

Registration for Summer and Fall 2018 begins April 2.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College Agricultural Technology student Yolanda Reyes expects to graduate with her associate degree next month and boasts a 3.6 grade-point average.

When the Brownsville native is not busy in class or studying, she is organizing fundraisers and showcasing her program at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show as president of the TSTC Agriculture Club. She also volunteers in her community regularly with TSTC Student Life.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on returning to TSTC to pursue an associate degree in biology and then transferring to Texas A&M-Kingsville for a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become a game warden. This career combines my love for nature, animals and law enforcement. It’ll be the best of both worlds.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishments have been being able to maintain a GPA above 3.5 and having the opportunity of becoming a student leader within my program’s club and Student Life.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is to not give up. I must overcome the obstacles that are thrown my way and reach for my goals. I never thought school was an option, I didn’t have the money, but with hard work, saved money and financial aid, here I am.

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

First there are my two Agricultural Technology Instructors Sam Gavito and Norberto Mendoza. They are great motivators, give great advice and encourage me to keep going. Next, are my mom and sister. I can’t leave them out. They are the reason why I work hard and want to succeed. They are always pushing me to think of my future and support my dreams and goals.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to not limit yourself. Everything you are doing, you are doing for you. So don’t let others discourage you. Keep working toward your goals.

(HARLINGEN) – Brownsville native Moses Guerrero is an Automotive Technology student at Texas State Technical College. He expects to earn his certificate in Summer 2018.

When the 20-year-old isn’t busy studying or working on cars he volunteers with TSTC’s Student Life Office, Student Government Association and TSTC’s Automotive Car Club.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I hope to work at a ranch as a technician for heavy duty equipment such as tractors. I also plan on continuing my education to pursue certification as a marine technician.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become a marine technician and work on boats. I hope to either work on a cruise ship or open my own shop.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment has been passing all of my classes with A’s and B’s and learning how to operate the machinery and tools I need to have a successful career in my industry.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that if I work hard and maintain focus I can achieve my goals and ace my skills.

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

My automotive instructor Adan Gutierrez has had the most influence on my success. He has so much experience in the field and is full of knowledge that he loves sharing with all of his students. He is an inspiration and I hope someday that I can be as successful as he is.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to use all of the resources available to you, from the Student Center to the library, don’t be afraid to ask questions and get involved.

(HARLINGEN) – With recent school shootings and always a plan on how to be proactive, Texas State Technical College recently hosted a Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (C.R.A.S.E.) training for all students, faculty and staff.

The training was hosted by TSTC’s Police Department and presented by Sargent Eduardo Patiño.

TSTC Police Chief Aurelio Torres opened the training with a message.

“This training is not meant to scare you, but to teach you situational awareness,” said the chief. “By the time you leave today you will know how to create a plan and take action should the need arise.”

Torres added that an active shooter is only one of the many man-made hazards someone can face.

C.R.A.S.E. was developed by the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) program at Texas State University in 2004 and has since grown into a world-wide comprehensive training.

In April 2017, TSTC’s Police Department hosted more than 100 law enforcement officials from across the state for the C.R.A.S.E. Train the Trainer course. The first for the Valley.

At TSTC, nine officers in the police department are certified to teach this material.

“You are not helpless. What you do matters,” Patiño told his audience.

He reviewed the defined actions an individual can take in the face of an emergency: Avoid, Deny, Defend.

“If you can leave, leave. If you can’t leave, deny access by locking a door, creating a blockade and turning off lights and if you have to, defend yourself and those around you,” he said. “Our goal is to get you to deliberate an action, fight or flight. Don’t freeze.”

According to Patino’s presentation, there were 179 active shooter cases between 2000 and 2014, with an increase of shooter events at education and commercial entities through the years.

TSTC’s Provost Cledia Hernandez said it is TSTC’s goal to be proactive and equip the TSTC community with the information and training they need to be prepared.

“One well-trained person can make a difference and change the outcome of a situation,” she said. “If one can do this, imagine a whole team.”

TSTC allied health student Candie Cerda said the presentation was an eye opener.

“I never really took the time to think about what I would do in an emergency situation,” said Cerda. “After today I feel more prepared to take action during the unexpected. I’m also going to share this information with my sister who is a teacher. You just never know.”

Cerda went on to say that she feels safe at TSTC, but even though, she is pleased that the college hosts trainings like C.R.A.S.E.

TSTC works year-round to ensure the safety of the entire TSTC community by helping staff and faculty with department walkthroughs and assessments and making sure there is a plan in place.

The TSTC Police Department is also working closely with the college’s Student Government Association to create presentations specifically for students.

“Our job is to serve and protect and equip everyone with the tools they need to make the best decisions during an incident,” said Torres. “Being proactive is important and it begins by encouraging others to report suspicious activity and with training.”

To report suspicious activity on campus, call the TSTC Police Department at 956-364-4220.

(HARLINGEN) – For the first time in nearly a decade, Texas State Technical College’s Interview Practicum saw its highest number of participants and had to be extended to three days.

The Interview Practicum is hosted every Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters by TSTC’s Industry Relations and Talent Management Office and usually lasts two days.

At least 260 soon-to-be TSTC graduates from 17 programs attended this year’s event that consisted of mock job interviews, resumè building and interview skills workshops.

Each student participated in three rounds of interviews, each 30 minutes long, and is provided constructive feedback on how to improve his/her resumes and interview skills.

“The growth the program has seen is exciting,” said TSTC Industry Relations and Talent Management Director Viviana Espinosa. “This is the highest number of students we’ve ever had participate.”

Espinosa added that she is happy to see an increased amount of faculty gaining awareness of the interview practicum and are taking advantage of it for their students.

“We host these events for our students with the goal of helping them gain the confidence they need for a successful job interview,” said Espinosa. “For some this is their first interview ever and it’s important they practice talking about their skills and themselves. This is the hardest thing to do.”

TSTC Wind Energy Technology student Wade Reynolds said he loves that TSTC holds events like this for its students.

“It’s thoughtful, useful and great all around,” he said. “I’m leaving today’s event more confident and prepared for the future. This was my first interview so now I know what to expect.”

The 21-year-old will be earning his associate degree next month and said he has already begun looking into jobs so the critiques he received were invaluable.

Viviana Aguiniga, TSTC Dental Hygiene student, will also be graduating in April and said the practicum was a great learning experience for her.

“I was so nervous coming in,” she said. “But now I’m leaving with great feedback, advice and more confidence. There’s no doubt that I’m prepared for what’s to come.”

She added that the interview process is no longer unknown territory for her and she is grateful to TSTC for providing this opportunity.

As the number of students who participate in the interview practicum grows, so does the number of volunteers who help coach these students.

More than 120 coaches made up of industry partners and community business leaders conducted 750 interviews during the length of the event, many of which go on to hire TSTC graduates.

Some coaches are seasoned and some are brand new and excited to join TSTC in this effort.

This was the first time Fastenal General Manager Gilbert Garcia.  Participated as a coach Fastenal also hires TSTC students for positions at their locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley and Kingsville.

“For me helping students succeed is a team effort and I’m looking forward to being a part of this process,” said Garcia. “TSTC has helped us a lot by sending us great graduates who are eager to learn and have a great work ethic. This is my way of giving back.”

Espinosa said she is looking forward to working closely with all industry partners and local business leaders for future interview practicums or other events such as the upcoming Industry Job Fair.

“We are so appreciative of everyone who comes out to help our students,” she said. “And we look forward to growing these relationships and getting our students placed.”

TSTC’s Industry Job Fair is April 5.

For more information on Interview Practicum or to become a volunteer coach call the Talent Management Office at 956-364-4940.

(HARLINGEN) – Harlingen native Jesse Lopez is an Education and Training student at Texas State Technical College. He expects to graduate with his associate degree in Spring 2021.

The 19-year-old is also active on campus as a Student Government Association (SGA) Senator for Education and Humanities and will be running for SGA Treasurer in the upcoming election.

When Lopez is not on campus, he can be found teaching music and singing with his church choir.

What are your plans after you graduate?

After I graduate I plan on transferring to Texas A&M – Kingsville through TSTC’s University Center and pursue a bachelor’s degree in education, specializing in music.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job in to become an elementary music teacher here in the Rio Grande Valley. I hope to inspire children to pursue music if that is their passion and to create musicians and artists for our area.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment so far at TSTC has been becoming a senator of the SGA. It has allowed me to get out of my comfort zone, meet new people and help make a difference.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is to never say no. Always try something new and help people out. You never know what you’re going to learn or who you’re going to meet.

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

The people who have had the most influence on my success are the SGA officers: President Isela Rodriguez, Vice President Thalia Gutierrez and Secretary Miguel Zamarripa. Last but not least, is TSTC Student Life Coordinator Belinda Palomino. They are all examples of great leaders and they have showed me what it takes to be one and have helped me grow as a student and person.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to be outgoing and active on campus. This is important because you need to have fun and enjoy college. It will make all the difference in your college experience.

(HARLINGEN) – With a notepad, pen and camera in hand, Texas State Technical College Digital Media Design student Robert Lopez walked around the J. Gilbert Leal Learning Resource Center (LRC) admiring paintings of vivid color and textures by Macarena Pena, also known as Ma K Art, during Thursday’s artist meet and greet.

“As a designer, artists like Macarena and events like this inspire my work and creativity,” he said. “Everything from the colors and textures are of great significance for me.”

Lopez and nearly 30 other visitors to the exhibit celebrated the artist and her works titled, “Sunday at Chapultepec” and “Remembering Mexico.”

The artist and McAllen native became blind in 1999 at the age of 30 after a sudden illness about a year before losing her sight, Pena had begun trying her hand at art and revived her artistic abilities as a blind artist in 2015 when she became co-founder of Visual Challenges Art.

Pena told students and community members that her memories have turned into dimensional shapes and there is no more darkness because of art and painting.

“It is not what I can do, but what I can inspire others to do that make the difference in my art,” Pena said.

Pena uses a painting form unique to her circumstance with the help of her husband and family. Her art begins with a sketch that is then outlined with a glue gun allowing the artist to feel her canvas and shapes when she paints with her hands.

“I tell everyone that my eyes are blind, but my mind and my brain are not,” said Pena. “I choose designs and colors based on memories from when I could see.”

All of Pena’s art can be touched by spectators. She said she will never put a “Do Not Touch” sign next her art.

“My main purpose with my art is to open doors to people who are visually impaired,” she said. “The texture I use opens vision.”

For nearly a decade, LRC Director Nancy Hendricks, has hosted artists like Pena and their exhibits as a way to expose students to the culture of art and those that contribute to it.

“I do this because I love art and the shows are a great way to engage our students and the community,” said Hendricks. “It’s a fun way to get our students involved and show off our campus.”

Hendricks said Pena came recommended and when she spoke to her and heard her story and journey she knew this was the exhibit she needed to display this year.

“Macarena is a fantastic person and artist,” said Hendricks. “She is an inspiration to many and I want our students to see that no matter what, you can be successful. And we are extremely grateful that Macarena’s work is in our library.”

As for Lopez, he said, “It was great getting to meet Macarena and talking to her about her inspirations for her work. I’m glad that TSTC gives us opportunities like this that we may not get otherwise.”

Pena’s art will be displayed through April 28 at the TSTC LRC. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

For more information on library resources or art shows call 956-364-4708.

(HARLINGEN) – For the first time in more than a decade, Education and Training students from Texas State Technical College participated in the recent SkillsUSA competition hosted at the college and are headed to state competitions in April.

“We are so excited and proud of our students,” said Education and Training Lead Instructor Myriam Aguila. “They have worked so hard and deserve this recognition. They have had quite the experience.”

SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching technical, academic and employability skills that help high school and college students pursue successful careers. Members build these skills through student-led team meetings, contests, leadership conferences and other activities.

Education category contestants Mariela Aguirre and Miguel Hernandez both tied for first place, and Samantha Gutierrez received second place in the recent competition.

The Education and Training students earned their spot by creating individual lesson plans and applying them to TSTC’s NINOS Head Start class.

Aguirre, who is the mother of a three year old, created a lesson plan titled, “The Life Cycle of a Frog,” and said she felt more prepared than ever because of her experience with children. She is also a former nanny.

This was her first time competing with SkillsUSA.

“I prepared by testing the material on my son and assessing his reactions,” she said. “The courses I’m taking here at TSTC also played a huge role in my preparation. I was confident going in because of them.”

Each student had the opportunity to prepare their lessons plans beforehand. Hernandez created a lesson plan focused on the seasons of the year, while Gutierrez’s lesson concentrated on objects that sink or float.

Hernandez, who hopes to someday become a principal, created a dance for the children so they could easily identify and remember the seasons.

“My mom inspired my lesson plan with her Zumba,” he said with a laugh. “The children really enjoyed it and were engaged and by the end of it they were able to identify all four seasons,” he added proudly.

All three students agree that competing with each other can be intimidating, especially because they have become close in their SkillsUSA journey, but their goal is to help each other bring home the gold and earn a spot at nationals.

“We may not all be able to go to nationals, but hopefully at least one of us makes it,” said Gutierrez. “Our goal is to represent TSTC and our program well, gain experience and learn from each other.”

Aguirre, Hernandez and Gutierrez will be joining 75 other winners at the SkillsUSA state competition.

More than 3,000 Rio Grande Valley high school students competed as well.

“Having this many students advance to state is a testament to our teaching and training,” said Isaac Gonzalez, TSTC SkillsUSA Campus Coordinator and Lead Precision Manufacturing Technology and Welding instructor. “I’m so proud of how far our student have come and my hope for them is that they earn a spot at nationals. These students are the cream of the crop.”

Other areas of competition included technology, health and hospitality industries such as HVAC, Drafting and Design, Automotive, Nursing, Culinary and Mechatronics, where students are working to defend a national gold.

“SkillsUSA is a great experience for our students and allows them to network with others in their industries and makes them more competitive when applying for jobs,” said Gonzalez.

“SkillsUSA helps our students become better leaders, team players and professionals.”

Students will compete at the SkillsUSA state competition on April 12 and 13 at TSTC in Waco and SkillsUSA national competition will be held in Louisville, Kentucky on June 25 – 29.

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