(HARLINGEN) – It is an honor being invited to NASA, but getting a second invite is even better. This is what Texas State Technical College student Saul Pizano recently found out.

The Harlingen native has just returned from Johnson Space Center in Houston where he served as a student assistant for NASA’s Community College Aerospace Scholars project (NCAS).

“I never expected to be presented with this teaching opportunity,” said Pizano. “When I got the call I couldn’t contain my excitement. There was a lot of jumping and screaming.”

It was just last year that Pizano had been selected as a scholar for the program, joining nearly 304 students from across the United States to be part of the five-week program that culminated with a week at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Pizano was the only student from TSTC.

“My dream is to work at NASA. When I’m there it feels like home,” he said. “I’ve had a fascination with the (space science) field since I was a little boy and the paths I am choosing seem to be leading me there.”

Only two NASA scholar alumni get chosen to return for a second year as student assistants. The 22-year-old’s offer letter points out that Pizano’s leadership, communication and teamwork skills demonstrated during last year’s on-site experience impressed the selection committee.

As a student assistant, Pizano led close to 50 students in this year’s NCAS project in engineering and robotics competitions, activities and events.

“I had such a different experience this time around,” he said. “I already knew what to expect so I was able to focus on the details to make this an unforgettable experience for these students. Seeing everyone work together and bond was incredible.”

Pizano added that his goal as a student assistant was to inspire the dream of NASA in others.

“Sometimes when you go to a ‘college’ not a ‘university’ you think something like NASA isn’t possible, but this experience has shown me that it can be a reality if you work hard and really want it,” he said. “I hope my story resonated with some.”

Pizano is already a TSTC graduate with an associate degree in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics and will get three more associate degrees in Engineering, Math and Physics this year.

He has also begun applying for NASA engineering summer internships at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, and the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

“I finally feel like my life is reaching its potential,” he said. “I won’t stop working until I make my dream come true.”

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

(HARLINGEN) – Juanita Gonzalez is pursuing an associate degree in Education and Training at Texas State Technical College and expects to earn her degree in Spring 2019.

Although only in her second semester, Gonzalez first stepped foot on the TSTC campus as a Dual Enrollment student through San Benito High School.

The 18-year-old holds a 3.6 grade-point-average and is also an active volunteer with her church in San Benito.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate from TSTC I plan on continuing my education at Texas A&M-Kingsville through TSTC’s University Center and earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Early Childhood and Bilingual Education.

What’s your dream job?

I love working with small children, so my dream job is to become a bilingual teacher for students in kindergarten through third grade. I also would not mind teaching math. It is one of my favorite subjects as well.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

I have had two accomplishment that I consider my greatest so far. One is my GPA. I’m thankful for the great tutors I have had who have helped me maintain good grades. Second is finding myself at TSTC and being able to escape my comfort zone. I’ve met great people, made new friends and have had great experiences.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is to not depend on the approval of others. It’s important to have confidence in yourself and always believe that you can achieve your goal.

Who has had the most influence on your success?

My high school education teacher Brenda Aguilar from San Benito High School has made the greatest influence. It is because of her that I am at TSTC. She always believed and had faith in me. She instilled in me that no matter what, I could achieve anything.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to not let anyone discourage them from their dreams. Believe in yourself always and put yourself and your goal first.

TSTC 1993 Farming Ranch Management alum.

(HARLINGEN) – David Ramirez spoke with local high school and Texas State Technical College Agricultural Technology students recently during the college’s eighth annual Agriculture Expo hosted by TSTC’s Office of Talent Management and Career Services.

This is Ramirez’s sixth year attending the event.

He is a 1993 graduate from TSTC’s Farming Ranch Management program, which is now Agricultural Technology and works with the Customs and Border Protection as a technician at the Brownsville Port of Entry.

“Coming to TSTC was one of my best decisions,” said Ramirez. “It feels great coming back and helping young minds find their way.”

Remembering that he was once in their shoes, Ramirez said he is thankful he is able to give back to a college that gave him so much.

“My goal is to make students aware of the career opportunities that are there for them once they graduate from TSTC,” he said. “And I cannot stress enough the importance of an education. I can’t wait to work with some of these students someday.”

Ramirez, in addition to other agencies such as six branches of the United State Department of Agriculture, Texas Department of Agriculture and the United States Border Control, presented information on career opportunities and their departments.

Guadalupe Gracia, Mexican fruit fly coordinator with the USDA Animal and Plant health Inspection Service facility in Harlingen, said she enjoys attending this event because highly-skilled and trained students in agriculture are in demand.

“This event is a great opportunity to recruit for our internships and temporary positions,” said Gracia. “We get great people from TSTC who don’t need to be retrained and have a great work ethic.”

Gracia said thanks to the USDA-Step2 Grant – a program designed to provide mentored research experiences in biological and agricultural sciences –  shared through TSTC and other Texas colleges and universities, at least 25 agriculture students from TSTC’s program have already been awarded summer internships and scholarships.

“Most of the time our internships lead to temporary and permanent jobs with the USDA, which is a great advantage for those students,” she said. “It’s a win-win-win; for us, the college and its students.”

According to Gracia, the USDA will open a new facility in Edinburg in 2020 and will need to hire approximately 150 people.

TSTC’s Talent Management and Career Services Director Viviana Espinosa said this event is hosted annually to give TSTC students the opportunity of speaking first-hand with recruiters regarding volunteer, internship and job opportunities.

“We host this event to create an awareness of career possibilities in the Agriculture industry,” said Espinosa. “And it’s also a motivation and inspiration when they see TSTC alumni working with these agencies.”

Espinoza also added that many of these agencies, in addition to other industry partners, support TSTC’s career placement efforts by attending interview practicums, career fairs and Employee Spotlights.

“We work closely with the agriculture faculty here at TSTC,” said Gracia. “This college produces great students and we love to see them flourish and grow.”

To schedule a visit on campus for Employee Spotlights or for more information on the services offered by TSTC’s Talent Management and Career Services, call 956-364-4940 or visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – From a first-generation college student and first-generation Mexican immigrant rising from poverty to now Texas State Technical College’s recently announced Interim Provost, Cledia Hernandez feels blessed to be in a leadership position that will impact generations, one life at a time.

“I’m excited to follow in the footsteps of leaders that came before me,” said Hernandez. “I always hoped one day I’d be in their shoes and become the leader of an institution that impacts so many and so much.”

The Brownsville native, who is also TSTC’s Associate Vice President of Workforce Development, has worked in higher education for nearly two decades, five of those years have been at TSTC.

Her stint in workforce development and higher education began at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College (UTB/TSC), now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, when she accepted a work study position with the university’s Department of Continuing Education.

“It all started with a work study job,” she said. “I can personally relate to the students I serve and although the road is never easy, perseverance can make dreams happen.”

Hernandez earned her bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from UTB/TSC in 2005 and a master’s degree in Leadership in Higher Education in 2014 from Northcentral University, all while working 40-plus hours a week to pay for her education.

Before arriving as the associate vice president for Workforce Development at TSTC in 2013, Hernandez had already served as a secretary, coordinator, program director and director for continuing education at UTB/TSC.

“I worked closely with TSTC while at UTB and immediately saw the value a technical education has for families and the industry,” said Hernandez. “So I decided to take the leap and accept my new position at TSTC to create new opportunities for students and help fill the skills gap in the state.”

As the new interim provost, Hernandez will provide regional leadership to South Texas and continue to build relationships with community and industry partners.

“As interim provost, my goal is to continue building stronger connections between TSTC and industry so that as a technical institution we can advance our programs, technologies and training to ensure that our students are knowledgeable in the latest, trending technologies,” she stated.

Vice Chancellor and Chief Integration Officer Rick Herrera, who has served as Interim Provost for the last six months, will be handing over the reins to Hernandez and said that a provost’s most notable role is how he/she  represents and addresses the needs of the communities they serve, and he has no doubt she will be successful.

“Mrs. Hernandez brings nearly 20 years of experience in higher education in the area of workforce development,” he said. “She has an impressive amount of community and volunteer service through numerous local boards and organizations.”

Herrera went on to add, “Mrs. Hernandez is well respected by the campus community and has wasted no time in taking charge. Under her leadership, I know the campus will not only continue to prosper, but also grow.”

Hernandez, in response, has a message for TSTC faculty and staff and students, respectively.

“We all have a vital role in transforming lives and launching careers,” she said. “Every TSTC employee on this campus is shaping individual lives and everything done at this college is one step toward impacting families, our community and the state.  And to our students, I’ve walked in your shoes. I understand the sacrifice that is necessary to make dreams a reality,” said Hernandez. “There is light at the end of the tunnel and TSTC is here to help you reach your goals in any way possible.”

Hernandez added that TSTC is truly a great place to work because of the teamwork that happens every day to make things possible.

In the coming months, Hernandez will be out in the community meeting with local leaders and elected officials as she takes on her new role.

(HARLINGEN) – For two decades the Dental Assistant program at Texas State Technical College has organized a community service event at a local Head Start program or preschool to teach children about good oral health care and nutrition.

This semester the 27 students from the program’s Dental Prevention class gathered at the Wesley United Methodist Church Preschool dressed as tooth fairies and a tooth mascot to host child-friendly activities.

“Our program is about community service. We work with the community every day,” said Dental Assistant lead instructor Jean Lashbrook.

Lashbrook added that the goal of this event is to familiarize children with dental care so they’re not afraid of going to the dentist.

“We want to encourage these children to practice good oral care, while giving our students the opportunity to practice patient education and interaction,” she said.

Students like Amanda Garcia, who is in the last semester of the program and vice president of the Dental Explorers Club, taught the preschoolers about brushing, flossing, “good” and “bad” foods, and how to make healthy snacks to try to prevent cavities. There were also coloring stations and games for the children.

“It was a great experience being able to teach these children about brushing and flossing,” said Garcia. “This event helped me better understand the importance of communication and how different it has to be, depending on the patient.”

Every child went home with goodie bags filled with floss, toothbrushes, toothpaste and everyone’s favorite, stickers.

Dental Explorers Club President Clarisa Chapa agreed that it was great getting to apply what she learned in class to a real-world scenario.

“Introducing oral health and healthy foods at this age is beneficial toward their future,” said Chapa. “I enjoyed it so much that after graduating I’m thinking about specializing in pediatric dentistry.”

Dental Assistant instructor and 2005 program alumna Kristen Deleon said this project is a requirement for anyone pursuing a certificate in Dental Assistant, but it is also what everyone looks forward to.

“This is everyone’s favorite project. It’s not only a great community service event, but also a positive TSTC memory,” said Deleon. “This is the thing alumni reminisce about the most.”

After completing the nine-month program, students will earn a certificate and have the skills they need to work as a dental assistant or dental laboratory technician. Many find employment almost immediately at area dental clinics.

“The experience this project gives our students is invaluable,” added Deleon. “It prepares them to enter the field.”

Dental Assistant is also offered at TSTC’s Waco campus.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – The fourth annual Operation Big Rig was recently hosted by the Continuing Education Department at Texas State Technical College.

More than 50 people attended the half-day awareness event that covered topics such as human and drug smuggling, human trafficking, and recent revisions to federal transportation laws and regulations.

“Overall, the event was a success,” said TSTC’s Continuing Education transportation coordinator Adan Trevino. “It’s important that we spread awareness on issues that affect our industry and those who work in it every day.”

TSTC partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Department of Public Safety, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Department of Homeland Security to make the event possible.

Federal transportation officers and agents in attendance at the event emphasized that if something doesn’t look right, then give them a call.

“We want our students to understand that we are all on the same page and here to work together to make their career journey as safe as can be,” said Trevino.

Trevino added that every year the event focuses on different topics, depending on the pressing issues at the time, but its primary goal is to teach students and industry professionals how to keep the community safe and save lives.

“Recent events are showing a rise in human smuggling and trafficking and how unsafe and sometimes deadly conditions are,” said Trevino. “We’re creating well-rounded professionals, and we want them to be smart and make the best decisions once they’re out in the field and know how to spot dangerous situations.”

Daniel Deleon, a TSTC Continuing Education Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) student, said Operation Big Rig is a great opportunity, especially for someone like him who is new to the industry.

“What TSTC does with Operation Big Rig is great,” he said. “It has really increased my awareness of the dangers we face out in the field and how our quick thinking and actions can save lives.”

Ernie Garcia, a recent TSTC CDL graduate who already has a job lined up with Spirit Truck Lines in San Juan, said he will take what he learned to help make the roads safer for all drivers and bystanders.

“I will be an advocate for safety in my career,” said Garcia. “I learned numerous tips on how to be safe and keep others safe and report suspicious activity.”

Operation Big Rig has also teamed up with local truck stops to help spread awareness of human and drug smuggling and human trafficking.

“At TSTC, safety is our No. 1 priority for our students and community,” said Trevino. “Together, we can make an impact and keep our streets safe.”

For more information on TSTC’s Continuing Education Transportation Services courses, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Harlingen native Daniel Reyes is a Welding Technology student at Texas State Technical College. He expects to earn his third associate degree this semester.

His other associate degrees were earned in Auto Collision Technology and Automotive Technology in 2015 and 2016, respectively.

When the 26-year-old isn’t in the classroom, he is an active member of several TSTC student organizations, such as Advanced Leadership Academy, Intramural Sports Club, SkillsUSA, Veteran Students Alliance Club and Catholic Campus Ministries. Reyes is also the SGA senator for the Industrial Manufacturing division.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate this spring, I hope to get a job in the automotive industry and gain some experience in my field and save money to open a business. Eventually I want to return to TSTC to get an associate degree in Business Management Technology.

What’s your dream job?

My dream is to open a business in Harlingen that will include automotive and welding services.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment is, honestly, getting this far and being able to earn multiple degrees. For me, school is fun and I love learning the skills I need to be successful one day. My goal is to leave TSTC as well-rounded as possible in my field.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned may sound cliche, but it’s to never give up. Life has a way of knocking you down sometimes. For me, I never had enough money to eat, so I would literally go days without food. But thanks to the TSTC Student Center food pantry, I was able to pick myself up each time and keep pushing forward and working toward my goals.

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

The people who have had the greatest influence on my success are Library Technician Gamaliel Sauceda, New Student Orientation Coordinator Larissa Moreno and Student Life Coordinator Belinda Palomino. Each one of these people has touched my life in different ways with encouragement, advice and support.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is that when you take your first step into TSTC, choose a major you are passionate about and focus on everything the instructors are teaching you because all of it is going to lead to a successful career someday.

(HARLINGEN) – Carlos Gamboa is an Education and Training student at Texas State Technical College. The La Feria native expects to graduate Spring 2019 with his associate degree.

When the 19-year-old is not busying studying he can be found at the TSTC Wellness and Sports Center volunteering with the Intramural Sports Club.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on transferring to Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio to get my bachelor’s degree in education.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to teach history and coach high school tennis. I played tennis in high school and earned a most-valuable-player award for the district and was a four-time district champ. I want to help other students succeed at the sport also.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment so far was passing my first semester of college. I was intimidated and had doubts, but I did it. It gave me confidence and made me realize that I could do it. It was a proud moment for me.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I’ve learned not to give up. Sometimes I’ll fail or lose, but the key is to keep going and keep trying to grow.

Who has had the most influence on your success?

The people who have had the most influence on my success are my parents and my friends. They are all my biggest supporters and are always cheering me on and motivating me to do the best I can.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to always work toward your goals. It’s going to be a challenging path, but so worth it in the end.

(HARLINGEN) – For more than a decade Texas State Technical College has been hosting Tech Day, an event focused on high school seniors and their interest in attending TSTC.

On March 1, TSTC will host approximately 1,000 high school seniors from across the Rio Grande Valley for program tours, admission and financial aid advisement, lunch and door prizes.

“Every year we’re so excited to host this event. It continues to grow,” said TSTC Director of Student Recruitment Dora Colvin.

More than 15 school districts have already confirmed attendance, some coming as far away as Laredo.

The four-hour event will showcase the campus and its technical programs such as Mechatronics, Computer Science, Engineering, Allied Health and Culinary Arts and help students better understand what TSTC is all about and what it offers.

“Tech Day is a tradition for us and those we invite,” said Colvin. “Educators and counselors look forward to sending their students to this event every year and we look forward to welcoming them on campus. It gives us the opportunity to teach them about TSTC and introduce them to our staff and faculty.”

Also readily available to answer questions or give students advice during the event are admissions, financial aid, campus housing representatives and current TSTC students.

“Meeting TSTC students first-hand gives these seniors a glimpse into college life and what it would be like to attend TSTC,” Colvin added.

Students who attend Tech Day, a statewide event also known as TSTC Open House, have already shown interest in a technical education and/or applied to TSTC.

In addition to tours and enrollment and financial advice, all high school seniors will be treated to a lunch, door prizes and scholarship drawings at TSTC’s Wellness and Sports Center.

“We hope we can encourage these students to complete the admissions process and become TSTC students,” said Colvin. “Our job is to get them into a program they love and open doors of opportunity for them into high-paying jobs with a two-year degree.”

Colvin added that every year Tech Day not only serves as a chance to pump up students about college and TSTC, but to also celebrate every senior who is about to become a high school graduate.

For more information on programs at TSTC or campus tours, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Created by popular demand, Texas State Technical College’s Student Life has launched an Advanced Leadership Academy, an extension of TSTC’s long-running Student Leadership Academy.

“Students were graduating from the Student Leadership Academy quickly and asking me what’s next,” said Student Life Coordinator Belinda Palomino. “We needed another program so we got working on it.”

The Student Leadership Academy was created to instill in students relevant skills and knowledge essential to the achievement of excellence in leadership and founded on the values of integrity, service, communication and innovation.

Recent Student Leadership Academy graduate, a requirement to be part of the advanced academy, and Welding Technology student Daniel Reyes is now a member of the new advanced academy and said he is looking forward to completing the program.

Alexandra Lugo (right) with other TSTC student leaders.

“We’ve all helped each other become better leaders and people in the academy,” said Reyes. “It has helped me build confidence in my leadership skills and take charge during class projects and community services events. I can’t wait to see what the advanced academy has in store.”

To become a graduate of the Student Leadership Academy, a perquisite to the Advanced Leadership Academy, students must attend the annual Student Leadership Conference, at least six leadership workshops such as Characteristics of an Effective Leader, Servant Leadership and Integrity and Ethics and four additional workshops offered throughout the year.

“Daniel runs the show now. He’s an active member in several student clubs and is always there when we need his help,” said Palomino. “It’s great seeing him and other students like him grow as leaders.

To complete the Advanced Leadership Academy,  students like Reyes and Business Management Technology and Mathematics student Alexandra Lugo,the must complete a community service project as a group, attend an academy orientation and two check-in meetings. There are currently seven students enrolled in the new program.

“We’re pretty ambitious and hope to complete a large-scale project that will impact and benefit the community,” said Lugo. “Our goal is to make a difference.”

Lugo added that before completing the Student Leadership Academy she struggled with being outgoing and although it was not always easy putting herself out there, becoming active around campus has been the best decision she has ever made.

“When I graduate I want to go into management and everything I am learning during my time in the academy will also help me after college and in my career,” said Lugo.

Palomino said she is so proud of all of her students who participate in the both academies.

“Being a part of either academy is not a requirement as a student at TSTC, which means these student do it because they want to,” said Palomino. “They find it in their hearts to better themselves and make a difference. We have some great students.”

For more information on the Student Leadership Academy or the Advanced Leadership Academy call 956-364-4370.

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