(HARLINGEN) – Sughei Castillo was one of nearly 400 students who realized a life-long dream last night during Texas State Technical College’s commencement ceremony at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium.

The Lasara native, only the second in her family to graduate from college, earned a certificate in vocational nursing.

This is a career she was first introduced to in middle school, but was fully inspired to pursue it when she would watch her mother care for her grandfather while he fought a battle with lung cancer.

“I’m drawn to this profession and being able to help someone is so gratifying,” said Castillo.

“Unfortunately, my grandfather lost his battle. But the idea of being someone’s comfort and help during their time of need makes everything I do worth it.”

Most recently, as close as she was to reaching her goal, a family tragedy almost got in the way.

A fire destroyed the 23-year-old’s family home a month ago. Her family lost everything and today they have no home to call their own. .

With only the clothes on her back, Castillo was ready to quit school and find a job to help her family replace what was lost, but with the support from her mother she returned to TSTC the very next day.

“I was devastated. And I didn’t see how I could continue school while my family struggled,” she said. “But my mother, the woman I aspire to be when I grow up, was searching for a way to replace my uniforms that same day. How could I let her down?”

Castillo credits her success after the fire to her instructors and classmates who pulled together to collect donations and organize a fundraiser for Castillo and her family.

TSTC even donated a dorm room so she could make it to her last three weeks of the semester and save the money she would use on gas for her 30-minute drive to class.

“I entered this program alone, but I’m leaving with a family,” said Castillo. “They (classmates) donated uniforms, money, toiletries – everything we needed to stand up again. I am so blessed to have these people in my life. God knew why he put them there.”

Castillo is once again looking forward to her future.

After passing her national licensing exam, Castillo hopes to find employment at Solara Hospital in Harlingen to start saving up for a home for her family and a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Ultimately, she hopes to become a nurse practitioner.

“TSTC and the vocational nursing program have opened doors of opportunities for me,” she said. “All of the training I have received has prepared me to work, be successful and continue my education. My possibilities now are limitless.”

Castillo’s mother Lidia Castillo said she is so proud of everything her daughter has accomplished and overcome so far.

“I’m so blessed to be her mother,” said Lidia. “I admire her strength to rise, ambition to overcome challenges and her will to move forward. I call her my warrior and will always be here to support her 100 percent.”

Castillo said although her family’s situation is not ideal, and she wishes she was headed to a home of their own after commencement, she still has a lot to be thankful for.

“Material items come and go. I just thank God that my family is safe, I have them by side and God has blessed us with more than we probably deserve.”

More than 1,000 TSTC students across the state earned certificates or associate degrees during TSTC’s Summer 2017 commencement ceremonies.

For more information on vocational nursing or TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College has given Auto Collision Technology student Refugio Cazares a second chance after losing his freedom and nearly his life several years ago.

Cazares, a Harlingen native, will receive a certificate II in Auto Collision, making him one of nearly 400 students who will receive a certificate or associate degree tonight at TSTC’s Summer 2017 commencement ceremonies.

“I never thought I’d be where I am today,” he said. “It feels good knowing that I’m working my way to being a better person for myself, for my family and for my 4-year-old daughter.”

It was 2004 when Cazares left TSTC and moved to Missouri to work in a cotton farm, then in a steel mill where he was quickly being promoted, but alcohol ruined his chances of a future there.

“I was, in a way, having my own pity party,” he said. “My life was spiraling down fast and drinking was my escape. I was out of control.”

Slowly his family created a distance, he broke his back in a car accident and was bedridden for three months and after numerous DWI’s and losing his driver’s license he ended up in prison for two years.

“Being in prison opened up my eyes and made me realize I needed to change to my life,” said Cazares.

He credits God and his mother for the lifestyle change he has undergone. And although each day has its own struggle he is proud of the person he is becoming.

“I take one day at a time,” he said. “There are still people that look down on me for my past, but I don’t let that negativity get to me. I have a goal and I won’t throw away my future.”

Cazares hopes to someday work in the auto collision industry, an interest he picked up from the men in his family. He wants to either work at an auto collision center, be an auto collision instructor or even build his own business.

“God willing I will find what I’m looking for out in industry,” he said. “Ultimately, my goal is to find a place where I can use my skills and also be a leader and role model for others.”

For now, Cazares is searching for a part-time job where he can practice what he has learned, but still have time for school because he will be returning to TSTC in the fall to pursue an associate degree in his field.

TSTC Auto Collision Instructor Jose Vasquez said he commends Cazares for taking the initiative of returning to college and pursuing a certification and degree despite the challenges he has faced.

“Refugio is an outstanding student. He has A’s and B’s and always willing to lend a helping hand,” said Vasquez. “Everyone deserves a second chance and he is working hard to better himself. I know he has all the potential he needs to be successful in the industry.”

Overall, Cazares said his experience at TSTC has been amazing and has opened new doors of opportunities for him.

“I’m leaving my past in the past and looking toward the future, and TSTC will get me to where I want to be,” he said.

TSTC’s Commencement Ceremonies are tonight at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

For more information on Auto Collision Technology or to apply at TSTC visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College, in partnership with Portage Plastics Corp. and Rich Products Corp. of Brownsville, was recently awarded a $276,789 Development Skills Grant from the Texas Workforce Commission.

In the past fiscal year, TSTC has been awarded more than $4 million in grants for workforce training to benefit almost 4,000 employees at companies across the state.

“TSTC is proud and honored to partner with the Texas Workforce Commission in this endeavor,” said Rick Herrera, TSTC interim provost, vice chancellor of information technology and chief integration officer.

The most recent award will be used to train 123 Portage Plastics and Rich Products employees in the areas of production, maintenance, and mechanical and support operations.

TSTC instructors will provide 6,329 hours of on-site training. Trainees will receive 59 percent business and technical training, 31 percent general technical training and 10 percent non-technical training.

TSTC Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer Mike Reeser said the Texas Workforce Commission and Julian Alvarez, TWC commissioner and a former TSTC employee, are tireless advocates for education and training.

“Skills development efforts are so important for us,” said Reeser. “We have a dedicated focus to improving skills and helping people grow.”

Portage Plastics Corp. Plant Manager Tony Capella thanked TSTC for a job well done.

“TSTC has been by our side from the start,” said Capella. “We had a lot of problems with other entities we worked with, but this is a great partnership.”

Texas State Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. and State Representative Eddie Lucio III also applauded TSTC and Alvarez for keeping up with technical changes and industry needs.

“TSTC has helped hundreds of thousands of people. And it means so much to so many,” said Lucio Jr. “These grants have positively impacted Texas employers and employees, and we hope and pray we have the opportunity to continue these partnerships.”

TSTC has applied for and expects to receive another half-million dollars for more workforce training for companies in Waco, Hutto and Harlingen.

(HARLINGEN) – The last time Patricia Aranda was in a classroom was nearly two decades ago, but she is back at Texas State Technical College to start her new career in the Medical Information Transcription field.

The Harlingen native will be graduating with her certificate during TSTC’s commencement ceremony later this month.

“I’m so excited to put on that cap and gown,” she said. “I’ve truly found my passion.”

The 45-year-old’s love for the health profession has grown through the years beginning in 1996 when she earned her certificate in Emergency Medical Services as an intermediate emergency medical technician.

“I’ve always had a love for the medical field,” said Aranda. “And now that my kids are grown it was time to pursue a new career.”

Aranda was a stay-at-home mom for the first years of her children’s lives until she walked the halls with them at a local elementary school as a paraprofessional, only holding a couple of secretarial jobs before that.

Most recently, she was her granddaughter’s primary caretaker.

“Because I had to learn so much about my granddaughter’s health, my passion for the medical field was reborn after several years away,” she said. “And TSTC makes it easy for someone like me to get an education and find a new career.”

The mother of four and grandmother of eight said she has had the greatest experience coming back to school. She added that she loves her classes, instructors, labs and practicum site: Golden Palms Retirement Center and Healthcare in Harlingen.

“Everything we learned in the classroom went hand-in-hand with what we did in the field,” said Aranda. “I was able to use everything taught to me in the classroom to be successful during my practicum.”

She credits TSTC’s Medical Information Transcription Department Chair Debbie Woods and program instructor Jenny Delgado with having a large influence on her success.

“They’re both great instructors and motivators,” she said. “They give us a chance to learn and be somebody by supporting us the entire way.”

It is both their teaching that Aranda said she aspires to someday. She hopes she can be a medical and health information instructor in the future to help others like her. In the meantime, she will be returning to TSTC to pursue an associate degree in Health Information Technology and returning to the medical office setting.

Students like Aranda who enroll in Medical Information Transcription can earn their certificate in three semesters and after successfully completing their practicum course.

Graduates of this program are trained in numerous positions such as assembly clerk, outpatient coder, processing specialist, medical receptionist, billing specialist and medical transcriptionist.

Woods said that the demand for skilled workers in this field is high and the need keeps growing.

“We have a 90 to 100 percent placement rate in our program,” said Woods. “Many of our students are placed in good-paying jobs and have the opportunity to grow within the field.”

There are many career opportunities available for graduates from this program. They can work in hospitals, physician offices, long-term care facilities, behavioral health facilities, schools, insurance companies and even from home.

Woods said they encourage students who are interested in this field to begin in Medical Information Transcription to build a strong foundation before pursuing Health Information Technology, which focuses more on the managerial side of the medical office industry.

“Most of our students come back to health information,” said Woods. “But because they are graduates from our medical information program they have their foot in the door and a better understanding of what is needed and trending in the field.”

To register or for more information on Medical Information Transcription visit tstc.edu. The last day to register is August 21.

(HARLINGEN) – It was already a big night for Itati Fernandez who was celebrating the completion of the Texas State Technical College Surgical Technology program with her 12 other peers. But it became a night to remember when she was unexpectedly named program valedictorian because of her 3.6 GPA.

“I didn’t even know valedictorian was a thing in college,” Fernandez said with a laugh. “I was so surprised. It was a very emotional time for me. I couldn’t be happier.”

With tear-filled eyes Fernandez stood in front of a full auditorium to thank her instructors, classmates and family for the support she got throughout the program.

“There were many occasions where I wanted to give up. It was so hard,” she said. “But everyone kept me motivated and didn’t let me give up. This is the first of many more accomplishments.”

The 22-year-old has a job offer at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen as a surgical technologist pending a passing score on her certifying exam.

She will also be continuing her education at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology with the goal of being accepted into the university’s physician assistant master’s program.

Nancy Garcia, Fernandez’s mother, said she couldn’t be prouder of her daughter’s accomplishments and drive to succeed.

“I call this her short-term goal and I knew she could reach it,” said Garcia. “I’m so happy right now and so proud of my daughter. I know this is only the beginning.”

TSTC Surgical Technology lead instructor Anna San Pedro called this an impressive achievement considering the intensity and difficulty of the surgical technology curriculum.

“The work ethic and discipline that she displayed while in the program was the winning formula to her success,” said San Pedro. “The faculty and I are confident that she will continue to find success in all future endeavors and will be an asset to the industry of Surgical Technology.”

The pinning ceremony also included the presentation of pins and Surgical Technology graduates taking the Surgical Technologist Pledge, the presentation of the Preceptor of the Year award to Gina Tijerina from McAllen Medical Center and a message from guest speaker, pharmacist and TSTC alumnus Michael Muniz.

Muniz graduated from Surgical Technology in 2004 also top of his class and is a now a pharmacist at family-owned Muniz Rio Grande Pharmacy in Harlingen. He said TSTC will always have a special place in heart.

“TSTC gave me the foundation I needed and it’s great to be back as a speaker and I hope I can become a mentor for these students and future generations of surgical technologists,” said Muniz. “And my hope for these students is that they continue learning and stay goal-oriented.”

Robert Sanchez, TSTC Surgical Technology program director, left his graduates with one final note at the end of the event.

“Your future will be determined by the opportunities that you encounter and how you are able to embrace them,” he said. “You have your career in your hands, how you work with it and pursue your dream is up to you.”

“Congratulations,” he added. “Be the best technologist you can be and always be a patient advocate.”

For more information on Surgical Technology or to register visit tstc.edu. The last to day to register is August 21.

(HARLINGEN) – Nicholas “Nick” Trevino is an Aviation Maintenance major at Texas State Technical College. He will receive his associate degree in Aviation Maintenance-Airframe in December 2017 and will return to pursue a second associate degree in Aviation Maintenance-Powerplant.

The Kingsville native currently boasts a 3.7 grade-point average and is employed as a works study with the Talent Management and Career Services office.

The 22-year-old said after nearly four years in the oil and gas industry it feels good to be back in school following a career path and added that it was his uncle, also a TSTC alumnus, whose advice played a huge part in his return.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I hope to start my career at L3 Technologies in Kingsville, a contractor in aerospace systems, security and detection systems and pilot training used by military, homeland security and comer platforms. I also plan on returning to TSTC to pursue an associate degree in Welding Technology.

What’s your dream job?                           

My dream job is to work with L3. In addition to its great benefits, the company offers travel opportunities with its locations spanning across the United States and internationally. There is also room to grow my career and grow as a professional within the company.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment at TSTC has been finding my path, establishing career goals and maintaining my grades. It’s makes me proud knowing I can call my mom at any time and share my test scores and grades with her and know that I make her proud too.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that while we can make plans, life will always throw a curve ball and nothing will go as planned. So I’ve learned to go with the flow and learn from my mistakes and experiences.

Who at TSTC has had a large influence on your success?

The people who have had the largest influence on my success are my peers, the people I’ve met in class. We all have a group chat going and remind each other about homework, due dates, tests and form study groups. Not only do we get our work done, but we also have fun outside of the classroom as friends.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I advise students to always go for the goal. If you have a dream, like I did about coming back to school, but it seems impossible, try it anyways. And remember, everything is possible because the people here at TSTC are always willing to help you and they want to see you succeed.

(HARLINGEN) – Ivette Cruz is a biology student at Texas State Technical College and expects to complete her courses in Fall 2017.

When the Texas transplant from Brooklyn, New York, is not busy studying and maintaining her 3.7 grade-point average, she is volunteering with the TSTC Veteran Students Alliance Club and spending time with her six-year-old son.

The 24-year-old said it has been seven years since she graduated from high school, but she decided there was no time better than the present to return to college and begin working on a degree to give her son a more stable life and herself a secure career.

What are your plans after graduation?

After completing my biology courses, I plan on returning to TSTC to pursue vocational and registered nursing. I then hope to get a position at a local hospital while pursuing my bachelor’s degree in nursing at a local university.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is to work in obstetrics as a nurse practitioner or become a midwife. I’m intrigued with pregnancy and babies, and I feel this is my calling.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

I’m a first-generation college student, so just returning is an accomplishment in itself. Also, getting a 4.0 my first semester and maintaining a good GPA so far is great. My boyfriend and family have a lot to do with this success. They continually push me to keep going and help me with my son.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that everything is possible as long as you set your mind to it. I also always remember never to settle, always make new goals and pursue them until you reach them. TSTC is helping me achieve that right now.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

I would have to say that the Veteran Center and all of my classmates have had a huge influence on my success. They’re always there when I need help or need a friend to talk to.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

Cliche I know, but never give up, strive for success and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

(HARLINGEN) – Over the past 35 years, Surgical Technology Program Director Robert Sanchez has inspired learning and growth among his students and colleagues at Texas State Technical College.

It is for this devotion and dedication that he was recently given a Service Award during TSTC’s Employee Appreciation Day.

“My time at TSTC has been excellent,” he said. “I love seeing young adults find success and grow within the medical profession.”

With nearly 50 years of experience in his field, the Rio Grande City native has enjoyed sharing his know-how with his students since 1981.

But before this, Sanchez was a student himself. He graduated in 1969 from one of only two surgical technology classes hosted by Valley Baptist Medical Center and became a certified surgical technologist in 1970.

He went on to receive his associate degree in nursing from Texas Southmost College in 1978 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Texas-Pan American in 1989.

“The field has definitely changed and seen lots of advancements over the years,” said Sanchez. “I’ve had to adapt to be the best instructor I can be for each generation of students.”

Sanchez, who is also an Army Reserve veteran, has seen these changes firsthand as an operating room attendant, a surgical technologist, a registered nurse and an instructor.

For the last three and a half decades, Sanchez has been an instructor at TSTC by day and a nurse in the operating room by night at Valley Baptist Medical Center, where he is pro re nata or PRN, meaning he works as needed.

“The surgical environment is in my blood,” said Sanchez. “I love knowing that I can help make a difference in someone’s life and get them back on their feet and back to good health.”

So, as one can imagine, Sanchez was nervous making the transition to the classroom as an instructor. But according to one former student and current colleague, it was the best decision he could have made.

Former Surgical Technology student and TSTC Surgical Technology Senior Instructor Anna San Pedro said she calls Sanchez her teacher, boss and big brother. She also said she considers him one of her best friends.

“As an instructor, he was challenging and always demanded the best from me and my peers,” she recalled. “He always made sure that we were prepared and focused or we would be sent home until we were ready to learn.”

She added that it was his discipline and strict ways that influenced her success in a large way.

“He has been the greatest influence in my studies and profession. He sets the bar high for everybody,” said San Pedro. “It’s been great having a teacher and a boss who is engaging, makes work fun and allows me to grow. I tell him he can never retire.”

Sanchez said sooner or later he will retire to do some traveling and spend time with his children and grandkids, but he will take with him the most rewarding part of his job, and that is seeing his students, like San Pedro, succeed.

“TSTC is a great place to work. It has given me the opportunity to help shape lives,” he said. “From supportive administrators to colleagues that become family, it has all been possible and that’s because this was the best career move for me.”

(HARLINGEN) – Family and friends gathered at the Texas State Technical College Cultural Arts Center recently to honor and celebrate their loved ones’ success during the annual TSTC Vocational Nursing Pinning Ceremony.

“This is a special night full of tradition,” said Nicki Cone, TSTC vice president of Instructional Support. “I commend these students for choosing the profession of caring for others. And on behalf of the TSTC administration, we want to thank these students for everything they do and will do.”

The Vocational Nursing Pinning Ceremony is held twice a year during the fall and summer semesters and is described by TSTC Vocational Nursing Program Director Adriana Hinojosa-Vassberg as the rite of passage into the profession.

“Tonight we passed the light of knowledge to our graduate nurses,” said Hinojosa-Vassberg. “And we capped them and pinned them, which symbolizes the helmet and shield they need as they enter into a battle of fighting illness and caring for patients.”

This semester 16 graduate nurses were presented with their pins and caps. These same students will also graduate from TSTC later this month during the college’s commencement ceremony.

“We have endured and conquered the challenges of this program and of life,” said class valedictorian Sylvia Espinosa during her address. “Nursing is like riding a bike — except the bike and everything around you is on fire.”

Espinosa ended her speech with a huge thank you to her instructor, classmates, and friends and family.

“There’s a special bond that this class shares,” she said. “Along with the support from instructors and my family, this is what helped me get through nursing school.”

Salutatorian Miranda Rodriguez shared the same sentiment.

“We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Rodriguez. “But all of this was only achievable because of the support from my classmates, instructors and especially my family. This is as much your celebration as it is ours.”

For many, however, the light at the end of the tunnel is really a new beginning. When TSTC’s registered nursing program begins in the fall, some of the students will be returning to earn an associate degree in nursing, a path that is all too familiar to guest speaker, registered nurse and TSTC alumna Sarah Rodriguez.

“Welcome to the fellowship of nurses. We are an elite association who have and will dedicate our lives to others,” Rodriguez told the graduates. “But it’s also the time to become lifelong learners. Don’t let the momentum stop. Celebrate your achievement tonight, but expand your knowledge beginning tomorrow.”

Rodriguez is from the TSTC vocational nursing class of 2012. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2014 and currently is working on her master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner. She is employed with Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco.

The capping and pinning ceremony also included a candle lighting ceremony, the reading of the nursing Nightingale Pledge, a presentation of Vocational Nursing Club officer awards, and special recognitions for the class’ top students.

“I’m so proud of my students, and I’m honored to be celebrating them tonight,” said Hinojosa-Vassberg. “This is a challenging career, but they have all worked very hard to get to where they are today.”

For more information on TSTC’s Vocational and Registered Nursing programs, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Celina Elizondo is a biology major at Texas State Technical College. The 19-year-old expects to receive her associate degree Fall 2017 and currently boasts a 3.1 grade-point average.

When the Brownsville native is not studying, she is working with New Student Orientation and welcoming new generations of students to TSTC.

What are your plans after you graduate?

After I graduate with an associate degree in Biology, I will return to TSTC to pursue another associate degree in Agricultural Technology. Once I am done with that I will transfer to Texas A&M Kingsville to work toward a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture-Pre-Veterinary Medicine.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to be a veterinarian. I want to be able to afford a large plot of land with a big house so I can open an animal rescue facility and I can help save animals’ lives. My interest in animals stems back from my childhood, growing up on my uncle’s ranch. I recall the days I would bring animals home to nurse back to health. It drove my mom crazy, but she always helped me.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been my work-study job with New Student Orientation. I have always been a shy person, but this job has taught me to have a voice, meet new people and make new friends. It definitely has helped me grow as a person and has given me more confidence.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lessons I have learned are about organization, time management and responsibility. I have found these all to be important assets to my success in school and at my job. They help me do my best in everything and these will be lessons I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

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

The person who has had the most influence on my success is Larissa Moreno, TSTC New Student Orientation coordinator. Thanks to her I have learned my greatest lessons and she really boosts my confidence with her positive spirit. She always makes me feel like I can do anything I set my mind to.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I encourage everyone to attend TSTC. You receive a great education, if not better than anywhere else, while saving money because it is so affordable. I also urge future and current students to always ask questions, join clubs and make new friends. These are great experiences that will also help you in future endeavors.