(HARLINGEN) – It has been five years and counting since Melissa Villarreal started at Texas State Technical College in the Financial Aid Office. And to commemorate the financial aid technician’s hard work and dedication to students, she has been awarded the Employee Spotlight for May.

Many who work with Villarreal, staff and students alike, say she is “the lady who is always happy.” Villarreal humbly said she is happy because she is doing what she loves to do: helping students.

“I truly love my job,” said Villarreal. “I was a student once and had no idea about financial aid. I believe God put me in this office at this campus for a reason, and that is to make students aware of what is available for them.”

The 44-year-old is an alumna of TSTC. She graduated in 2003 with her certificate in Medical Records and Transcription with the help of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) through the Texas Workforce Commission, which provides workforce development activities to enhance employability.  

“This was the only financial help I could find, and they paid for it all,” she said.

Going to college was not an easy process for the Harlingen native. To qualify for the WIA program and in turn to enroll, she had to qualify for food stamps. Had it not been for the $10 in food stamps she qualified for, school would not have been an option.

“There was no way I could have gone to school without this money,” said Villarreal. “Since then I knew I wanted to come back and help those going through the same thing.”

After graduating, her one-year stint at a local oral surgery clinic did not work out because TSTC was in her heart.

“This period was a challenge. I went back to school, left my job of 20 years at JCPenney, and fortunately I was hired at the college,” she said. “I took a chance and it worked out because of TSTC and those that believed in me.”

Villarreal’s Employee Spotlight award is the sentiment that says many still believe in what she does, and it is written directly on her certificate.

“It’s refreshing to hear many refer to Melissa as ‘the lady who is always smiling’ or ‘the lady who always helps me,’” one statement read.

Another said, “Ms. Villarreal always presents services in a highly motivated manner and explains services in a positive language.”

One last comment read, “Despite the long lines…she has been overheard providing students with motivating and inspiring wisdom when she is assisting them at the counter; this is beyond her scope of duty.”

Villarreal said her ultimate goal every day is to help students succeed.

“The most rewarding part of my job is working commencement and watching them (students) graduate and seeing the fulfillment and happiness in their eyes and in their family’s eyes, and knowing I had a little part in that.”

In the next couple of years, Villarreal expects to walk the TSTC commencement stage, instead of working, to receive her associate degree in Business Management Technology.

“I want to grow and retire from TSTC,” she said. “This is where I belong, as an employee and a student.”

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College Veteran Program Officer Jose Villegas has been with the college for a short time, but has already made a difference in students’ lives earning the 2017 Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

The award is given yearly to deserving faculty and staff from across TSTC’s 10 campuses for their service to the college and their community.

The San Antonio native said he was surprised when he found out he had received the award.

“I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I never think about awards, my concern is helping veterans the best I can. So you can imagine this came as a shock. I’m speechless.”

As an Army veteran who served for eight years, including a one-year tour in Iraq, the 35-year-old said he understands the difficulties veterans face when transitioning to civilian life.

“My passion for helping veterans comes from personal knowledge,” he said. “I know how difficult it is to find your place after leaving the military.”

After leaving active duty in 2004 and the reserves in 2009, Villegas went back to school and received a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies Composite in 2011 from the University of Texas Pan American.

Villegas went on to work at Tropical Texas Behavioral Health as a peer facilitator for veterans getting mental healthcare. He traveled across the Valley and the state conducting support groups at various colleges and universities.

Although Villegas loved working with veterans and their dependents, he was ready to leave all of the traveling and the unsteady schedule behind.

“I was ready for a change and to spend more time with my family,” said Villegas. “I wanted to continue working with veterans though, so it was great when this position at TSTC came up.”

Villegas has been at TSTC now for three years, assisting veterans and their dependents with military benefits such as the GI Bill and Hazelwood Act, and admission and financial aid processes, in addition to providing external and internal resources that help veterans and their families succeed.

“For some veterans we are their last chance for hope,” said Villegas. “I go through highs and lows with some of these students and the best part is seeing them graduate and get a job or continue with college.”

Veterans Center Director Steve Guevara said that within the two years he has worked with Villegas he has seen the dedication he has for students turn lives around.

“He is always interested in how our students are doing,” said Guevara. “He takes the time to really get to know them and take care of everything he can to help them succeed. He’s their positivity.”

“If anyone deserves this award its Jose,” he added. “He’s a real asset to TSTC.”

Villegas will be traveling with his family to Austin to the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards dinner and celebration where he will receive his Chancellor’s Excellence Award later this month.

“I truly appreciate that my colleagues think my work is making a difference. I don’t do what I do for awards. My true success is getting veterans help and giving them a second chance at life.”

(HARLINGEN) – Maria Araujo is studying Digital Media Design at Texas State Technical College and expected to earn her associate degree in Fall 2017.

The Harlingen native also recently received the Most Active Club Member award at TSTC’s Student Leadership Banquet for her service as president of the Gay-Straight Alliance Club.

The 22-year-old said that as a shy person she has only recently come to enjoy being active on campus and throughout her community. She also serves as a community assistant for the TSTC dorms and its student residents.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate, I want to come back to TSTC to get a second associate degree in automotive, welding or culinary arts. I believe combining one of these with my passion for photography and design will make me a well-rounded artist.

What’s your dream job?

I ultimately want to be a photographer. Right now I photograph everything from people to landscapes. I also hope someday to serve our country as a military photographer.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been breaking out of my shell. I have always been a shy person and now, because of my job as a community assistant and as president of my club, I can carry conversations with people and express myself more.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned about life is not to be afraid to fail. We are all going to fail at some point in our lives; I know I have. But the important thing is to learn from our mistakes and move on.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

The person who has influenced my success the most at TSTC is another student and my best friend, Jose Zepeda. He is a business management technology student and is my biggest inspiration. He is my encourager and keeps me going. We have been friends since high school.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is never put yourself down or compare yourself to others. We are all our own people on our own paths, and sometimes we are so busy comparing ourselves that we lose sight of our own accomplishments and our goals.

(HARLINGEN) – Marcos Reyes is in his third semester in Computer Networking and Security Technology at Texas State Technical College. He is expected to graduate with his associate degree Spring 2018.

The La Feria native served four years in the Marines as an administrator stationed in North Carolina and San Diego. The 34-year-old said he enrolled at TSTC because he was ready for a new phase in life.

The veteran now holds a 3.2 grade-point average, is a member of the Intramural Sports Club and is the newly-elected Student Government Association Treasurer

“As SGA we represent the students and I hope to be a voice for non-traditional students like me,” he said.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I hope to find work immediately as a network engineer for a firm, private business or consultation group.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to work for a fortune 500 company such as Novell or Google on their networking programs.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment so far has been receiving the treasurer position in SGA. I never expected I could do something like this, I have always been shy. This experience has taken me out of my comfort zone. It is a step in the right direction toward becoming more outgoing.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that when you want something, you just have to go for it. For a time in my life I felt like I was going nowhere, and I never thought college was in my future. And although I’m just getting started, I’ll admit I was intimidated, but overall it was the right decision for me.

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

I have several people who have influenced my success. The first is Jan Nesmith, master instructor for Network Security Technology. She works hard to prepare us for our future and is always our motivator. The other two people are Joe Garza, intramural supervisor, and Efrain Villarreal, intramural assistant supervisor. These two men are the ones who have encouraged me to stay fit and get involved in SGA and in the community.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to not be intimidated by college, just go for your goals.

(HARLINGEN) – Back in 2002, Daniel Cortez was a senior at Rio Hondo High School with a spark of interest in automobiles and mechanics.

The Los Fresnos native knew a four-year university was not in his future, in fact he was not even sure if college was for him.

“I had no plans to go to college,” said Cortez. “I planned on working in the automotive industry, I didn’t think I needed college for that.”

At the time, Cortez was already working on hot rods and engine swaps.

It was not until Cortez’s high school counselor told him about TSTC that he began thinking about taking classes and enrolling as a dual enrollment student in Automotive Technology.

As a dual enrollment student like Cortez, the serving school district invests in a student’s future by paying for the college courses, saving a student a year’s tuition.

“I figured it doesn’t hurt to learn more about my field while saving money,” he said. “Dual enrollment allowed me to explore my career options before having to pay for college myself.”

After graduating from high school Cortez continued with the program, working his way through college and completing every automotive course offered.

“The program was great,” said Cortez. “I got to work with my hands and get exposed to new areas in the industry.”

He said the training he received made all of the difference in his career and he credits the instructors.

“Every instructor has real-world experience,” he said. “Everything we cover they have done it themselves and they are able to share with us their experiences and know-how.”

Cortez now works as the General Manager at Bayside Marine Inc. in Port Isabel, a boat manufacturer, dealership and maintenance shop. He started there 12 years ago in the service department and has worked his way up to his current position.

“When the opportunity presented itself I knew nothing about boats,” he said. “But I figured mechanics is mechanics and TSTC prepared me enough to go for it.”

Cortez said there was still a lot to learn in marine mechanics and specialized trainings he needed to complete, but the lessons in critical thinking he learned at TSTC helped him along the way.

“TSTC enabled me to follow a path,” he said. “It opened doors of opportunity. For me, a technical college was definitely the way to go.”

For more information on Automotive Technology call 956-364-4576.

Registration for Summer and Fall 2017 is underway. Apply or register anytime at tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – For nearly 13 years, Roberto Chapa has dedicated his career to Texas State Technical College and has recently been named a 2017 Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipient.

This award is given by TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser to select faculty and staff for their service and dedication to the college, communities and their state.

“When I first got my nomination letter I was happy to just be nominated. I thought what an honor,” said Chapa. “There were 75 other people up for the award, I never thought I would get it.”

Chapa is a Building Maintenance Supervisor II for TSTC and oversees a team of 11 people. He started his journey with the college in 2002 as a student in the Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics program and graduated as a Board of Regent graduate with a perfect 4.0 GPA in 2004.

“Life before TSTC was difficult,” said Chapa. “TSTC gave my wife and me stability, good paying jobs, benefits and an ability to provide for our children. It changed our lives for the better.”

Chapa, who was born and raised in Matamoros, Mexico, came to the states at the age of 18 with a certification as an electronic technician and a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Instituto Tecnologico de Matamoros. He was eager to learn English and work.

He ended up finding employment with the federal government in Mexico while living in Brownsville for a few years before moving to Oklahoma where he spent a decade doing farm-related work.

But Chapa chose to return South Texas.

“My wife and I wanted our children to be bilingual and they could get that exposure in the Valley, so we moved back,” he said.

They both found jobs at Fruit of the Loom and Cutters, clothes manufacturing companies, but when the plants closed down the Chapas both decided to attend TSTC.

“My wife enrolled in Surgical Technology and me in drafting, and well the rest is history,” said Chapa. “Even my oldest graduated from TSTC and I have son who will be attending next fall.”

Chapa got his first job at TSTC as a drafting tutor before becoming an engineer assistant and finally moving into the building maintenance department.

Executive Director for Physical Plant – Facilities and Chapa’s supervisor Juan Lopez said he knew immediately after reading Lopez’s application that he was the best candidate for the job. He has now worked with Chapa for 10 years.

“Roberto is such a hard worker, so meticulous and organized. I never have to worry about him not doing his job,” said Lopez. “He has really grown into this position and I can’t imagine anyone else more deserving of the Chancellor’s Award. He truly goes above and beyond his call of duty.”

Chapa will join the other 13 Chancellor’s Award recipients from across TSTC’s 10 campuses at the end of May in Austin at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards dinner and celebration to receive his award.

After that, Chapa said he will return to TSTC and continue working hard and doing his best for the college and his family.

For more information on TSTC and the programs offered, go online at tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Eric Osorio was recently named Student of the Year at Texas State Technical College’s Student Leadership Banquet. His involvement in creating the Anime Manga Gamer Club and holding the secretary and librarian officer positions earned him this recognition from his peers.

Anime is a style of Japanese film and television, usually the animated version of manga, or Japanese comics.

The Harlingen native is pursuing an associate degree in Mechatronics Technology and expects to graduate Spring 2018.

The 20-year-old also takes time from his busy schedule to volunteer with Student Government Association and within his community.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I want to get a job in my field, marry my girlfriend of five years and begin my life. I also hope to go back to school for a bachelor’s degree in Engineering.

What’s your dream job?

Besides growing and being successful in my engineering career, I want to be a professional video game player with League of Legends. I want to actually get paid for playing.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been helping our club president Natasha Swinney start up and maintain the Anime Manga Gamers Club. We’ve kept it alive for four semesters and we’re planning on many more.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that life has so many paths a person can choose from and it’s up to us to open doors of opportunity by working hard.

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

My girlfriend Elizabeth Smith, she is completing her academic core, has been my greatest influence. She helps me keep going and always encourages me when I need it the most. She keeps my life fun.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want students to know that it is okay to do college at your own pace. Take everything step by step and day by day and in the end everything will pay off.

(HARLINGEN) – Marco Salinas from the Brownsville Public Utilities Board hung from a harness and was hoisted down a makeshift manhole during confined space training at the Infrastructure and Safety Summit recently hosted at Texas State Technical College.

“I told them not to drop me,” said Salinas jokingly. “In all seriousness though, I’m glad TSTC is hosting this. Safety is important and can’t be taken lightly. These trainings have the power to save lives.”

The summit organized by Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), the second largest Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training center in the nation, partnered with TSTC’s Continuing Education department to offer low-cost training tracks for employers.

More than 400 people from TSTC, municipalities and construction companies from across South and East Texas took advantage of the week-long summit and the 24 courses offered.

Classes ranged from basic code enforcement and health hazard awareness to confined space entry and excavation, trenching and soil mechanics.

For Salinas and his team, attending the confined space training was a no brainer. The class which regularly costs $700 was reduced to $95.  OSHA safety trainings generally range from $395 to $900.

“As a supervisor it is my responsibility to train my employees properly and get them home to their families at night,” said Salinas. “And this summit gave us the convenience of learning close to home, and getting more people trained.”

The Infrastructure and Safety Summit makes it down to the Valley every two years and this is the first time TSTC has been asked to host.

Donna Zatopek, TEEX administrative coordinator, said they were excited to create this partnership with TSTC, which will last long after the summit finishes.

“TSTC has helped us so much and has gone out of its way to make sure this event is successful,” said Zatopek. “Working with them is a great opportunity for all of us involved. This is only the beginning.”

Starting in Fall 2017, TSTC’s Continuing Education department will be the only facility in South Texas to offer OSHA safety Certification trainings year-round through TEEX.

Myra Deleon said the discussion to assist TEEX with these trainings began while organizing the summit. The agreement is in place and will offer companies and its employers the opportunity for localized training, which will range from eight hours to one week depending on the certification.

Deleon also added that the instructors, many of whom are already TSTC employees, completed their required training by earning certifications and co-teaching hours during the summit.

“The vision of becoming an OSHA training facility has been in works for a while. And hosting this summit has opened that door,” said Deleon. “Not only is this a great opportunity for employers but it’s also a great way to increase awareness on TSTC and our programs.”

For more information on TEEX and the upcoming OSHA certification trainings at TSTC, call Continuing Education at 956-364-4567.

(HARLINGEN) – Jimmy Carter was president, KC and the Sunshine Band was our Boogie Man, bell bottoms were in fashion and gas was only 65 cents a gallon. The year was 1977.

That’s when Jose Vargas began his career at Texas State Technical College as an Auto Collision Technology instructor and now many are calling his retirement the end of an era.

The 78-year-old served TSTC for 40 years and four months and said there was never a day he did not wake up happy to go to work.

“I love my work so much, that it doesn’t feel like work,” said Vargas. “My efforts here at TSTC have allowed me to educate students while being able to support and provide a college education for my own children.”

Vargas said he wakes up every day ready to influence his students and prepare them to be successful in the workforce.

“I know I’m going to accidentally wake up and drive to work on my first day of retirement,” Vargas said while laughing. “TSTC has become my second home and family. The people are what I’m going to miss the most.”

Over the years Vargas has taught more than 1,600 students and has hired a number of his past students as faculty for Automotive Technology.

Among them, Vargas’ former student and Auto Collision Technology Instructor Joseph Cantu who said he is going to miss the knowledge and guidance that Vargas brought to the classroom and life.  They have worked together for 19 years.

“I’ve gotten to where I am today because of Jose’s guidance,” said Cantu. “He’s guided me as a student, an instructor and as a friend. I really don’t know what the program is going to be like without him. It’s hard to imagine.”

In fact, Cantu said Vargas got him his first job at a Ford dealership in San Benito when he graduated in 1984.

“His shoes are pretty big shoes to fill,” said Cantu. “But we’ll continue doing what he taught us to do and continue his work for the program.”

One of Vargas’ big accomplishments during his time at TSTC was bringing the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) to the Rio Grande Valley in 1986 to an ever changing industry.

I-CAR is a not-for-profit focused on providing everyone involved in collision repair with access to high-quality, industry-recognized training solutions.

Vargas’ involvement in I-CAR as a national bilingual instructor and board of trustee deemed beneficial for TSTC students in the Auto Collision Technology. Monetary and in-kind donations have since rolled in along with scholarships for tuition and tools for deserving students.

Lead Instructor for Auto Collision and Automotive Technology Adan Gutierrez has worked with Vargas for 15 years and said what inspires him most is his dedication to his students.

“He started working at TSTC when I was 10 years old, who knew that life or time would put us together at some point,” said Gutierrez. “It’s been great seeing him put his experience and knowledge to work to make students’ lives better.”

Gutierrez said he has a deep respect for Vargas and the vast knowledge he brought to the college.

“When someone of his caliber leaves, you feel the emptiness,” said Gutierrez. “He’s always brought leadership to the table and we’ll miss him, but I also hope he gets to enjoy time with his family and gets to do the things he couldn’t while working.”

Although Vargas plans on continuing to work with I-CAR on a local level, he also plans on spending most of his free time with his wife of 60 years, six children, 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, deep-sea fishing and working on his yard.

“I know I’m leaving the program in good hands, it won’t falter,” said Vargas. “All I can say is I’m honored to have been part of an organization that has changed so many lives, including mine.”

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College Computer Networking and Security Technology student Gregory Moran recently received the honor of Most Active Club Member during TSTC’s Student Leadership Banquet for his role as Treasurer in his program’s Cyber Squad Club.

The Harlingen native is expected to graduate with an associate degree in Spring 2018. He already holds a bachelor’s degree in English and was a teacher for seven years before deciding to follow his passion for computers.

When Moran is not studying or leading fundraisers and community service events the 32-year-old can be found working with TSTC’s Information Technology department as a work study and competing with the National Cyber League, an organization that provides ongoing virtual training to help students develop and practice their cyber security knowledge.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate from TSTC I plan on entering the industry and working. This was a career change for me so I’m looking forward to pursuing my passion.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is to work with a penetration testing company as a computer network security auditor testing companies’ network security.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been earning a gold medal at my first SkillsUSA state competition in the Internet Working category. I will be traveling to Kentucky in June to compete at the national level.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is to always find a passion and find a way to make it a profession. It’s never too late, I’m an example of that. Also, I have learned to always seek advice. I have struggled with a few classes but with help from my instructors, tutors and classmates I have been able to succeed.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

The two people who have influenced my success here at TSTC are Associate Professor for Network Security Technology Norma Colunga-Hernandez and Master Instructor Jan Nesmith. Norma was the first person I spoke with when starting my program. She has guided me with my classes and has always been there for me. Jan has also always offered a helping hand with life advice.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice to future TSTC students is this: There is no one secret ingredient to success. All you can do is learn by doing. What I mean is learn, make mistakes, learn from them and try it again.