Category Archives: Harlingen

TSTC Dental Assistant Program Earn 100 Percent Pass Rate

(HARLINGEN) – The Spring 2017 graduating dental assistant class at Texas State Technical College has earned a 100 percent passing rate on state certifying exams.

The program had all 24 students pass the state board exam, which is necessary to practice in the state of Texas. All students also passed an additional nitrous oxide exam, an optional exam that gives dental assistants the opportunity to administrator the sedative agent.

TSTC Dental Assistant Lead Instructor Jill Brunson said this is the first time that everyone has passed both exams to earn a 100 percent passing rate in both in the same semester.

“I can honestly say that this particular class has the ‘It’ factor,” she said. “I’m so proud of them and I know they will all be successful.”

Students prepared for the test with additional lectures and refresher courses provided by instructors from the program.

Many students, like Tracey Jackson, even stayed after regular lecture and lab hours to continue studying the material.Dental Assistant Class of 2017

“I got an A on my boards, but I couldn’t have done it alone,” Jackson said. “All of the prepping and drilling of information from our instructors gave me the confidence I needed to feel positive while taking my tests.”

The Dental Assistant program at TSTC is two semesters. It begins every fall and ends in the spring with graduates earning a certificate from TSTC and additional certifications in areas such as CPR, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Brunson said the program’s curriculum is designed and based on helping their students pass the state board exam.

“We facilitate our lectures and labs on a base that will teach our students to become skilled professionals, in turn helping them pass their exams,” she said. “We hold them to a very high standard.”

She added that with this type of passing rate her students are first in line for jobs.

In fact, dental assistant student Michael Chavez has secured a position with Cardenas Dental Implants and Oral Surgery in Harlingen. He was the program’s first hire.

“I’m ready for this new venture,” said Chavez. “With the training I received at my clinical site and at TSTC, I’m confident and ready to get to work.”

Brunson said many of her other students have already been hired as full-time dental assistants as well.

She also said she believes the day she retires will be the day that a student or students from this class will return to take her job.

“Dental assistants are the heart of a dental office and one day our dental assistants will be the heart of our program,” she said.

These 24 students were part of the 480 students who received certificates or associate degrees at TSTC’s commencement ceremonies on Friday at Yeckel Memorial Auditorium at Marine Military Academy.

Dental Assistant technology is offered at TSTC’s Harlingen and Waco campuses.

For more information on TSTC’s Dental Assistant program call 956-364-4765 or visit tstc.edu.

 

TSTC Gives Grad a Second Chance

(HARLINGEN) – For Texas State Technical College graduate Joaquin Villarreal, TSTC was his second chance at a career.

The 37-year-old walked in his cap and gown across the stage Friday night at Marine Military Academy’s Yeckel Memorial Auditorium and received his associate degree in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology.

The Harlingen native was also one of 14 students who received the distinction of being named a Board of Regents Honor Roll member for his perfect 4.0 grade-point average.

“It’s all so bittersweet,” he said. “I’m excited to move on to bigger and better things, but I’m going to miss all of the wonderful people I’ve met here. I’ve made some really good friends. We’re like a family.”

Villarreal came to TSTC with a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Texas at San Antonio, but he said finding a teaching job was near impossible.

“I started looking for teaching positions even before moving, and I couldn’t seem to find anything,” Villarreal said.

It was his younger brother, who worked in drafting, who encouraged Villarreal’s career change.

“Everything about his career appealed to me,” Villarreal said. “After some research, I found TSTC and was hooked. I knew this Joaquin Villarrealwas what I needed.”

Villarreal was one of the oldest in his class, making him nervous and a bit apprehensive about continuing, but he found that this same fear motivated him to keep going.

“I had to start all over again, and at my age that feels like an accomplishment,” he said. “I have a great support system in my family and friends, and because of that I have achieved more than I could have imagined.”

In addition to maintaining all As, Villarreal also worked as a history tutor for TSTC’s College Success and served as vice president and president for the Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology club.

During his time in the club, Villarreal oversaw fundraisers and community service projects and helped local businesses, such as the Harlingen Public Library, by creating drafts and blueprints for building renovations, and surveying land with the program’s earth rover to help a local community.

“Joaquin was one of our hardest-working students,” said Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology Lead Instructor Samuel Pizano. “He was always the first one in and the last one out. He exemplifies the traits of a leader, and our students benefited from his leadership.”

After having watched him master his field for the past two years, Pizano knows Villarreal will be successful and an asset wherever he goes.

“He has what it takes to be successful,” Pizano said. “He embodies the character that employers look for.”

As for his success, Villarreal credits TSTC, his instructors and the training he received.

“TSTC has by far been my best college experience,” he said. “From the hands-on training to the experienced instructors, I have enjoyed it all.”

Villarreal is in the process of completing job applications and said he knows he will find a job soon with the help of his instructors and TSTC’s Career Services office.

Ultimately, Villarreal hopes to gain the experience he needs to grow into a management or trainer position.

“I have the foundation I need to begin my career, and TSTC gave me that,” he said. “This college must continue to grow in our area, because it gave me a second chance and for that I am grateful.”

Drafting and Design is also offered at TSTC’s Abilene, Brownwood, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco campuses.

For more information on Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology, call 956-364-4694 or visit tstc.edu.

Student Success Profile – Bianca Medrano

(HARLINGEN) – Student Success Profile Bianca MedranoBianca Medrano is a student at Texas State Technical College and expects to complete her General Academic Core Fall 2017.

The 22-year-old is in the Veteran Students Alliance Club serving as secretary. She also frequently participates in Student Government Association activities such as National Make a Difference Day and makes it a priority to volunteer within her community.

What are your plans after graduation?

Once I complete my academic core here at TSTC I hope to transfer to Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio to pursue a bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology.

What is your dream job?

I eventually want to open my own practice and help those with mental health issues. This is an important topic for me since I suffer from depression and anxiety. I had a great support team with my family and friends, but not everyone has that. So, I want to be that support that somebody needs and hopefully save some lives.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment has been the awards I’ve received because of my involvement on campus. I just recently received the Rising Star Award at the Student Leadership Banquet, as well as my second President’s Volunteer Service Award for my 115 community service hours.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned about yourself or life?

The lessons I have learned are one, that with a great support system I can get through anything, and two, it is important to use my voice. Going through anxiety and depression can be a lonely time but I was never alone. And although the battle never really ends, I am where I am today because of the support I have. Additionally, I’ve always been shy but TSTC and the friends I have made here has changed that because I now feel comfortable being myself and speaking up.

Who has TSTC has influenced your success the most?

The person that has influenced me the most was my older sister Jasmine Medrano. She graduated from TSTC with an associate degree in Business Management Technology. Life wasn’t always the easiest for her either and she made some bad decisions, but she was able to turn her life around. And when she did and finally graduated it inspired me and I knew I could do it too.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is this: Take your time. College is not a race. All that matters is that you finish and you earn that degree.

 

TSTC Agriculture Expo Opens Fields of Opportunities

(HARLINGEN) – As an Agriculture Technology student at Texas State Technical College Danny Ramos has been given the opportunity to volunteer with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and actively participate in the Fifth Annual Agriculture Expo hosted by TSTC, USDA and United States Custom and Border Protection.

TSTC students from Agriculture Technology and Biology and local high school students were in attendance to receive information from Ramos and 10 other agencies that were on hand to talk about volunteer, internship and job opportunities.

“It’s great being able to inform my classmates about opportunities available to them,” Ramos said. “It was my instructors who advised and encouraged me to apply for this volunteer position and here I am. I’m learning a lot and gaining experience.”

Ramos already holds a certificate from the program that he earned in 2013, but has returned to pursue his associate degreeTSTC Agriculture Expo Spring 2017.

In addition to volunteering with the NRCS, he also spends a lot of his time mentoring high school students from the local 4-H and Future Farmers of America chapters.

Ruby De La Garza, regional director for Texas USDA, Hispanic-Serving Institutions National Program said she encourages all students like Ramos to take advantage of volunteer and internship opportunities when they present themselves.

“Our goal is to create an awareness among agriculture students about the possible opportunities within the USDA and other federal agencies,” De La Garza said. “It’s important they get involved early and begin building their resumes and gaining experience.”

De La Garza said there may not always be internship or other paid opportunities available, but volunteers are always welcomed and it helps to have a foot in the door when positions become available.

In fact, five TSTC Agriculture Technology students will have the opportunity to intern with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Center in Harlingen this summer thanks to the USDA-Step2 Grant, which students also learned about at the event.

The USDA-Step2 Grant is a shared four-year grant through TSTC and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and other Texas colleges and universities, which awards agriculture students with a scholarship and summer internship.

TSTC Agriculture Instructor Norberto Mendoza said this year the grant was able to help a total of nine TSTC students.

“Internships like this are invaluable to our students. They get their foot in the door and many times this leads to full-time job opportunities,” said Mendoza. “And this expo is a great way to expose our students to programs that will help them get ahead in their careers.”

As for Ramos, he said he hopes his volunteer efforts will lead to an internship or full-time position with the USDA once he graduates, but considers himself lucky because he already gets to do what he loves.

For more information on Agriculture Technology and the USDA-Step2 Grant call 956-364-4859 or visit tstc.edu.

Employee Spotlight: Neri Balli

(HARLINGEN) – Neri Balli is the director for Precollege Programs at Texas State Technical College and has been awarded the Employee Spotlight honor for the month of April.

“I’m truly honored to have been given this award,” she said. “I was not expecting it, but it feels good knowing you’re appreciated.”The Harlingen native has worked at the college for 21 years, but had the privilege to call TSTC home as a college student as well.

Balli started her career with TSTC as a student worker in the College Information Office, which is now the Office of Recruitment, before earning her associate degree in Information Management Technology in 1996.

The TSTC graduate was immediately hired after receiving her degree and she said she has never looked back.

“As an employee of TSTC I’ve always been taken care of,” Balli said. “And the opportunity of growth within the college is treme TSTC Employee Spotlight Neri Ballindous. My supervisors have always cared about my success and have encouraged me to excel.”

She said one of those achievements that was supported by her supervisors and her team was the bachelor’s degree in Workforce Leadership and Supervision she earned from the University of Texas at Brownsville in 2013.

Today, as the director for Precollege Programs, Balli is the spark of encouragement others need to pursue a college education. From prekinder to seniors in high school, she works to plant the seed of higher education with programs such as TSTC’s Challenger Learning Centers in Harlingen and Waco; and TexPrep, a seven-week math, science and engineering program.

“My passion for assisting and guiding students to a college education has always been there,” Balli said. “It’s a great feeling when you’re able to meet their needs, make an impact and see them succeed. It’s really special.”

It is this passion that her colleagues find admirable and why they nominated her for the Employee Spotlight.

“Neri works tirelessly to ensure that Pre-College Programs is a great area to work in. She gladly steps up to bat for our programs and will not stop until there are results,” one comment read.

Another said, “She has not and will not give up until we are able to provide services to our students. She is also always polite and has a smile on her face. She firmly believes in leadership and modeling the positive traits that make up a good leader because we learn by example, and she sets a very good example.”

Balli said these comments bring tears to her eyes and encourage her to keep going.

“Just knowing that my colleagues and bosses appreciate me encourages me to keep doing what I’m doing because this award shows me that it’s making a difference.”

She said her goal is to continue making a positive impact on the students she works with and her department.

“Now that we’re statewide, my goal is to make our department stronger by collaborating more to increase the number of students we assist and educate about college.”

The TSTC Staff Senate takes nominations for the Employee Spotlight and members vote on the most deserving candidate based on application comments.

TSTC Receives Large Donation from Hernandez Foundation

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College recently received one of the single largest donations for its Texan Success Scholarship.

Brownsville native Mike Hernandez, founder of the Hernandez Foundation, presented TSTC with a $100,000 check to be used for scholarships.

“We are so grateful to tTSTC Hernandez Check Presentation he Hernandez Foundation for their early support for the Texan Success Scholarship campaign,” said TSTC Senior Development Officer Amy Lynch. “These funds go a long way in helping our students achieve their dream of going to college. This is a big step forward in our goal but we still have work to do and we know this large gift early on is just a sign of great things to come.”

The funds from this donation will be used for scholarships to help assist new, full-time students from Brownsville pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields at TSTC with tuition and other expenses.

All donations made to the Texan Success Scholarship campaign are matched dollar-for-dollar by the college. Matching funds will be available to benefit all incoming TSTC students.

“We appreciate Mike Hernandez for his support of our institution,” said TSTC Provost Dr. Stella Garcia. “With TSTC matching funds, this donation turns into $200,000, meaning that 400 students will benefit from this donation.”

Hernandez said he knew he had to support TSTC after taking a tour of its engineering center classrooms and labs.

“I’m very impressed with the way TSTC is doing things,” said Hernandez. “I’m proud to support

Mike Hernadez, founder of Hernandez Foundation

Mike Hernandez

TSTC’s efforts because everything starts with an education.”

Through his Project OP10.33 and his foundation, Hernandez is committed in his mission of educating every child in the community beyond a high school diploma and increasing business growth to create good-paying jobs.

David Estrada, a past Texan Success Scholarship recipient and Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics student, gave his testimonial at the event on how these funds have changed his life.

“Going to college meant that my parents would have difficulty providing for my college expenses and also providing for my siblings. So receiving the Texan Success Scholarship was a huge relief for my parents,” Estrada said. “This meant that I could be the first college-educated individual in my family.”

Estrada added that the scholarship is a blessing and he finds himself more motivated to show his instructors his potential. He is also excited about being able to purchase his first laptop computer soon.

For more information on the Texan Success Scholarship or to donate, call The TSTC Foundation at 956-364-4500.

Student Success Profile – Alandra Avelar

(HARLINGEN) – Alandra Avelar is pursuing classes in engineering and physics at Texas State Technical College. She earned her associate degree in Mechatronics Technology from the college in 2016 and currently boasts a 3.7 grade-point average.

The Brownsville native said she remembers being four or five years old and wondering how all of her toys work and breaking them to inspect the inside gears. Although her interest in engineering began at a young age, the 21-year-old added that the thought of pursuing engineering as a career did not begin uAlandra Avelar ntil she was in high school.

“My entire life, since elementary, I can recall teachers never believing I’d amount to anything but high school changed that,” she said. “So this is my chance to prove them wrong.”

What are your plans after graduating from TSTC?

I will be completing my courses here at TSTC this summer and in the fall I will begin pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University.

What’s your dream job?

After graduating I would like to experience work and life on an oil rig and positions in the industrial arena. Ultimately, though, I would like to be a mechanical engineer for corporate companies managing system controls.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

Besides graduating with my associate degree, – I would have to say my other great accomplishment was being able to balance a full-time course load and two part-time jobs I needed to pay for college.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

These past three years have been quite a journey, there have been a lot tears. I have learned that as long as I apply myself, stay focused on my goal and continue doing my best, I will succeed and can get through anything. It may be a crazy ride but I am pursuing my dream.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

The person at TSTC that has influenced my success the most is Financial Aid Assistant Director Tillie Flores. College is expensive and I knew my family could not afford it but she helped me find scholarships and grants that have left me debt-free. I have no words on how her help has shaped my life.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

Focus on your goal and do not let what is going on distract you from that. People will try to get you down, but do not let them, be strong minded. And always remember that everything you do will be worth it in the end.

 

TSTC Hosts Active Shooter Training Course

 

(HARLINGEN) – TSTC PD Active Shooter TrainingThe Texas State Technical College Police Department recently hosted the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events Train the Trainer course. More than 100 local law enforcement officers from across the Rio Grande Valley were presented strategies and guidance for surviving an active shooter incident. The trainings were presented by Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) instructors and addressed topics such as the history and prevalence of active shooter events, the role of the professional guardians, civilian response options, medical issues and drills.

TSTC Talent Search Awards Recording Contract

(STATEWIDE) – Punk rock band Punk-69 from Harlingen won Texas State Technical College’s Second Annual Talent Search, co-sponsored by Texas Music Café, with their original song Cough Syrup.

The three-man band made up of TSTC student Jose Cisneros, his brother Adrian Cisneros and family friend Ralph Lucio received a $2,500 recording contract.

“Music is in our blood,” said Adrian. “We owe this win to my grandfather and father and we hope our music is making them proud.”

Adrian’s brother mirrored the sentiment.

“Winning is just wow! There are no words,” said Jose. “This contract will skyrocket our career and we can’t wait to sePunk-69 TSTC 2017 Talent Search Winnerse where it takes us.”

The Texas Music Café finale, which airs on PBS, showcases the talents of Texas legends like Willie Nelson and rising stars like the four TSTC students from across the state who earned their spot in the finale thanks to YouTube likes from family, friends and the community.

In addition to the Cisneros brothers and Lucio, the other finalists included Jesse Guadarrama from Harlingen, Ruger Green from Marshall and Will Craig from Waco who competed for the grand prize.

All four musicians were judged by professionals in the music industry coming from places such as Hermes Music and iHeart Radio.

Executive Producer of Texas Music Café Chris Ermoian said the partnership between TSTC and the show started when TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser approached him about hosting music events at all TSTC campuses.

“Mike wanted something fun for students on campus. Something to bring people together and music is the perfect component to do that,” said Ermoian.

Ermoian said that TSTC’s Talent Search contestants bring the combined best of what TSTC has to offer and he looks forward to next year’s competition and continued partnership with the college.

To learn how to compete in next year’s TSTC Talent Search call Student Life at 956-364-4370.

 

TSTC Students Find Opportunities at Annual Industry Job Fair

(HARLINGEN) – With resumes in hand, Auto Collision Technology student Victoria Ramirez explored the aisles of employers at the Texas State Technical College Industry Job Fair searching for a certain employer.

“My heart is set on Service King,” said Ramirez. “There is a lot of growth opportunity with this company. I already spoke one-on-one with the recruiter and left my resume. They seemed interested, so I’m staying positive.”

The 27-year-old will graduate Summer 2017 with a Certificate II and she said the recruiter told her to call before she graduates to begin the interview process.

Ramirez already holds a certificate in Automotive Technology from TSTC and she said she hopes this makes her more marketable to employers such as Service King, a collision repair center serving 24 states with 318 locations.

The Talent Management and Career Services department at TSTC hosts this job fair every April to help the large number of students, like Ramirez, who are graduating either in the spring or the summer and looking fTSTC Industry Job Fairor job placement.

TSTC Director of Talent Management and Career Services Viviana Espinoza said for many of the students in attendance this is their opportunity to network with recruiters and apply with companies that are already hiring or looking to hire TSTC graduates.

“Our goal is to help our students increase their confidence when it comes to speaking with employers,” said Espinoza. “Ultimately, the confidence gain will lead to job placement and a career.”

More than 40 employers were on hand accepting resumes and conducting on-site interviews.

Matt Granderson, Los Vientos site manager for Duke Energy, a leading energy company focused on electric power, gas distribution operations and renewable energy assets, said they already hire TSTC graduates and are always impressed with their skill and work ethic.

“The students coming out of TSTC graduate with the fundamental foundation and understanding in safety and technology,” said Granderson. “They graduate with the skills that make them marketable and ready to work.”

Granderson added that he had collected numerous resumes from prospects he hopes will work for Duke Energy.

Espinoza said overall this year’s job fair was a success with nothing but positive feedback from employers and students.

“Employer satisfaction was high. They were especially impressed with our students,” she said. “Many of the employers present will be returning for program tours and recruitment. This is great news for our students.”

For more information on student, alumni and industry services offered by TSTC’s Talent Management and Career Services, call 956-364-4940.