(HARLINGEN, Texas) –  Marissa Ledesma chose to attend Texas State Technical College because it is close to home and offered her flexibility. Recently she earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing, and now she is ready to get started as a front-line worker.

Why did you decide to study nursing?

I have always had a passion for helping others in need, and being a nurse means taking care of somebody. I also find the human body to be very interesting, and learning everything about it is just an amazing thing.

Did you face any adversities through your studies?

None that I faced alone. I came into this program while I was three months pregnant. The pandemic also took a toll on everyone attending school. It was definitely a struggle and an accomplishment that we got through it.

Who was your biggest support system during your time in college?

Definitely my family. I had my two older kids while I was in high school, so I think it was expected by many people that I would not be successful. My parents made sure that was not the case. They helped me financially so that I wouldn’t stress with work and school, they watched my kids so that I could study, and they gave me all the support I needed. My brother and sister also helped me out tremendously with my kids. It definitely took a village to reach my goal, and I am grateful for them.

Did you learn anything new about yourself while you were in college?

I learned that I am capable of way more than I ever thought. I attended my classes and kept my grades up while being six months pregnant. I attended appointments while teaching a first-grade and kindergarten student at home. I felt like a supermom.

What advice would you give to somebody who is about to start their first semester in college?

Plan your time out. Make a planner; write down all of your assignments. Manage your time well, and complete your assignments ahead of time. Study hard.

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Photo courtesy of Marissa Ledesma. 

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Luis Landeros made the decision to go back to school after 20 years in the workforce. He chose to attend Texas State Technical College because the Mechatronics Technology program offered him what he was looking for in an academic curriculum.

Despite the challenges that came from adjusting to life as a college student, he finished his Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics Technology this December and is ready to jump into a career that he loves.

“Part of me did not believe I could do the college thing,” he said. “Coming from humble beginnings, it was not a feasible opportunity for me. But during my time at TSTC, not only did I meet great instructors, but I also joined several clubs.”

Spending two decades with a regular routine and having to get back into the classroom was something that Landeros learned to adjust to. The addition of the current pandemic did not make the situation easy, but fortunately he had a support system he knew he could count on.

“My cheerleader during my time at TSTC was my wife, Nelda,” he said. “She comes from a family of educators that know the importance of a college education. That is why my wife motivated me to go back to school. She instilled in me its importance.”

His wife offered him guidance on his most frustrating days.

“When I felt like giving up, she was there to push me not to quit,” he said. “If I needed help with a class project, she was there to help and give me ideas on how to complete them.”

Landeros’ mechatronics instructor, Eldwin Leija, saw the dedication that he put into the program.

“Luis was a very dedicated student in all of his classes,” he said. “He was always looking to better himself and is a great example of how all students should persevere when the solutions to problems are not easy to come by.”

Ultimately, Landeros is happy with the decision that he made to go back to school.

“All of this made me realize that with effort and motivation, anything is possible. All you must do is apply yourself to your studies, and everything will be OK.”

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The end of the year brings about many festivities that have one thing in common: food. Texas State Technical College Culinary Arts instructors Ayla Cabarubio and Emma Creps know a thing or two about the importance behind the traditions that come from homemade meals and shared experiences at the dinner table.

“When I was growing up, I was always excited when my father would cook meals for the holidays,” Creps said. “He was the chef of the day, and without knowing it, I was his sous-chef.”

Cabarubio also shared some of her favorite holiday memories.

“Some of the first memories I have are the cookie trays that my mom would make for her friends and co-workers,” she said. “Specifically, I remember chocolate thumbprint cookies. They were my favorite to eat, and I would help make them by putting the thumbprint into the cookie.”

Now that both Creps and Cabarubio have plenty of experience in culinary arts, they both look forward to creating memories through taste buds during the holiday season.

“I get true enjoyment out of cooking,” Creps said. “Sharing those memories with my kids is the icing on the cake. I notice that these moments get them excited, just as I did when I was a kid.”

Knowing that this time of year also means plenty of time in the kitchen, they both offered some advice for those who are about to start preparing their family favorites.

“Prep some of the ingredients ahead of time, such as chopping onions, preparing the masa and cooking the meat fillings,” Creps said. “Place these items in the freezer so as not to get too overwhelmed on the day of.”

Cabarubio added that organization is key to success in the kitchen.

“Organize your cooking area to have everything you need within reach,” she said. “This will give you space to work on multiple items at once, which will allow you to be more efficient in the kitchen.”

Despite the hard work that goes into the preparation of holiday meals, both chefs know that food is one of the main ingredients to traditions that will last a lifetime.

“Holiday meals signify who you are, and they connect you to your memories,” Creps said.

Cabarubio feels the same way.

“When food is prepared for the holidays, it is usually prepared by more than one person. The tradition of getting loved ones together is something that I have always enjoyed.”

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The end of the year brings about many festivities that have one thing in common: food. Texas State Technical College Culinary Arts instructors Ayla Cabarubio and Emma Creps know a thing or two about the importance behind the traditions that come from homemade meals and shared experiences at the dinner table.

“When I was growing up, I was always excited when my father would cook meals for the holidays,” Creps said. “He was the chef of the day, and without knowing it, I was his sous-chef.”

Cabarubio also shared some of her favorite holiday memories.

“Some of the first memories I have are the cookie trays that my mom would make for her friends and co-workers,” she said. “Specifically, I remember chocolate thumbprint cookies. They were my favorite to eat, and I would help make them by putting the thumbprint into the cookie.”

Now that both Creps and Cabarubio have plenty of experience in culinary arts, they both look forward to creating memories through taste buds during the holiday season.

“I get true enjoyment out of cooking,” Creps said. “Sharing those memories with my kids is the icing on the cake. I notice that these moments get them excited, just as I did when I was a kid.”

Knowing that this time of year also means plenty of time in the kitchen, they both offered some advice for those who are about to start preparing their family favorites.

“Prep some of the ingredients ahead of time, such as chopping onions, preparing the masa and cooking the meat fillings,” Creps said. “Place these items in the freezer so as not to get too overwhelmed on the day of.”

Cabarubio added that organization is key to success in the kitchen.

“Organize your cooking area to have everything you need within reach,” she said. “This will give you space to work on multiple items at once, which will allow you to be more efficient in the kitchen.”

Despite the hard work that goes into the preparation of holiday meals, both chefs know that food is one of the main ingredients to traditions that will last a lifetime.

“Holiday meals signify who you are, and they connect you to your memories,” Creps said.

Cabarubio feels the same way.

“When food is prepared for the holidays, it is usually prepared by more than one person. The tradition of getting loved ones together is something that I have always enjoyed.”

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) –  Honks and cheers filled the Texas State Technical College campus on Wednesday to celebrate fall 2020 graduates during the “Grad Swag Pickup.”

Students received a TSTC yard sign and a diploma cover during the drive-thru event.

Enrollment management senior staff assistant Lisa Garza said that celebrating the accomplishments of TSTC students is vital to the college.

“It is important to remind our graduates that we are like a family,” she said. “We are always here to support and celebrate them and their accomplishments. We are proud to see these students overcome obstacles, accomplish their goals and represent TSTC in the workforce.”

TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez greeted each car with a message of congratulations that she was ecstatic to give each passing student.

“Congratulations, graduates!” she said. “This milestone is no small achievement, and it is the beginning of your journey toward a fruitful and fulfilling career.”

She added that TSTC will be there to guide them even after the end of their time as students.

“TSTC was there for you during your application process and through your educational commitment, with success coaches, faculty and staff,” she said. “Now TSTC will continue to be here for you to help you achieve your career goals through the TSTC Career Services department.”

Garza added that despite any obstacles that graduates might have had to face, they should be proud that they made it to the finish line.

“I’m sure some of our graduates thought that obtaining a degree in the middle of a pandemic seemed nearly impossible at times, but they did it,” she said.

Although their college chapter may be closing, Garza said that learning is one facet of the graduates’ lives that will never stop.

“Make each opportunity a learning experience,” she said. “Learning is the one thing nobody can take away from you. Don’t forget that with hard work, resilience and a positive mindset, you are capable of anything and everything.”

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Javier De Leon has called Texas State Technical College home for 33 years. He will retire from TSTC at the end of this month.

In his three decades at TSTC, he has served as the college’s vice president of College Readiness and Workforce Training, and most recently as its executive vice president of Government Affairs.

De Leon has many memories at TSTC that will make it hard for him to say goodbye, but one thing is certain: TSTC changed his life.

Among his notable achievements at TSTC are his recommendation for a College Readiness division and the implementation of the Challenger Learning Centers in Harlingen and Waco.

“Bringing the Challenger Learning Centers to those campuses was one of my proudest accomplishments,” he said.

In addition to his many professional achievements, De Leon also has his fair share of personal memories at TSTC.

“It’s very hard to think that the individuals that I’ve worked with for so many years will no longer be in my day-to-day life,” he said. “This just showed me that once a TSTC family member, always a TSTC family member.”

Those memories have also been shared with many TSTC students who he has seen make it to the finish line.

“For me, the biggest joy is when their parents, siblings or even neighbors tell me a story about a student and how proud they are that they get to see that person now financially self-sufficient and with a confidence that they did not have before,” he said. “It showed me that TSTC is not just making a difference by giving them an education, but also a huge financial difference in their lives.”

De Leon leaves behind relationships with colleagues he has come to know on a personal level — colleagues he said he will never forget.

“I would like to thank them for always being there for me and allowing me to be a small part of the difference we are making for students,” he said. “I’m retiring from TSTC, but I will never stop supporting and promoting this great college.”

His TSTC family feels the same way. Provost Cledia Hernandez said that the efforts he has put into TSTC will continue.

“I have had the honor of working alongside Javier for the last seven years of his 33 years of service,” she said. “His dedication to TSTC and the success of our students is admirable. During his time here, he has helped lead various programs, each having a unique impact on student success. We know that the programs he established will continue to give guidance because of him and the team he developed to continue the work that he started.”

De Leon’s next path will take him to the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce to serve as president and CEO. His passion for representing TSTC will not be far behind.

“My new role at the chamber will allow me to continue to be a champion, cheerleader and huge advocate for the best technical college in the nation: TSTC.”

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College teaches students the skills needed to thrive in the fast-growing career.

Instructors Manuel Ahumada and Mark Casares are on a mission to ensure that their students not only are familiar with the world of welding, but also are confident in their abilities from day one on the job.

“Welding Technology is the study of multiple processes, such as layout, fabrication, blueprint reading and welding automation, all combined with theory to produce a quality welder,” Ahumada said. “Learning all of these facets is important because it gives the student the necessary knowledge and hand skills required to perform at the highest level.”

TSTC’s program includes hands-on learning with high-end equipment that students will use once they are employed.

“Students have access to top-of-the-line equipment currently leading the industry,” Casares said. “This, and the fact that all the instructors in the department are well qualified with real-world experience, is what sets the program at TSTC apart from any other.”

Despite the global challenges that have impacted many this year, the number of welding jobs continues to climb. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for welders is expected to increase through 2029.

“Jobs in welding are very promising,” said Ahumada. “Even with the pandemic, the jobs are still there.”

Both instructors look forward to being able to continue sharing their love for welding with students each semester.

“I enjoy the fact that I could be impacting a student’s life in a positive and meaningful way,” Casares said.

Ahumada agreed.

“Our welding students are attending a college that prides itself on helping and teaching students from all kinds of welding backgrounds,” he said. “They will be part of a great welding program that will do everything in its power to teach them what they need to know. With TSTC instructors, and the drive to finish the program, you will become a great welder.”

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.