(HARLINGEN) – Victoria Ahumada is currently a student at Texas State Technical College. She is pursuing an associate degree in Education and Training and expects to graduate Fall 2017.

When the La Feria native is not busy with classes, you can find her volunteering at the TSTC Wellness and Sports Center, where she also enjoys exercising and playing basketball.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduating from TSTC I plan on transferring to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to pursue a bachelor’s degree in English and Education.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to travel the world teaching English to those who are less fortunate, while learning different languages myself. After realizing this dream I hope to settle in the Rio Grande Valley and work as an English teacher, while also sharing my knowledge of different languages and cultures.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been receiving this Student Success Profile honor and maintaining high grades. In high school I wasn’t a focused student, so these accomplishments make me very proud.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is time management. My brother always spoke with me about managing my time well and the impact it has on your life. I believe we can do anything and everything as long as we put in the right amount of time and effort.

Who at TSTC has most influenced your success?

Yvonne Browning, my English instructor, has had a major impact on me. She is strong, unique and empowering. I had her every morning at 8 a.m. and even though it was early I looked forward to attending her class. She made the course enjoyable and I learned so many new things. She continues to help and encourage me to work hard and ensures me that my decision to major in English is the right one.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future or current TSTC students is to always keep fighting for the things you want. Always make all of your dreams a reality and do not be afraid. The world is what you make it, so make it worthwhile.

(HARLINGEN) – The Surgical Technology faculty at Texas State Technical College are preparing to recruit its newest cohorts for its Fall 2017 class.

Beginning January 26, through April, the Surgical Technology department chair and instructors will be hosting information sessions for those interested in applying to the program.

Not too long ago, TSTC graduate Letty Ayala found herself sitting in a session waiting to see what it would take to further her career as a surgical assistant.

The 41-year-old first graduated from TSTC in 1996 with a certificate in Surgical Technology. She returned to advance her education and pursue an associate degree, which was not yet offered when she was first enrolled in the program. She earned the second degree in Fall 2016.

“I always wanted to do something in the medical field, but I didn’t want to be in school for too long,” said Ayala. “That’s where TSTC came in. I was able to finish my degree quickly and get to work.”

The Brownsville native joined the ranks of nurses who assist doctors in surgeries more than 20 years ago, and continues to live out her dream of working in the medical field. She currently works at Valley Baptist Medical Center Brownsville as a Surgical First Assistant.

“I know it’s cheesy and sounds cliché, but I love my job,” said Ayala. “I get to help people feel better, and get them get back to their daily lives. There’s no better feeling.”

Ayala advises those showing interest in the program or those who are ready to apply to remember that pursuing this career means putting in long hours of work, studying and putting patients’ feelings first, but in the end it is all worth it.

“The program is challenging and at times emotions will run high and you will feel like giving up, but don’t,” said Ayala. “TSTC’s Surgical Technology faculty is there for you every step of the way. They prepare you for all situations and challenges through hands-on training. They want nothing more but for you to succeed.”

Surgical Technology Department Chair Robert Sanchez said the program has high expectations for the students they accept into the program. Out of the hundreds of applicants, only 20 students get accepted per class.

“This is a rigorous program. It’s not for the light-hearted,” said Sanchez. “Yet, it is also a very rewarding career.”

Program expectations range from having the ability to work under stress, possessing ability to anticipate patients’ and surgeons’ needs to having physical stamina and emotional stability.

“This is definitely a program for someone with a huge interest in the medical profession,” said Sanchez. “This is a specialized field that is fast paced, but in demand.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment of surgical technologists is expected to grow 15 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for other occupations.

“I’m proud to say we place nearly 100 percent of our graduates into good paying jobs once they graduate and pass their National Certifying Exam,” said Sanchez.

Graduates from Surgical Technology who become Certified Surgical Technologists can expect to find employment in hospitals, mainly operating and delivery rooms, clinics, surgical centers and in offices of physicians or dentists who perform outpatient surgery.

Surgical Technology is a six-semester program. Upon completion students will earn an Associate of Science degree.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council of Education in Surgical technology and Surgical Assisting.

To learn more about the program, you are encouraged to attend one of the information sessions to be held January 26. February 16, March 9, March 30 and April 20 at the Eddie Lucio building room 119 at 3 p.m. Or, for more information call 956-364-4805, or visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – The New Year means a new adventure for Texas State Technical College alumnus Jesus Martinez, who graduated Fall 2016 with an associate degree in Tool and Die Technology.

The Mission native will soon call San Antonio home, where he has accepted a position with Takata, an automotive safety systems tool and die shop and supplier.

Martinez will first complete a six-month training in Takata’s Tool and Die Manufacturing, and Tool and Maintenance departments. Upon completing the instruction, he will get to kickstart his career in the department he likes best.

“I’m really excited to be starting my career doing something that I love,” said Martinez. “And getting to see how both departments work makes the opportunity even better.”

It was Martinez’s academic achievements; SkillsUSA awards, SkillsUSA is a national organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations; and experience that prepared him for this position.

Martinez graduated from TSTC as a Board of Regent graduate, meaning he obtained a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (all A’s) during his college career. He also competed in SkillsUSA in the Computer Numerical Control Milling category, earning a first place at district and state competitions and eighth place at the national level.

“Jesus was an exemplary student who showed a deep passion for his trade,” said Rick Limas, Tool and Die Technology department chair. “He also shined in soft skills such as punctuality, reliability, and honesty, which are other areas of importance to employers. He’s a hard worker.”

The 21-year-old said it was in high school where he first became interested in machining and then he discovered he was good at it.

He participated in SkillsUSA competitions in high school as well, earning second place awards at the local and state level.

Immediately after high school he was encouraged by his teachers to attend a local university to pursue engineering because of his love for machining, but after two years he realized it was not for him.

“A four-year degree was not for me. I wasn’t enjoying my classes,” said Martinez. “So I withdrew, and that’s when I found TSTC.”

Martinez said TSTC, hands-on learning helped him return to his love of machining.

“I came to TSTC because of the equipment available to students and job placement,” said Martinez. It was the right fit for me and definitely the best choice. I truly enjoyed TSTC. Everything I learned is invaluable.”

Ultimately, Martinez hopes to acquire his certification as a tool and die maker through an apprenticeship program at Takata. He hopes to work his way up to becoming a Computer Numerical Control programmer, or supervisor.

Martinez is one of three Fall 2016 graduates who were hired by Takata.

For more information on Tool and Die Technology, call 956-364-4789.

(HARLINGEN) – Recently, more than 1,000 eighth-grade students from Harlingen middle schools toured Texas State Technical College to learn more about the technologies offered on campus. They had the opportunity of speaking one-on-one with instructors and students who have fir

st-hand knowledge about each program.

Students also had the chance to take a look at the TSTC Learning Resource Center; Student Center, including the cafe and game room; University Center; and Wellness and Sports Center.

(HARLINGEN) – Sylvia Cruz is a student at Texas State Technical College pursuing an associate degree in Biology. She is expected to graduate in 2018.

The 39-year-old Lyford native said it was her daughter, a college student in Corpus Christi, who inspired her to return to school.

“She was always asking me when I was planning on pursuing my goals and dreams,” said Cruz. “So here I am, at TSTC. There’s no stopping now.”

What are your plans after graduation?

After earning my associate, I hope to continue my education and pursue a degree in nursing. I plan on looking into TSTC’s new Registered Nursing program.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is to work as a registered nurse in either private practice or hospice care. I’m the youngest of 10 siblings and I was the one always putting bandages on their cuts and taking care of their injuries. I’ve always wanted to be a nurse. I love helping others.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment is just coming back to school at my age. I thought I would never be able or have the opportunity to come back.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is to not give up. Somehow I have managed to motivate myself to come back to school and excel.

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

My College Success Instructor Ida Villarreal has had the biggest influence. She is always telling me how she is glad I have made the effort to enroll in college and always encourages me to never give up and accomplish everything I set my mind to.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want students to know that if you really want something you should go for it. Never give up. Always pursue your dreams.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College Culinary Arts student Leslie Lee recently received a $500 scholarship to put toward tuition to help her realize her dream of a college education.

TSTC Provost Dr. Stella Garcia presented Lee with the scholarship during the college’s annual Noche de Gala–a surprise for Lee, who was working with her class that evening cooking up dinner for Gala guests.

“You’ve been seeing this young lady running around and working hard to give you the best dinner experience,” said Garcia. “Tonight and throughout the semester she has shown just how deserving she is to receive this scholarship.”

For Lee, culinary has been in her life since the beginning. Her grandmother owned a surf and turf restaurant for 45 years. Her parents, both skilled cooks, worked and met at that restaurant and later owned a bar and grill of their own.

“They were my seed of encouragement to do this program and my inspiration,” said Lee.

However, Lee said her driving force was her son. She wanted to provide a better life for him.

“I don’t want to live paycheck to paycheck anymore. I no longer want to be expendable,” she said. “Most importantly, I want to show my son that even if you don’t start out making the right choices in life there is always time to change your path. Nothing is set in stone, and I’m living proof.”

Lee said that through the Culinary Arts program she has found her weaknesses and strengths, as well acknowledge she did not know she had.

“Because of TSTC I now have higher goals for myself,” said Lee. “This program has given me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone. The sky’s the limit.”

The scholarship recipient hopes to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees and work toward becoming a health inspector. She expects to graduate in Spring 2017.

“Here at TSTC we have been given the solid foundation from which to begin, and our instructors have fostered good habits, creative thinking and the confidence to go forth and know exactly what our worth is. They are setting us up for success.”

(HARLINGEN) – Six-year-old Isabella Esquivel has been anxiously counting down the days for a special visit from Santa Claus at Texas State Technical College’s annual Toys for Tots event.

Her mother and TSTC Agricultural Technology student Montserrat Esquivel said this is something her daughter looks forward to every year.

“She uses her Advent calendar to countdown to Santa’s visit and Christmas,” said Esquivel. “It makes me happy knowing that she still believes in the magic of Santa and the holiday season.”

Toys for Tots is a TSTC Support Services and campus wide effort. This year 170 toys were collected by students, faculty and staff for the TSTC NINOS Early Head Start, NINOS Head Start, and TSTC student housing families.

“For some of the children, this is the only gift they’re going to receive this Christmas,” said Patty Flores, Support Services coordinator. “It makes us extremely happy being able to help these families.”

For students like Esquivel, this event is a huge help for her family, especially with her husband’s recent layoff.

“My husband and I are not in the position to give our daughter the Christmas she deserves. It’s going to be a very low-key day for us,” said Esquivel. “But events like this help her feel included and cheers her up.”

At every Toys for Tots event the children receive a wrapped toy from Santa Claus and get to take a picture with him, while sharing their Christmas wishes. They also get to enjoy holiday snacks such as hot chocolate, punch, cookies and pizza.

“This event is only possible because everyone at TSTC cares,” said Flores. “This is great experience for these children and I want to thank everyone who works hard to make it possible.”

Flores said they have already began preparations for next year’s TSTC Toys for Tots.

“It always puts a smile on our faces when we see the children excitedly wait for their gift and the chance to speak to Santa,” said Flores. “This is something that was started before I even got to TSTC, and it’s something we hope to continue doing for years to come.”

As for Esquivel, she is very thankful to TSTC and all of the volunteers who host this event for the children.

“My husband and I are truly grateful and thankful for what TSTC does for not only our daughter, but the other children,” said Esquivel. “It’s difficult as a parent not being to do a lot for your child, but TSTC never leaves us alone.”

To donate a toy or to volunteer call 956-364-4520.

(HARLINGEN) – Richard Gonzalez is a student at Texas State Technical College working to complete his General Academic Core.

The Los Fresnos native holds a 3.0 grade-point average and said that being enrolled in TSTC’s Dual Enrollment program during high school helped him tremendously in his transition.

When Gonzalez is not studying, he can be found volunteering as an umpire or in concession stands during baseballs games held in his hometown.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan on finishing my basics and transferring to Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Kingsville, or Del Mar College to pursue a degree in child, clinical, or evolutionary psychology.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is to become a psychologist and help children and adults suffering from mental illness. And there is one more thing I’ve always dreamed of doing, and that is becoming a pilot and flying the planes that put out large fires.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

One of my accomplishments was finishing a five-page paper the night before it was due. It was a valuable lesson in time management and the importance of not procrastinating anymore.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I’ve learned that no one is going to give you everything you want in life. You have to go out, work for it and get it. You must strive for greatness.

Who at TSTC has most influenced your success?

Danira Cantu, my English instructor, has been an instrumental person to my success. Because of her I have improved in my ability to write college essays, which will always be a major part of my college career. She reminds me of my sister, making it easy to talk to her and ask her any questions I may have.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want to tell students to focus on completing all of their work with plenty of time to spare instead of rushing to finish it last minute and turning in mediocre work. It’s been a tough lesson for me to learn, and I want to advise other students against procrastinating.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College alumni and couple Micky Gonzalez and Priscila Cano met at the TSTC Wellness and Sports Center three years ago during a benefit event.

Gonzalez pursued his General Academic Core at TSTC, and Cano graduated with an associate degree in Digital Media Design and now works at a local news station in master control and as a camera operator.

Fast forward three years: Gonzalez finds himself standing at the same place they met, ready to ask her to be his wife.

With an engagement ring in hand, Gonzalez prepares for what will be one of the biggest days of his life. With a white lace and balloon altar and a trail of roses, he waits for his girlfriend to walk through the door.

“I’m excited and nervous all at the same time,” he said. “This has been a long time coming. I’ve been wanting to this for a while, but waited until I could afford a ring.”

Gonzalez worked with family, friends and Cano’s boss to make his engagement surprise possible, because prior to the proposal Cano had to complete a scavenger hunt leading to the first place they met, meaning she needed the day off.

Cano visited five locations special to the couple to find the clues leading to the proposal. The last clue was at their home, where a white dress purchased by Gonzalez was waiting for her.

“I knew he was planning something big because he had a lot of help,” said Cano. “I didn’t know what, but deep down inside I was hoping it was a proposal.”

And a proposal it was, with Gonzalez kneeling on one knee and asking the question Cano had been hoping for, “I love you, you’re my best friend. Will you marry me?”

With tears of happiness Cano said yes, with family and friends on the sidelines cheering and offering their congratulations.

“I’m truly speechless. I’m so happy. It’s all so overwhelming,” said Cano. “This was a big surprise and I’m excited for our new journey. This is exactly where we’re supposed to be right now.”

As for Gonzalez, he said he was relieved she said yes, because he already considers her his wife.

“I’m ready for this next step with her,” he said. “Our relationship is so natural. I feel like we’ve been engaged this whole time, except now it’s official.”