(HARLINGEN) – For students like Fernando Flores who work full time, college can sometimes seem out of reach. But Texas State Technical College is opening its doors for evening and Saturday classes to help students fulfill education and career goals.

Flores is already a TSTC graduate. He earned his associate degree in Mechatronics in August 2016, immediately securing a full-time job at Rich Products Corp. in Brownsville as an industrial electrical mechanic, but he knew he wanted to do more for himself, his wife and their two daughters.

Therefore, the 27-year-old enrolled in TSTC’s Architecture and Engineering associates program so he could continue his education while supporting his family.

“Having evening courses I can rely on makes pursuing my education that much easier,” said Flores. “TSTC is helping me get closer to my goal of becoming an engineer. People at work are now showing interest in evening classes, because it’s so convenient and flexible for me.”

Flores said with his associate degree in engineering he will be able to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in either mechatronics, electrical or mechanical engineering.

Samuel Pizano, lead instructor for the Architecture and Engineering associates program and a TSTC alumnus himself, said all evening and Saturday classes are focused on students who work full time, have families or have other commitments that make it difficult to attend school during the day.

“The majority of our students enrolled in our evening classes are industry professionals who want to further their education or finish a degree,” said Pizano. “This, in my opinion, is the best option for them.”

Pizano said classes within his program are offered on evenings and weekends, and those enrolled can earn an associate degree solely by taking classes during this time frame. The associate degree can then be used to transfer to another college or university if the student desires to pursue a higher degree.

“Even though these classes are offered at nontraditional times, it gives students the flexibility they need,” said Pizano.

Pizano speaks from experience when he says this is the best option for students working full time. Currently, he is registered in Mathematics and pursuing his second associate degree from TSTC. He is doing so by taking all evening courses, since he is a full-time instructor at the college. Pizano’s first associate degree was in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics.

“I have experienced the convenience and flexibility of evening courses firsthand,” said Pizano. “Many students also approach me and tell me they are thankful TSTC offers this type of option.”

Other courses offered during evenings and weekends range from general academics to technologies such as Welding.

Registration for Spring 2017 is in progress. The deadline to register is January 3, and classes begin on January 9.

For more information on evening or weekend classes, call 956-364-4323 or visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Joel Jimenez told his story of digging trenches in the sweltering Rio Grande Valley heat and how they served as a lesson from his father during Texas State Technical College’s 12^th Annual Noche de Gala scholarship fundraiser.

Jimenez talked of his struggle and his temptation to quit when things got hard. Not making enough money to pay for his dorm, purchase school supplies or anything else he needed, he felt afraid, but the Lozano Long Opportunity Scholarship turned that around and lifted a huge weight off of his shoulders.

“I thought, if this is just the beginning and it’s so hard, how will I make it past the rest? But thanks to this scholarship I was able to quit my job at a convenience store, focus on school and realign my priorities,” said Jimenez.

The Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology graduate and Mathematics student remembers his parents always instilling the value of education, and on that particularly hot, humid day his father reminded him how education is the key to success.

“Education doesn’t make your job easier, but it sure beats digging holes in the sun,” he told TSTC’s scholarship donors. “It’s people like you that make life easier for students, and I hope someday I can make life better for someone else. Thank you.”

Joining Jimenez with the same heartfelt appreciation were two other Lozano Long Scholarship recipients: Montserrat Mauleon de Esquivel, an Agricultural Technology student, and Monique Cavazos, a Building Construction Technology major.

Esquivel relived the time she and her husband, while raising a 3-year-old, were forced to live on unemployment checks because of several layoffs. This, while facing other financial, family and health issues, made quitting school tempting. But because of the family she had formed at TSTC and the scholarship she received, quitting became a distant reminder of hard times.

“At TSTC we matter. We’re anything but expendable; we’re important,” said Esquivel. “We even mattered to Provost Adam Hutchinson. I couldn’t believe that someone in such a high position cared to offer me support.”

Hutchinson gave Esquivel a business card and told her to carry it with her and give him a call if she ever felt like quitting was her only option. He knew there would come a point when that would happen, and he wanted to be there to change her mind.

“To this day, I have the card in my wallet,” said Esquivel. “But when I use it, I won’t be telling him that I’m quitting. I’ll be letting him know that I’ve been accepted to veterinary school.”

As for Cavazos, a wife and mother of four daughters, she shared childhood memories of spending time with her grandfather in his wood shop.

“I was only allowed to use scraps and crooked nails,” Cavazos recalled. “But I would bang them straight and voila! I had a new boat to play with in the ditches. But little did I know he was helping me build something bigger: a career.”

Cavazos said college has sometimes been a difficult road, but thanks to the Lozano Long Scholarship she received she will be graduating this spring with an associate degree.

“Generous donors, TSTC staff and faculty, and any person that has ever assisted a college student fulfill their dreams, I would like to thank you,” said Cavazos. “You are the nails that help keep our paths together.”

It is donors and committed volunteers like Ruthie Ewers who help students like Jimenez, Esquivel and Cavazos realize their dreams.

Ewers, who is called the “Energizer Bunny” by Harlingen’s Mayor Chris Boswell, is this year’s Noche de Gala honoree. It is her dedication to youth, students and TSTC that has earned her this honor.

TSTC Provost Dr. Stella Garcia said Ewers has supported TSTC for years. She has been an avid supporter of TSTC’s Interview Practicum, which has held mock interviews for soon-to-be graduates since 2010. Ewers has participated every semester, and when she sees a student excel during an interview she works to place them within the community.

Ewers is also an active member of TSTC’s newest committee, the Scholarship Steering Committee.

“When I asked Ruthie for suggestions or recommendations on setting up a successful fundraising campaign, she immediately volunteered before I even finished my sentence,” said Garcia. “Ruthie is not only a strong supporter of TSTC with her time and money, but more importantly she also believes in what we do.”

Ewers said she loves the type of professionalism that TSTC is turning out and loves what she sees.

“TSTC is something good I believe in and I want to be a part of it,” said Ewers. “I’ve never considered myself a leader, yet this award is given to leaders. I’ve always just tried to help wherever I can. But tonight I feel like I’ve won an Academy Award.”

Special guests celebrating Ewers’ honor and helping students achieve their dreams were Harlingen City Commissioner Victor Leal, Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell, Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos, and State Representative Eddie Lucio III. Ewers’ son Joe Ewers was also on hand to give his mother a special introduction.

The Lozano Long Promise Opportunity Scholarship was established in 1999 and has helped thousands of students across Texas realize their dreams of an education.

Noche de Gala is hosted by the TSTC Foundation. The black-tie affair consists of a cocktail hour, full-course dinner and awards program.

The annual scholarship fundraiser has raised more than $1.5 million and helped more than 400 TSTC students achieve their education dreams.

(HARLINGEN) – Harlingen native Stephany Medina is pursuing her associate degree in Education and Training at Texas State Technical College. She expects to graduate in 2019.

The 19-year-old said she is pursuing her education for her two-year-old daughter; to give her a better life. When Medina is not studying you can find her volunteering with TSTC’s Service Squad.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduating from TSTC I plan on transferring to Texas A&M Kingsville to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education and becoming an elementary school teacher.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become an elementary librarian. I love books and children, so there’s no better career than combining both.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment at TSTC has to be succeeding in my classes and earning A’s and B’s. Despite becoming a mother at 16, I’ve found success and I’m working toward my dream.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson that I have learned is that no matter what happens in my life I have to continue moving forward.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

I would have to say my parents have influenced my success the most. They also attended TSTC, and fully supported my decision to come here so I could continue my education. They’re always here supporting my dream of working in the education field.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice to future students would be to never stop working hard to pursue an education. Education is what’s going to get people places. It can’t be taken away.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College recently received the Women in Technology Grant from the National Institute for Women in Trades, Technology and Science (IWITTS) to help recruit and retain women in non-traditional fields.

This grant will go to train TSTC faculty in outreach efforts for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technology in Harlingen and the other four TSTC campuses throughout Texas that offer this program: Fort Bend County, North Texas, Williamson County and Waco.

“This grant will help us enhance and set forth our recruitment and retention plans and strategies to increase the number of women who enroll in our HVAC program,” said Orlando Peñuelas, coordinator with TSTC’s Office of Student Life. “This will, however, take a collective effort from a number of people.”

A committee has been formed to include TSTC instructors, advisors and other coordinators from across the state that will work hand-in-hand to roll out this initiative.

Peñuelas said the committee’s goal is to increase campus involvement when it comes to recruiting women into non-traditional technologies by creating conversations of encouragement, designing of marketing material and inviting HVAC alumni to speak to current and prospective students.

“We need to create a common language when it comes to advisement and how we encourage women to enter into technical fields,” said Peñuelas. “We need to show them the benefits of technologies like HVAC and what kind of success they can find.”

Jorge Cabrera, TSTC HVAC instructor, said the industry is beginning to diversify. As a result women have more opportunity of receiving scholarships and finding a good paying job.

“This has been a male-dominated field for so long I think there’s a fear or intimidation,” said Cabrera. “But there doesn’t have to be. Women can do this job just as well as men. It’s time to break the barrier.”

One woman looking into the future of HVAC and what it can mean for her career is Daisy Ramirez. She is currently the only woman enrolled in HVAC Technology and is looking forward to what the future of this industry has in store for her. She expects to graduate in 2018 with her associate degree.

“At first I was a little nervous about being the only woman in class, but everyone has been so nice and helpful, and has made me feel so comfortable,” said Ramirez. “I’m enjoying all aspects of the program and I’m looking forward to my future and to seeing more women in this field. I’m excited that TSTC is taking the initiative to recruit more of us.”

Ramirez said when she graduates she hopes to work with her father at their family-owned business, PI Mechanical.

Peñuelas said the committee is working hard to create best practices that will help recruit and keep women like Ramirez in HVAC Technology, which in turn will work toward TSTC’s mission of placing more Texans is good paying jobs.

“We want to set up our students to have a diverse skill set,” said Cabrera. “And this allows us to give both male and females in HVAC the potential of obtaining the marketable skills they need to get a job and for us as a college to meet the technician demand throughout the state.”

Students who pursue a certificate or associate degree track in HVAC Technology can go on to work as technicians in hospitals, schools, supermarkets, industrial plants, or with residential and commercial air conditioning and heating companies.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics Texas employs the most HVAC technicians, with job opportunities increasing 29 percent nationally by 2024.

For more information on HVAC Technology call 956-364-4672. To apply or register anytime visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Caitlin Sanchez from Harlingen is a student at Texas State Technical College. She is currently completing her General Academic Core and plans on pursuing an associate degree in Education and Training beginning Fall 2017.

The 18-year-old has been able to maintain a 3.7 grade-point average while serving her community through TSTC’s Service Squad and being an active volunteer with Student Government Association.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduating from TSTC I plan on transferring to the University of Texas at San Antonio to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.

What’s your dream job?

I haven’t decided on a dream job yet. I either want to teach math and eventually work my way up to a professor or dean of a college or university. Or, I can take my love of math into the banking industry.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment has been making my parents proud. I’ve always worked hard to do right by them and keep my grades up.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned to always stay humble and not lose sight of who I am, where I come from and where I’m trying to go.

Who at TSTC has most influenced your success?

The person at TSTC who has influenced my success is my algebra instructor Amanda Tamez. She is the most dedicated person I know. She makes me believe I can really do what she does (teaching) one day.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to take advantage of opportunities outside of the classroom. Join student organizations and clubs and get to know more people. It really does change your college experience and you make new friends.

(HARLINGEN) – The Federal Bureau of Investigation has its sight set on students from Texas State Technical College in Harlingen.

The FBI is in pursuit of new candidates, and members spoke with several soon-to-be graduates about how they can become part of this exciting organization.

The informative presentation began with a recruitment video which featured the day-to-day life of an FBI recruit in Quantico, Virginia.

“It’s been 20 years since I’ve been at the academy,” said Training Coordinator Adolfo Baesa.  “I was an undercover agent for seven years, and now we’re looking for the new generation of FBI agents.”

There are countless opportunities within the organization, and the agents made sure that students were aware of the many options available to them.

The audience consisted of students from different technologies including Computer Networking and Security Technology, Biology and Chemical Technology; many of whom were eager to know where their degrees would place them in the FBI.

Nora Galvan, a student in Chemical Technology, shared her excitement about having the agents visit the campus.

“It’s really neat to see the job opportunities available to everybody after college,” she said.  “I’m glad they took the time to come and speak with all of us today.”

As the inquiring students raised their hands to ask questions, Baesa reassured the inquisitive individuals that the FBI is always looking for determined and focused graduates to add to their top notch teams.

“I enjoy when students have intelligent questions.  It’s very inspirational seeing that curiosity from them, and I love that they’re considering a career with us,” he said.  “We will help you find what best fits your skills, and guide you through the process.  The first step is applying.”

For more information on careers within the FBI, visit www.FBIJobs.com.

For additional information about TSTC Career Services, visit http://www.tstc.edu/student_life/careerservices.

(HARLINGEN) – Dr. Jesus Rodriguez is a Rio Grande Valley native who left to follow his dream, but now is back to help the community he calls home.

Rodriguez graduated from Harlingen High School South in 2002. He recalls not giving much thought about his grades in high school. In fact, Rodriguez said he never aspired to be a doctor.

“At the time I didn’t know what options I had in terms of college or careers,” said Rodriguez. “I was that student who just wanted to get in and out. No honors or extracurricular activities. Yet I somehow graduated.”

The 33-year-old only attended Texas State Technical College after high school because he had a couple of cousins who were graduates from the college and they encouraged him to apply.

He graduated with an associate degree in Computer Science Technology in 2004 and from Chemical Environmental Technology in 2006.

“TSTC was a major turning point in my life,” said Rodriguez. “I really grew up there and began to realize my potential. After each graduation I felt, and knew, I could do more. I didn’t want to stop growing.”

During his time at TSTC, Rodriguez was actively involved in Student Government Association and served as an intern for the Attorney General’s Office in Austin. It was through these experiences that his love for serving others was sparked.

“I ultimately knew I wanted to serve my community, but I didn’t know how,” he said.

Rodriguez remembers things turning around for him because of what one stranger told him.

“I was sitting in a Starbucks studying for my chemical environmental test and a man I had never met began talking with me and before leaving he told me, ‘You should be a doctor,’” said Rodriguez. “I’ll never forget that moment. It was a big leap, but it kick-started my medical school research.”

He attended the University of Texas at Brownsville and pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biology and transitioned to medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

Today, the husband and father of two, is back home and completing his third and last year of residency at Valley Baptist Family Practice Residency Clinic in Harlingen.

“Everything that happened since that day at Starbucks was so surreal,” said Rodriguez. “It was one door after another opening for me. I’m thankful to God, there’s no other way to explain my experience.”

Unfortunately, Rodriguez never got the opportunity to share his success with his father. On the day he was accepted to medical school his father was diagnosed with cancer and passed away not too long after.

“At times it was difficult for my dad to accept my decisions because I was so far away from home,” said Rodriguez. “But he tried to be as supportive as he could and now I get to help others.”

Dr. Bruce Liebert, founder and program director of Valley Baptist Family Practice Residency Clinic said Rodriguez is the future of the Valley.

“Dr. Rodriguez is upbeat, energetic and loves what he does. He has a bright future ahead,” said Liebert. “We work together every day and I can say he takes what he does seriously and he loves his neighbors, always working hard to give them medical access for a healthy life. If I could clone him I would. We need more guys like him.”

Rodriguez does not know what he wants to do or where he wants to go after his residency is complete, but he does know wherever he ends up practicing he wants it to be in the Valley.

He currently serves as a mentor for high school students in his hometown. Each summer he arranges job shadowing for them at various medical clinics in the RGV and he hopes to share his knowledge with TSTC students in the near future.

“I’m working right now in becoming a mentor for students from TSTC,” he said. “If it wasn’t’ for this college I don’t know where I would be. The college and its instructors gave me the foundation I needed to be confident in my abilities and improve my study skills. And here I am, a doctor who aims to serve others and be hope for those who need it.”

“If I can do it, they can do it,” he said.

(HARLINGEN) – Courtney Huerta is a student at Texas State Technical College majoring in Biology. She boasts a 3.5 grade-point average and is expected to graduate with an associate degree in 2018. Following her graduation, the Harlingen native hopes to pursue the Licensed Vocational Nursing program at TSTC.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduating from TSTC, I want to transfer to the University of Texas at San Antonio to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

What’s your dream job?

I currently work at a nursing home and I’m loving the experience; because of that my dream job is to continue on my path and someday become a director of nursing.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment at TSTC has been passing all of my classes, being active in Student Government Association and volunteering at TSTC events hosted for students and our community.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson life has taught me and I have learned is to be humble and compassionate.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success?

It’s really hard to name just one person. All of my instructors have greatly influenced me with their advice and encouragement. Each of them has found it important to give us daily pep talks, which serve as reminders of why we are here and why we need to keep going.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want students to know that it’s important to believe in their dreams; they were given for a reason. Also, college is what you make of it. Put in the time and effort, and take advantage of opportunities outside of the classroom such as student organizations and clubs. They help you in so many ways and make your college experience that much more rewarding.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College Agricultural Technology students were able to use a $2,000 donation gifted to their department by the Harlingen Cotton Committee to create and maintain vegetable tower gardens in the program’s greenhouse.

As part of the Horticulture course in the associate degree track, students use the towers to grow cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, cilantro and jalapenos without soil, using only air and water in a method called hydroponics.

Harlingen Cotton Committee members pictured with the TSTC Agricultural Technology students are Brady Taubert, chairman; Sally Ross, committee member; and Steve Krenek, former chairman.

(HARLINGEN) – With registration for Spring 2017 underway, Texas State Technical College will be hosting a Registration Rally Thursday, November 17 to give new and returning students the resources they need to complete the registration process.

Registration Rallies are a new initiative at TSTC that started for the Fall 2016 semester. All 10 campuses statewide host this event with hundreds of students taking advantage of the assistance offered by faculty, staff and student volunteers.

“This is one-stop shop for our students,” said Dora Colvin, director of Recruitment. “We want to help students by providing the resources and opportunities they need to finish the application and registration processes for the next semester.”

Enrollment representatives from Admissions, Financial Aid, Advisement, Support Services, the Veterans Center and Student Life will be on hand to guide those attending the event. Tours of the college will also be available throughout the day.

“We hope that having faculty and staff present will help make this process easier for students,” said Colvin. “They’ll have a chance to learn about the services we offer and get the help they need.”

To complete the registration process students must bring their completed admissions application, GED scores if applicable, recent high school or college transcripts, and proof of their bacterial meningitis vaccination if under 22 years of age.

“We want to encourage students to register early,” said Colvin. “The earlier a student registers, the more likely it is they get the classes they need before they fill up and a schedule they are happy with. Of course students don’t have to wait until the event, they can apply or register anytime.”

TSTC’s registration rally will be from 1-6 p.m. at the Student Services Building (EK Building). Registration ends January 3. Spring 2017 classes begin January 9.

To apply or register visit tstc.edu or call the TSTC Student Recruitment Office at 956-364-4118.