(HARLINGEN) – For Portland native Matthew Murphy, volunteering at a local hospital this summer helped him discover that the biomedical field was his calling. So, he said goodbye to his hometown to pursue his passion at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen.

The 18-year-old said that there were many institutions he researched, but only TSTC offered him exactly what he was searching for.

“I was looking for a school that had Biomedical Equipment Technology as a major and this was one of the only ones in Texas, so I decided to come down here,” he said.  “It’s only two hours away, I figured I can manage.  I’m excited to be somewhere else.”

Biomedical Equipment Technology is designed to be 70 percent hands-on and teaches students how to repair medical equipment that is used in hospitals, nursing homes and clinics.

“It was a blessing to visit the school,” said his mother, Diana Murphy.  “The tour of his room was awesome.  My son is very excited about coming to school here.”

Watching your child leave the nest can be difficult, but Murphy’s father is happy that his son isn’t too far away.

“It’s always hard.  Matthew’s our youngest,” said Larry Murphy.  “Him being here isn’t too bad, and we are thankful that it’s close enough for us to be able to come down on a weekend if we want to.”

Biomedical Equipment Technology Interim Program Chair Ray Longoria makes sure that incoming students know that the program is challenging and requires student commitment.

“This program offers students the opportunity to work in one of the most rewarding fields.  They will also get the chance to get hands-on with some of the most sophisticated equipment designed to improve and save lives,” said Longoria.  “One of the most satisfying aspects of this field is when you get to see a patient being worked on with a machine that you helped repair.  It’s one of the greatest feelings to see the accomplishment of your skill.”

TSTC students learn biomedical equipment maintenance and repair on state of the art medical equipment used in hospitals and clinics.

Biomedical Equipment Technology is taught at the Harlingen, Marshall and Waco campuses.  For more information visit http://www.tstc.edu/programs/BiomedicalEquipmentTechnology.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College started the Fall 2016 semester by opening the doors to its new Nursing Education Center equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and simulation labs.

“This couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s perfect timing,” said Hector Yanez, interim vice president of Student Learning. “A building like this was needed on our campus and I can see it being fully utilized.”

Allied Health Division Director Jean Lashbrook said this building is a dream come true. In the 20 years she has been at TSTC she has pushed for a center like this.

“Our Allied Health division has grown in the past few years,” said Lashbrook. “We had four programs sharing three labs. We were outgrowing our space. So this is definitely the most beneficial move for our students and faculty.”

The Nursing Education Center is located right off Loop 499 on the main campus.  It will accommodate vocational and registered nursing students with classrooms, computer labs and state-of-the-art simulation labs. The building will also be equipped with a centralized medical supply closet, student break rooms, cubicles for student testing, offices for faculty and a conference room.

“This building is just as much for faculty and administration as it is for students,” said Yanez.

“So everyone’s really excited for this brand new facility, and it will definitely be a showcase.”

Vocational nursing student Kevin Cole started his first day in the program at the brand new building. Although Cole is no stranger to TSTC – he graduated as a nursing assistant in 2015 – he said being at the Nursing Education Center is a new experience.
“It’s exciting to be in a new building furnished with new equipment we get to use and practice with,” said Cole. “I love that TSTC provides us (students) with these types of opportunities and facilities. It definitely makes me more confident going out into the workforce.”

For nursing students like Abbigale Prieto, the education center came a little too late. Prieto is in her last semester of vocational nursing, which means the majority of her time is spent at clinical rotations off campus.

“I’m a little jealous that I won’t be able to fully utilize this building and new labs,” said Prieto. “But I’m excited for the new vocational nursing students who are going to be able to use everything here to their full advantage. They’re going have a great learning experience.”

Lashbrook said the center is also a great asset to the Rio Grande Valley community.

“We can partner with local high schools, give tours and show those interested in our program what our facility has to offer,” said Lashbrook. “Not only that, the training that will happen in this building will prepare our students to enter the workforce and make a difference.”

For more information on TSTC’s nursing programs call 956-364-4797 or visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Carlos is a student at Texas State Technical College. He recently graduated with an associate degree in Computer Systems Management Technology and is now pursuing his second associate degree in Mechatronics Technology.

When the 20-year-old is not studying, you can find him working at TSTC Housing as a community assistant. He also serves as Vice President of the South Texas Migrant Association.

The Harlingen native is the first in his family to graduate from college. Obregon said as a migrant he traveled a lot and keeping up with school was a challenge, so he never expected college to be in his future. However, now that he is pursuing his second degree, he said he hopes to inspire his two younger brothers to follow in his footsteps.

What are your plans after graduation? After I graduate I want to start my own business. I want to open a computer shop here in the Valley doing maintenance and repair. And hopefully in the near future I’ll continue on to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

What is your dream job? My dream is to own a business. That is what I’ve been working toward. I want to make a decent living and show that hard work pays off.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment was graduating from college. I’ve seen my parents work very hard and they always encouraged my five brothers and I to get an education so we could live a different life than the one I grew up living.. I can actually say I did it.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life? I’ve learned that nothing is too big to accomplish. Growing up I felt with my life, college was not in reach, but I pushed through and finished. If you continue to move forward, you eventually get your reward.

What TSTC person has influenced your success the most? My biggest influence was my former College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) adviser Daisy Avalos. She was by side since my first day at TSTC. She helped me submit all my paperwork to get into my program and gave me advice when times got tough. She was my confidant.

What advice do you have for future TSTC students? I want to tell students to always remember not to give up. Success is there, you just have to go for it.

(HARLINGEN) – Dirty headstones, fallen American flags, trash and grass the height of a small child once littered San Jose Cemetery located in the rural eastern part of San Benito.

The sweltering 90 degree Texas heat didn’t stop the Veteran Student Alliance Club at TSTC from recently filling up trash bags and whacking away the weeds.

President of the Veterans Club, and Biology freshman Brian Rodriguez said that this cemetery cleanup is a way to give back to those who have served.

“There are a lot of veterans buried here,” said Rodriguez.  “Nobody really keeps up with the cleanup, and we do have some members that live out here who have passed by and mentioned that it could look a lot better.  When I became president of the club I knew that I wanted to tackle this project.”

Student Recruitment Representative Melissa Zamora, was also on deck to lend a helping hand.

“Cemeteries hold our loved ones.  If we can provide a helping hand to keep these places safe and clean for families to visit, then we are absolutely making a difference.”

While TSTC students did most of the work, Rene Rodriguez, sergeant of arms for the Veterans Club, was proud of the effort not only made by the club, but also by a neighbor who was willing to lend a helping hand.

“We cut the grass and trimmed the trees around the headstones.  One of the homeowners next door said that he was more than happy to help us get rid of any debris we picked up, and that was a big help,” he said.  “During our next cleanup we hope to see familiar faces, and new faces, as well.”

Veterans Program Officer Jose Villegas was very proud of the work done by members of the organization.

“I was very happy with everybody’s effort.  If it wasn’t for their hard work and commitment to giving back to the community, this cemetery may have remained neglected,” said Villegas.  “Some of the students will be going back individually to see that the job is kept up.  It’s an honor to make sure that the veterans who are resting here get the respect that they deserve.”

The next cemetery cleanup take place during the Fall 2016 semester.  For more information or to volunteer, call the Veterans Center at 956-364-4386.

The Veteran Student Alliance Club prides itself on helping military veterans and family members with their transition into civilian life.  For more information visit http://www.tstc.edu/veterans.

(HARLINGEN) – Benardo Garcia is a student at Texas State Technical College pursuing an associate degree in Agriculture Technology. The Harlingen native is expected to graduate Spring 2017.

The Agricultural Club member said he first became interested in an outdoor career when he would go fishing and hunting with his father and brother as a child.

“I knew immediately outside is where I was supposed to be,” said Garcia. “I’m an outdoor guy and my career will reflect that.”

When he is not studying, the 20-year-old can be found working part-time at the TSTC Wellness Sports Center, and at the Harlingen Boys and Girls Club, as a youth development professional teaching children about different sports and how to play them.

What are your plans after graduation? After I graduate I plan on transferring to Texas A&M Kingsville to pursue a bachelor’s degree in either animal science or wildlife.

What’s your dream job? I plan to someday work as a ranch hand or ranch manager, but ultimately I hope to become a game warden. This is something I have thought about doing since I was young.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC? So far my greatest accomplishment is not dropping out. I thought I was never going to finish; I had to take remedial classes and I felt like giving up sometimes, but I didn’t. And soon, my greatest accomplishment is going to be graduating.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life? I’ve learned the true meaning of not giving up. I have overcome many challenges when it comes to school and I’m still standing. It’s important to keep going no matter how hard things get.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most? There are two instructors who have influenced my success – Sammy Gavito and Norberto Mendoza. Both have always been there constantly pushing me to keep going so I can do what I love.

What is your advice for future TSTC students? I want students to know this is a great college with really good instructors. As long as they focus, keep going and do what they love, they will leave as a TSTC graduate with a great education.

(HARLINGEN) – Recently, Texas State Technical College was host to the Business and Workforce Talent Development Strategy Roundtable set forth by the Texas Workforce Commission and Workforce Solutions Cameron. Large industry and school district representatives, city officials and local economic development councils gathered to discuss the business workforce talent needs and talent development strategies. Remarks were given by Julian Alvarez III, Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor, and Pat Hobbs, Executive Director for Workforce Solutions Cameron. During the round table, TSTC Provost Dr. Stella Garcia said TSTC is ready to train, fill the skills gaps and offer solutions. She added that with TSTC’s can-do attitude the college is ready.

(HARLINGEN) – Roberto Gonzalez grew up watching his father work on automobiles, and knew that was the career he wanted to pursue, so the Los Fresnos native enrolled in Automotive Technology at Texas State Technical College in 2014.

Two years later, Gonzalez received his associate degree with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and immediately got hired at Gillman Chevrolet of Harlingen.

“I needed to start working after graduation and because TSTC’s training prepared me for the field, I was able to find a job right away,” said Gonzalez. “Now my twin brother goes to TSTC for machining and I’m helping him pay for his classes.”

Gillman’s Service Manager Ramiro Salguero said although Gonzalez has only been there a short time, he is already very impressed.

“Roberto is very productive and always ready to work,” said Salguero. “Coming in new he was already prepared to begin working as an entry-level tech.”

In the four years that Salguero has been service manager, he has hired more than 20 TSTC graduates like Gonzalez from the Automotive Technology program. He said when positions are available, he calls on TSTC for candidates.

“It’s very hard to find skilled, experienced technicians now a days,” said Salguero. “So having TSTC offer this program is a great advantage to service departments like ours; they (graduates) come to us with experience.”

Salguero said hiring TSTC graduates ensures that he will get people who are already trained to use the equipment in their service shop. He added that it is also easier for them to get hired as entry-level technicians straight out of college.

“Students who attend TSTC get all of the hands-on training they need to be successful in their career,” said Salguero. “Those that I have hired are ready to work and focused on getting work experience. They know what it takes to prove themselves in the field.”

Salguero added that Gillman Honda in San Benito also hires TSTC graduates.

“My door is always opened,” said Salguero. “I’m happy to give any TSTC graduate a chance if this is what they really want.”

Automotive Technology Department Chair and Instructor Abel Castillo said it is an advantage to students knowing that experts in the industry are hiring program graduates straight out of college or even before graduating.

“Our students have so much opportunity available to them,” said Castillo. “Our certificates and associate degree give our students unlimited possibilities.”

Students who enroll in Automotive Technology will get hands-on training in automotive systems ranging from electrical and brakes to air conditioning. There are three available tracks that a student can pursue – certificate, certificate II and an associate degree.

For more information on the Automotive Technology program call 956-364-4576. The first day of class is August 29. To register or apply anytime visit tstc.edu.

It is safe to say that Enrique Carrillo is thought of highly by his peers after recently being awarded the 2016 Chancellor’s Excellence Award at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards Dinner and Celebration.

Carrillo is the Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs Officer at Texas State Technical College and said he could not believe he had been selected as one of the recipients for this award.

“I was very humbled because I work with a lot of talented personnel who also deserve this award,” said Carrillo. “It’s an honor and makes me feel special. I never thought this was a possibility, but it makes me believe I must be doing something right.”

Carrillo’s wife accompanied him to the awards celebration, and he said he could not think of a better person to have by his side.

“My wife is a huge contributor to my success. She’s been there with me through thick and thin,” said Carrillo. “She’s been so patient and has allowed me to accomplish my goals. She’s my rock, my support, and she deserves this award more than I do.”

It was back in 2007 when Carrillo first set foot at TSTC as a student. He had lost his job in the power plant industry after 30 years and this was his time to pursue a college degree.

“I started working in power plants at 19, I didn’t know anything else,” said Carrillo. “This was my chance to come back to school, but I loved TSTC so much, I never left.”

Carrillo earned his associate degree in Wind Energy Technology in 2013, and graduated with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average. He is also currently working toward becoming a certified safety and health officer with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

“The people, the atmosphere make TSTC what it is. As a student I wanted to work here, and here I am,” said Carrillo. “Nobody is perfect, but as a campus we do a real good job at working together to achieve our goals.”

Carrillo’s career at TSTC has ranged from teaching to safety officer. His supervisor and Executive Director for Governance, Risk and Compliance Tom Hooker praised him for his commitment to safety.

“Enrique provides exceptional oversight and enforcement of the safety programs for both Harlingen and Fort Bend as an invaluable professional as a Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs (SHEA) Officer,” Hooker said.

Carrillo said he will continue working hard in implementing safety programs that will keep everyone safe.

“My goal is zero accidents,” said Carrillo. “I want to plant a seed of safety so everyone will continue what I started, make us all accountable and look out for each other. Safety never ends. It starts with you and ends with you.”

Last night Marcela Mireles and her family celebrated not only a graduation, but also life.

The Brownsville native graduated with honors earning a 3.7 grade-point average and receiving an associate degree in Surgical Technology from Texas State Technical College.

During her time at TSTC, Mireles was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and was president of the Surgical Technology Club.

“Tonight is definitely a blessing,” said Mireles. “This was a tough year for me. I never thought this day would come.”

Within a span of two years, the 34-year-old single mom had lost her job and learned that her mother had cancer.

Prior to attending TSTC, Mireles worked for Convergys as an operations manager, but unfortunately, the company closed laying off hundreds of people. Because of the shutdown, Mireles received a grant through the Texas Workforce Solutions that would pay her program’s tuition, while allowing her to keep her unemployment benefits.

“During this time I learned that God will not hand us anything we cannot handle,” said Mireles. “Did I lose my job? Yes, but I was able to pursue a field I have always been interested in, while still putting food on the table, supporting my family and achieving my goals.”

On top of losing her job, Mireles’ mother was also diagnosed with cancer. This spread Mireles thin. With raising her daughter, staying at the hospital with her mother and the non-stop studying, Mireles could have given up, but she did not want to face defeat.

“At the time I asked myself every day, ‘Why her,’ ‘Why us,’ ‘Why now,’” said Mireles. “But had my mom been diagnosed any earlier or later, the medical care guidance I received from my instructor at TSTC would not have been there. Some things are just meant to be.”

That TSTC instructor was Anna San Pedro.  Mireles said San Pedro helped her understand the medical treatments her mother needed, and had it not been for this information her mother may not be here today.

“Mrs. San Pedro was really a lifesaver,” said Mireles. “She told me everything to expect when it came to my mom’s surgeries and treatment. She even encouraged us to always get a second opinion, and that’s why I get to share my success tonight with my mom.”

Today Mireles’ mother is cancer-free and Mireles has a new career.

Mireles has already been offered a certified surgical technologist position with Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville. The offer is pending based on her national exam scores, which she should receive at the end of the month.

“If I’ve learned anything at all during this experience is that I’m a lot stronger than I thought I was,” said Mireles. “TSTC has made a huge difference in my life and I hope with my career I can make a difference in someone else’s life also.”

For more information on the Surgical Technology program call 956-364-4805. The last day to register for Fall 2016 is August 22. To apply or register anytime visit tstc.edu.

At 14 years-old Carolina Martinez came to the United States for the opportunity to continue her education. As an immigrant, she spent many years facing homelessness and poverty.

Now, a decade later, her “American dream” of a college degree is coming true.

The Veracruz native will be graduating from Texas State Technical College tonight with an associate degree in Surgical Technology. She is the first in her family to graduate from college – a feat accomplished in the face of great hardship.

“I was so scared to leave my home in Veracruz,” said Martinez. “But at that time it was my only hope to continue school. At 14 in Veracruz I had to start paying for school and we couldn’t afford it. So it was either move or drop out and work.”

Martinez’s mom was already working in the United States sending money home to her daughter and her son, who were living with their grandmother. Martinez said her dad was never in the picture.

“I moved in with my mom, my stepdad and my half siblings when I got to the U.S.,” said Martinez. “School was challenging, I was in an ESL class for two years and my teacher began pushing me to do more.”

That teacher at Port Isabel High School was Eric Hanstead. He encouraged and pushed her to enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) classes and participate in University Interscholastic League (UIL) academic contests.

“I never thought I could do any of it,” said Martinez. “But he taught me that ‘Where there is a will, there is a way,’ and that has carried me through my hardest days.”

She graduated from high school in 2011 but, because of financial reasons, college was not in the picture for Martinez. She had no choice, but to work to help support her brother and grandmother who had stayed in Mexico.

“We didn’t have money for college,” said Martinez. “In fact, my mom said there was no point in me going to college, so she wouldn’t help me apply for financial aid.”

During this time, Martinez’s stepfather was deported, her half siblings were sent to live in Mexico with him, and after several months, Martinez’s mom decided to leave the states to join the rest of her family. This left Martinez alone without a place to call home.

“I was living in a messed up trailer home, it was broken,” said Martinez. “My life was broken, but the one good thing that came out of everything is that my mom helped me apply for financial aid before she left.”

Soon after Martinez started college at TSTC, she was kicked out of her trailer and found herself homeless.

For nearly a year, Martinez stayed wherever she was welcomed. She was in and out of friends’ homes.

It was not until her Surgical Technology Program Director Robert Sanchez and her Instructor Anna San Pedro led her to TSTC housing, that she finally had a steady roof over her head.

“I’m glad I had saved my income tax return, because that’s what I used to move into the dorms,” said Martinez. The program was stressful, my living situation was stressful, but I can say that I made it. I’m graduating.”

Martinez is graduating with a 3.5 grade-point average and now working at Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance (DHR) as a surgical technology intern. She will find out if she passed her national exam at the end of the month, which will determine if she will be hired full-time at DHR.

“Carolina has really persevered; she did whatever she could to succeed,” said Sanchez. “I’m very proud of her and everything she has accomplished. I admire her determination and I know that if she continues to work hard and embrace the profession she will do excellent and have a better quality of life.”

Martinez said her experiences and the hands-on training she received at TSTC has prepared her for a career that will change her life forever.

“It’s been hard doing all of this on my own. I won’t have family at graduation either,” said Martinez. “But TSTC and my instructors have changed my life for the better. I can’t wait to work full-time doing what I love, helping my family back in Veracruz and finally being able to afford a place I can officially call my home.”

Martinez is one of 358 students graduating from TSTC with either a certificate or associate’s degree tonight at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium.