Christmas came early this year for the children of Sunny Glen Children’s Home in San Benito.  The Veteran Students Alliance Club, Skills USA and the Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Club from Texas State Technical College in Harlingen helped them celebrate Christmas in July for the second year.

Veterans Program Officer Jose Villegas spoke of the importance of a holiday celebration for children at Sunny Glen.

“Christmas in July is important because it lets kids know that Santa is not only thinking of them around Christmas time, but also throughout the year.”

Members of the club distributed various gifts that were donated by TSTC students and members of the community, and provided pizza and beverages for the jolly festivities.

TSTC Student Recruitment Representative Melissa Zamora stated that being involved in activities such as this helps build the leaders of tomorrow.

“We are building leaders by the exposure and experience that comes with participation in events like these.  Our students can build relationships, gain real-world experience and create customer service confidence that will directly lead to their intrinsic and extrinsic success.  TSTC has proven time and time again that our services are meant to ‘hold hands’ with our state and members of our community,” she said.

Sergeant of Arms for the Veterans Students Alliance Club Rene Rodriguez described the most memorable moment for him throughout the day.

“When I broke the ice with the children and staff, that was special.  I asked the kids to say their names one by one and asked them what their favorite things to do are.  They all had a blast standing in front of their peers and discussing everything,” he said.  “It’s important for organizations to have events like Christmas in July because it gives back to the community, and especially to children.”

Sunny Glen Community Relations Coordinator Sandra Rodriguez expressed gratitude towards the students who put this together.

“We at Sunny Glen feel so blessed to have had the members of these clubs put together such a wonderful event,” said Rodriguez.  “It brought happiness to our children before the holidays.”

The Veteran Students Alliance Club collects toys year round for this summer event.  Anyone interested in donating or volunteering can call the Veterans Center at 956-364-4386.

The Veterans Center helps transition military veterans and family members into civilian life as a student.

Any veterans interested in registering for Fall 2016 can apply now at http://www.tstc.edu/.  Deadline to register is August 22.

(HARLINGEN) Estephanie Dorado is currently attending Texas State Technical College pursuing an associate degree in Early Childhood Education. The Harlingen native has an impressive 3.5 grade-point average and is expected to graduate Spring 2018.

Dorado said she first discovered her love for teaching in elementary; she was intrigued. It then peaked in high school when she took her first course in Education. She said she believes teachers have the power to make a difference in a child’s life, and she is excited to begin her career, doing just that.

What are your plans after graduation? After graduation I plan to do what I love: teach. I hope to get my bachelor’s degree in Education from The University of Texas at San Antonio. No matter what happens, I know that I will learn new things each and every day.

What is your dream job?  My dream job is to teach. I really want to make a positive difference in the lives of my prospective students. I believe that as teachers, our responsibility is to mold and shape the minds of our students, and greatly impact their lives. Even if I only impact the life of one student, I’ll know that all the hard work I have done is worth it.

What has been our greatest accomplishment while at TSTC? My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC is being on the dean’s list. I have spent countless hours doing homework, studying and attending tutoring to make sure I succeeded in my courses. I’ve done what is necessary to get where I need and want to be. I worked really hard to achieve this, and in the end, my hard work paid off.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life? The greatest lesson I have learned is that it takes a lot of self-determination and dedication to achieve a goal. I have learned that I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to as long as I believe in myself and take action.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success? The person who has most influenced my success is Teresa Cuellar, an adjunct instructor in the Education and Training program. She has been an excellent role model in my life and has inspired me to be the best teacher I can be in and out of the classroom.

What is your advice for future TSTC students? I want to advise future TSTC students to make their education a priority and to manage their time accordingly. I also encourage them to communicate with their professors and take advantage of the great resources the campus offers to help them succeed.

(HARLINGEN) Adele Clinton started her career with Texas State Technical College nearly nine years ago. She is known around campus for her work and dedication to students as the Executive Director for Student Life, and now as one of the 2016 Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipients.

Clinton was recently presented her award at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards Dinner and Celebration in Austin. She said this was an extra special day for her because she got to experience it with her husband and two children.

“Not only did my family get to join me, but my husband had the opportunity to present me with my award,” said Clinton. “I think it’s really important that our sons and daughters see working mothers doing really well, not just as a mom, but also at work.”

This award was a great honor for Clinton especially because her peers were the ones who nominated her.

“To know that I was recognized for my work, at a job I love, by colleagues that are like family, it’s a great feeling,” said Clinton. “I’m honored to now be a part of an elite group who have received this award.”

Clinton’s experience in student life dates back to her time at South Texas College, where she also earned the Jaguar Excellence Award for her efforts and commitment. She first became interested in student life while attending The University of Texas Pan American where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Sociology.

“Working with student affairs personnel as a student leader was so much fun for me,” said Clinton. “It was easy and made sense. I know how much it affected my life and my college experience, and how much I learned outside of the classroom, that I knew I wanted to do this for others.”

Clinton’s supervisor and Vice President of Student Development Sarah Patterson said students’ lives, and those of her staff, have definitely been touched by Adele’s work.

“Adele is one of the most dedicated and service-oriented employees I have ever had the pleasure to be associated with at TSTC. Her work ethic, enthusiasm, leadership and attitude is contagious which makes her team and all of Student Development want to be associated with the great momentum for student leadership and civic duty she has implemented statewide for our students,” said Patterson. “Adele’s strong desire to serve our students selflessly reflects in her daily actions.”

Clinton said that in student development she and her staff aim to give students the best college experience possible.

“We’re very student-centered,” said Clinton. “We all have one goal and that’s to help develop the best possible students. That’s what’s so rewarding about this job, we get to see students really grow into leaders and broaden their horizons.”

(Harlingen) – Harlingen native Amy Lynch has been part of the Texas State Technical College family since 2012, and just recently has been named a 2016 Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipient.

The award given out by Chancellor Mike Reeser, is given to faculty and staff for their service to their college, communities and their state.

Lynch is TSTC’s development officer and was recognized for her dedication to the college at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards Dinner and Celebration in Austin. She said it was a memorable time and something she will never forget.

“I was honored to receive this award. There are so many other deserving people,” said Lynch. “I’m grateful that someone thought enough of me to nominate me. To that person – thank you.”

The Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipient said it was a privilege to be recognized by the organization, TSTC’s chancellor and her peers, but what made her experience really special was the chancellor asking the recipient’s guest to present the award.

“My husband presented me with my medal. I get emotional just thinking about it,” said Lynch. “He said some pretty great things and told me I deserved this and he was proud. It was really touching.”

Lynch brings with her extensive experience in higher education public relations and marketing. Prior to TSTC she served as the Assistant News Director for News and Information at The University of Texas at Brownsville. And prior to that she was a reporter for the Valley Morning Star covering the education beat.

Now as a development officer, Lynch has the opportunity to use her skills to collect resources that help the college give students a first-class technical education and helps students attend college and achieve a degree.

“My job is to keep an open relationship with our donors so they know our needs,” said Lynch. I work with industry, corporation, business and organization leaders to raise funds for things such as scholarships and lab equipment. These are the things that help us graduate more students into successful careers.”

The Vice President of Development Pete Rowe said it is the passion that Lynch displays daily that makes her deserving of the Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

“She has such a passion to work for her students, the college, its faculty and staff,” said Rowe. “She gets things done, is a pleasure to work with, and I know she has a great future ahead.”

Currently, Lynch is working to earn a master’s degree in Strategic Communications from Purdue University. She received her bachelor’s degree in Communications from The University of Texas Pan American. Lynch said she hopes graduate school and her work experience will help her push toward her goal of becoming part of an administration team someday.

“TSTC is an advocate for their employees and they try to make you as successful as you can possibly be. Everyone is willing to work for the greater cause and for me it makes all the difference,” said Lynch. “I’m going to continue learning and developing. I love playing a part in graduating more students.”

For more information on donating visit tstc.edu or call The TSTC Foundation at 956-364-4500.

(Harlingen) – Texas State Technical College’s continuing education Commercial Driver License (CDL) course is approaching its second year, and has acquired partnerships with companies that are hiring the program graduates.

Coordinator of Special Projects for the Transportation Training Center Adan Treviño said gaining nearly 15 partnerships has been a huge advantage for the program and its students.

“This opportunity opens doors not only for the students being hired, but for our future students as well,” said Treviño. “I keep communication open with our companies to maintain the relationship and make sure our students continue meeting the industry’s demand for truck drivers.”

TSTC’s CDL hiring partners include – UPS Inc., FedEx, Celadon, Labatt Food Service, HEB, Valley Trucking, Home Depot Inc., Coca-Cola, Hygeia, Petro Chem Transport Inc., Heyl Truck Lines, Werner Enterprises, Paschall Truck Lines (PTL), Swift Transportation, Con-Way Freight and 7UP.

PTL Regional Student Development Manager Mike Rojas has hired TSTC CDL students in the past and is looking for new recruits.

“We hire people straight out of school,” said Rojas. “We want to give them the opportunity to get the experience they need. I used to be in their shoes, and I know how hard it can be, but TSTC is doing a good job at preparing them for the field.”

With students having the opportunity to get hired immediately, and laws continually changing, revisions have also been made to the program to continue to meet industry needs so students are more employable and readily trained for the workforce.

All program lessons are tailored to the Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) exams that students must pass before receiving their truck driver’s license. Those taking the course will have access to practice tests, study materials and training videos, in addition to hands-on experience.

“We need to make sure our students are well educated in all areas,” said Treviño. “Our goal is have our students pass and create a successful career.”

Students enrolled in the CDL course can now also expect to graduate with endorsements, meaning they can become certified to handle hazardous materials, and in doubles and triples, which means they can pull multiple trailers.

Additionally, the CDL program has acquired a tanker trailer, making it the only CDL course in the Rio Grande Valley to have one, and a dry van trailer. Both trucks came from the TSTC campuses in Sweetwater and Abilene. In total, the program has three trailers in use for students’ training during the four-week course.

Many of the students who enroll in the TSTC commercial driving course are learning the skill for the first time. During this course they learn everything from theory to road rules.

The tuition for the classes is $4,500 and covers everything from books to supplies. Students coming in from the Workforce Solutions in Cameron County and Willacy County, and from the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) receive tuition assistance. There is also a grant available for veterans.

“One thing that differentiates us from everyone else is that our students can choose where they want to work,” said Treviño. “We just give them the options.”

For more information on TSTC’s commercial driving class call Treviño at 956-364-4503.

(Harlingen) – David Campos has dedicated 15 years of his career to Texas State Technical College and was recently honored with a 2016 Chancellor’s Award at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards Dinner and Celebration.

The award given out by Chancellor Mike Reeser, is given to faculty and staff for their service to their college, communities and their state.

“I’m the type of guy who does the job because it has to get done and I enjoy it. I never look for a pat on the back or recognition,” said Campos. “So winning this award was an honor and I appreciate people taking notice in my work.”

Campos is Department Chair and Instructor for the Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics program. He began his journey at TSTC as a student in the same program. He earned his associate degree in 1989.

“Architecture and design is something I’ve always been interested in pursuing,” said Campos. “I studied it in high school, so finding a program at TSTC with experienced and knowledgeable faculty was a dream come true.”

Immediately after graduating with his associate degree Campos said faculty within his program helped him land a job in Waco in the aerospace industry. During his 12 years in North Texas, Campos also opened his own architectural business designing and constructing custom homes and commercial buildings.

“My business was short-lived;, it was opened for about six years, because when the opportunity to return to the RGV became available my wife and I jumped at the chance,” said Campos. “TSTC was offering me a position. Not only was this a new stage in my career, but also a chance to move closer to family.”

Taking the job offer at TSTC proved to be a good move for Campos. He said teaching and helping students grow has been rewarding.

“It’s really nice when students graduate and their parents thank you. Then the students come back once they’re working and they thank you also,” said Campos. “It makes me feel like I’m actually making a difference in someone’s life and in the community.”

It is also the very reason that Campos is earned the Chancellor’s Award according to Engineering Division Director Dan Bodnar.

“He is truly a person who deserves this award for all of his hard work and dedication to his program, his students and the college,” said Bodnar. “He brings to this program and his students real-world experiences through many community projects which enrich the students’ knowledge and help in the development of the community the students live.”

Campos hopes to grow and develop professionally with TSTC and that his leadership will continue to help the program expand.

“I’m going to continue working hard and doing my job,” said Campos. “I pray that our program continues to change lives and leads to successful careers.”

For more information on Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics call 956-364-4694. Registration for Fall 2016 is in progress. To apply or register visit tstc.edu.

(Harlingen) – Angelina Cruz, originally from Europe, but now residing in Harlingen, is currently a Business Management Technology student at Texas State Technical College. She is working toward an associate degree and is expected to graduate in Spring 2017. While working toward her degree, Cruz is completing her General Academic Core to prepare for a bachelor’s degree. Recently, she was also appointed as the Education and Humanities Division Student Senator.

What are your plans after graduation? After graduating I plan on transferring to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg to further my education. There I will pursue a bachelor’s degree in International Business.

What is your dream job? I would like to join a business and work my way up; become a manager and hopefully someday get hired at a corporate level. Ultimately, I would love to open my own music production business. I’ve played the piano since I was six years-old, I’ve sang with a European choir and I’ve always composed and written music. So opening my own studio would be a dream come true.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC? I’ve really been able to learn the ins and outs of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access, while studying my major here at TSTC. I’ve really strengthened my skill and I’m now able to help and tutor others in these programs.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life? Throughout my life I have faced challenges and have overcome obstacles that has taught me that one: Respect is earned, not given; and two: never take things for granted.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success? The follow instructors and people have been here for me and have really shown how much they care about my success. I know I can count on their help when I need it: Claudia Arnold, general studies instructor; Father George Gonzalez, music appreciation instructor; Scott Contois, mathematics instructor; and business technology instructors Eddie Benitez, Steve Szymoniak, Elvia Silva and Janie Cuellar.

What is your advice for future TSTC students? The key to a successful college career is punctuality, attendance and participation in class. Most importantly, read the material. Dedication and time management are huge factors in meeting goals.

(Harlingen) – Brownsville native Jonathan Orduña is majoring in Digital Media Design at Texas State Technical College. He is working toward his associate degree and is expected to graduate December 2017. Orduña said he is always looking for ways to get involved on campus, whether it is helping at campus events or being active in the Anime Club, Anime is a Japanese style of film and television animation.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation I plan on applying at anime companies around Texas. This is the first step toward my dream of directing an anime series.

What’s your dream job?

My dream is to become an anime director for Japanese and Western style anime series. I have my sights set on collaborating two of my favorite anime themes into one so that it can bridge two fictional worlds together.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

While at TSTC I’ve learned more patience, how to accept constructive criticism and how to keep an open mind. Also becoming more involved on campus has given me the opportunity to make more friends.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that life is about cherishing moments. It’s about balancing a work life from a personal life and to take time for those we care about. I’ve also realized that leaders exist to protect those that need a voice.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success?

Personally, all of my instructors have influenced my success; but if I had to pick I would say that Claudia Arnold, my college success instructor, has made the biggest impact. It is thanks to her that I have become more involved in campus activities, and her encouragement has really inspired me to never give up no matter what.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want to tell students to accept assistance, and keep the inspiration and motivation. These three things will help a student successfully complete their degree plan. Also, don’t give up on a dream and let it die. Fulfill your goal, realize your dream and pass it down to the next generations who will carry it on.

(Harlingen) – Brownsville native and United States Army veteran Benito Lara is working to earn his second associate degree from Texas State Technical College in Fall 2016 in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology. He earned his first associate degree from TSTC in 2015 from the Automotive Technology program and is currently employed with Gillman Chevrolet. Lara currently holds a 3.5 grade-point average.

What are your plans after graduation? I want to use the technical knowledge and skills  I have learned during my time at TSTC. I hope to find a job that will have a good retirement plan and benefits.

What is your dream job? My dream job is to work for the Customs and Border Protection as an automotive mechanic. I currently work at Gillman Chevrolet in Harlingen and I’m loving my job, especially, because my manager supports graduates and veterans from TSTC.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC? I owe my greatest accomplishments at TSTC to the support programs that are in place at TSTC such as the Veterans Center. These programs were the key reason I was able to achieve a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and graduate with honors when I completed the Automotive Technology program and received my associate degree.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life? I have learned to be humble and accept that there is life after being in the U.S. Army for 23 years. I have been deployed to Kosovo, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq and coming back it is great to see the support for military veterans at TSTC. I appreciate the support I have received from Joe Villegas and Steve Guevara from the Veterans Center at the college.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success? The person at TSTC who has influenced me the most is Adan Gutierrez, Industrial and Manufacturing division director. He has had a huge impact on the success I have found at TSTC with his great instruction and advice.

What is your advice for future TSTC students? My advice for future TSTC students is to use all of the available assistance programs offered to them by the college. They need to take initiative in all they do and never give up. TSTC will definitely prepare them for future success.

(HARLINGEN) – Christopher Sanchez recently took listeners to another planet with his voice and stage magnetism.

Sanchez, 21, a third-semester Auto Collision Technology major at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen, played a keyboard and sang “Drops of Jupiter” by Train and won the Texas Music Café and Texas State Technical College’s Talent Search on Friday, June 17, at TSTC in Waco.

As the winner, the Combes resident received a $5,000 recording contract and the opportunity to perform on a future Texas Music Café show. Some of the tracks Sanchez will record with the contract will be featured on Texas Music Cafe’s radio show and web site.

“I didn’t stress myself about it,” Sanchez said shortly after being announced the winner. “The contest reminded me of when I would play with some of my bands in high school.”

Twenty-six students competed in area Talent Search contests throughout the spring in Abilene, Harlingen, Marshall and Waco. A relative encouraged Sanchez to sign up for the Harlingen competition, where he sang and played Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody.”

“What was surprising is the level of talent we found,” said Chris Ermoian, Texas Music Café’s executive producer and a former instructor of television production at TSTC in Waco. “TSTC is not a music school, but the intent of the contest was about having fun.”

Sanchez was chosen for the Texas Music Educators Association’s All-State Choir for three years while he attended Harlingen High School, where he graduated in 2013.

He began piano lessons when he was 6 and played periodically throughout school.

“It was something to do for fun and to feel how to perform for people,” he said.

Sanchez had another accomplishment recently — he earned a black belt in Goju-Ryu karate. He has been taking karate lessons since he was 8.

“The music and martial arts is my yin and yang,” he said. “Music is my spiritual outlet. I like to train and stay in shape.”

Sanchez is the second generation in his family to attend TSTC. His father, Marco Sanchez, studied Auto Body Technology and graduated in the late 1970s. When Sanchez was growing up, his father worked in auto body shops, management and appraising.

After graduation in December, Sanchez wants to pursue music opportunities as they arise and work for his family’s company, Property Damage Appraisers Inc., in Combes. He ultimately wants to take over the business so his father can retire.

“In being around that all my life, it’s always going to be part of me,” the TSTC student said.

Texas Music Café is available on selected PBS stations but is not currently aired on KMBH HD in the Rio Grande Valley.