(HARLINGEN) – Santa Rosa High School senior David Lee Garza recently walked into his school’s library after his morning classes ready to register for his first semester at Texas State Technical College.

Garza is one of nearly 40 students that chose to attend TSTC during National Decision Day, the deadline for high school seniors to pick their college. High schools across the country dedicate an event for their students to celebrate their final decisions.

This was Santa Rosa High School’s first National Decision Day event and nearly half of the senior class decided to attend TSTC.

“We have 91 students graduating and we’re proud that they’re looking toward college,” said Santa Rosa High School principal Rebecca Corpus. “And it’s wonderful that many are staying close to home at TSTC because this college has opened doors of opportunity for so many of our students.”

TSTC representatives from recruitment, admissions and financial aid recently set up a registration station at the Santa Rosa High School library to help students finalize all paperwork and register for classes.

TSTC Director of Recruitment Dora Colvin said they are excited that students like Garza have chosen to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) programs at TSTC.

“STEM careers are growing and are in demand,” she said. “At TSTC these students will be provided with the skills needed to fill STEM-related jobs.”

“This is truly a collaborative effort between TSTC and Santa Rosa High School,” she added. Our staff is committed to helping our students have a smooth transition from high school to college. We are here to help our students succeed.”

Garza, who has chosen to attend TSTC in the fall, has decided to major in vocational nursing, a field he has known he has always wanted to pursue.

“My sister, who also studied vocational nursing at TSTC, is the one who encouraged my decision,” Garza said.

The 18-year-old also mentioned that a huge deciding factor for him also was affordability.

“TSTC is affordable and will allow my family and I to save money,” he said. “Because I plan on pursuing registered nursing there also.”

Garza’s mother Lori Ann Garza said she is excited that Garza has decided to stay close to home.

“I always tell him, you’re going to get a good education wherever you go because it’s what you make of it,” she said. “But for the field he wants to pursue I know TSTC is the best place for him.”

Lori said she is very proud of her son and said she will always support his decisions.

“I have so many hopes and dreams for him. I want him to accomplish everything he can,” she said. “I want him to do well and help people.”

Her dream is the same dream that her son’s principal and TSTC has for all of their students.

“Our students are extraordinary and have great talent and TSTC is instrumental in preparing them for work and the real world,” said Corpus. “TSTC makes college accessible for many and gives students the vision they need to make their dreams come true.”

Registration for Fall 2017 is in progress. For more information on the technologies offered at TSTC visit tstc.edu.