(HARLINGEN) -Brothers Robert and Wade Reynolds came to Texas State Technical College after feeling insecure about their futures at Texas A&M Kingsville.

“We saw our friends and classmates graduate with debt and unable to find jobs,” said Robert. “That scared us.”

Robert was majoring in music and Wade was majoring in history. Both had taken out school loans and were constantly worried about money.

“Money was tight,” said Robert. “We’re not a rich family. How to pay for college was always a discussion.”

That is why when both men decided to return home and pursue an associate degree in Wind Energy Technology, their father Grady Reynolds was ecstatic.

“I know this is a good career goal for my sons,” he said. “I don’t want them to worry about finances and work hard, laborious jobs like I did. I want them to have a nice life.”

It was the wind farm that was erected nearby their home in Bayview that first sparked the men’s interest in the wind energy field.

“We researched jobs and wages and there’s a lot of opportunity,” said Wade. “I saw that I could find security in a career.”

Both brothers are expected to graduate from the program in Spring 2018 and have big dreams for themselves and each other.

Robert said he has his eyes set on General Electric and already started looking up job duties and requirements on the company’s listings.

“I hope to be a lead technician someday, or oversee an entire site,” he said. “I have a lot to work toward and look forward to.”

In the near future, Robert hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.

As for Wade, he said his main goal is to find a steady job that pays well, so he can make his dream of becoming a homeowner a reality.

“I’ve always wanted my own home and I know this career can help me get there,” said Wade. “I no longer feel insecure about my future. This is where I’m meant to be.”

Robert and Wade agree that as students in TSTC’s Wind Energy Technology they feel more prepared every day to enter the workforce. They added that the hands-on experience is what makes all of the difference.

Their instructor David Gomez describes the men as exceptional students who are a pleasure to teach.

“They come to school prepared, are very attentive and hard working,” said Gomez. “They both have a genuine interest in Wind Energy and that is the key for success. Both of these young men will have great success in the near future. I am certain of that.”

Both men said being at TSTC has made them better students because they do not have to worry or focus on money.

“I’ve become a better student, probably because my dad is around pushing me to get things done,” said Wade jokingly. “In all seriousness though, the stresses we had in Kingsville financially have lifted since coming to TSTC.”

Neither brother has needed to take out a loan this time around. Grants and scholarships are helping both get through TSTC debt free.

“I highly recommend TSTC to anyone looking to start a career or make a career move,” said Robert. “Not only because it’s affordable, but because the training here makes you more marketable and helps you start your life.”

Wind Energy Technology is offered at the TSTC Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses. For more information or to register for Fall 2017 call 956-364-4780 or visit tstc.edu.