(FORT BEND) – Kendleton, Texas native Miguel Cervantes is currently a student at the Fort Bend County Campus of Texas State Technical College. The 23-year-old expects to graduate in August 2016 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Equipment Technology with a heavy truck specialization. Cervantes currently boasts a 3.4 grade-point average and said he couldn’t be any more excited about graduation being around the corner because he looks forward to his new career.
What are your plans after graduation? I want to immediately start working in my field. I can’t wait to start making my own money and stop living on a college student budget.
What’s your dream job? I would like to work for an oil-field company as their Diesel Technician. If that doesn’t happen right away, I would also like to work for a large construction or mining company. I’ve got several career plans and options to consider.
What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC? I have had great academic success because I’m more disciplined as a student since having worked as a diesel technician on tractors prior to enrolling at TSTC, and because of the extensive hands-on learning I am receiving at this college to improve my skills. I didn’t do well in high school, so my grades in college make me look like a genius now. I’m proud I now have good grades.
What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life? I’ve learned you must take risks in order to succeed in life. Opportunities will not seek you, you must seek them. This is important to remember especially when opportunities are outside of your comfort zone.
Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success? As far as teaching me life skills it’s instructor Keith Klix. My instructor Gary Voelkel has also been an excellent inspiration. He has years of experience in the diesel equipment field and he is always willing to share his knowledge.
What is your advice for future TSTC students? Incoming students need to realize that everything the instructors talk about and teach will show up later in your career, so it’s best to learn the material and make mistakes now, than out in the field later.
