(HARLINGEN) – May 14, 2018 will be a special day for Harlingen native Sebastian Tovar. It will be the day he begins the career he has been working toward since enrolling at Texas State Technical College in 2016.

The 21-year-old just graduated from TSTC with an associate degree in Building Construction Technology and with a job offer from SpawGlass, a Texas-based commercial and civil contractor, as an assistant superintendent in San Antonio.

“Before getting the job offer I felt like every other college student, worried about what was next,” said Tovar. “But when I got the call, there was a big weight lifted off. I was excited, it was everything I had worked for.”

As a former intern with SpawGlass in Harlingen, Tovar credits his new career to SpawGlass Project Manager and his former supervisor Danny Hawkins.  

While an intern, Tovar worked on the Texas Regional Bank construction project, said Hawkins, site supervisor who encouraged Tovar to take on new challenges.

“Sebastian was a hard worker and quick learner,” said Hawkins. “It was impressive on how engaged and willing he was to learn new things. He grew fast in the few months he was with us. There is no doubt he has a bright future with our company. He is a great asset and we miss him here in Harlingen.”

During his internship with SpawGlass t, Tovar went from shadowing project managers and superintendents to leading safety meetings and managing site teams.

“Danny really helped me move out of my comfort zone and challenge myself,” said Tovar. “I really learned a lot from him and in the field. I’m ready for my new adventure. It’s been a long time coming.”

When Tovar graduated from high school in 2015, the Eagle Scout who wanted to serve his country, joined the Army reserves.

After a year of basic training, he enrolled at a south Texas university. For a man who grew up working with his father, who is a welder, at construction sites and enjoys working outside and with his hands, university life was not for him.

“I changed majors a couple of times: music and political science,” said Tovar. “But I didn’t like it. I felt like I didn’t belong. I was only a number, so I dropped out and moved back home.”

Enticed by the opportunity to learn by doing, Tovar enrolled at TSTC.

“My experience at TSTC was so different from that at the university. It was so much better,” he said. “My instructors actually know my name, they care about my success, our success, as students. And nothing tops hands-on training.”

Tovar said TSTC helped him find his purpose in life and gave him the foundation he needed to start a career.

“Everything I learned in the classroom I applied during my internship and I’m positive I’m going to use it all in my new job. TSTC prepares you for the real-world and I’m excited for my future,” he said.

At TSTC, Tovar had the opportunity to also earn a National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Level 1 carpentry, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 and forklift certifications through TSTC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education department.

“These additional certifications not only make me a more knowledgeable employee, but they make me more competitive in an already competitive market,” said Tovar.

When it is all said and done, Tovar said he is glad he is no longer living with regret about dropping out of the university and that he’s been able to make his family and girlfriend Serena Hernandez, who have encouraged and supported him along the way, proud.

“I feel good, I’m ready,” he said. “My stars have aligned and everything has fallen into place and I can’t wait to work with SpawGlass and grow in the industry and with the company.”

Tovar and Hernandez have already made the move to San Antonio.

For more information Building Construction Technology, offered at TSTC’s Waco and Harlingen campuses, visit tstc.edu.