(WACO) — Thirteen proved to be a lucky number for students in Texas State Technical College’s Visual Arts Society who recently attended the Dallas Society of Visual Communications conference.

The Visual Arts Society are students pursuing Associate of Applied Science degrees in Visual Communication Technology. Thirteen students had their tickets paid by TSTC’s provost office to attend the conference for the first time in two years.

“This was my first time at DSVC, and it surprised me how much variety (there was) and (with) the talent of the speakers during the breakout sessions,” VAS president Raychel Mynarcik said. “Getting to meet the designer that came up with the current Vitaminwater, Smartwater and Powerade labels was awesome.”

The Dallas Society of Visual Communications was founded in 1957 and has grown to become one of the largest independent organizations of its kind. The conference provided networking and job opportunities for attendees.

“Getting to hear the speakers and their process and their journey getting their jobs was so inspiring. I found it to be super motivating,” club treasurer Samantha Westbrook said.

Students were able to meet with industry leaders, participate in group challenges and submit individual works for critique.

“My highlight was winning a box of macaroons during a 360 branding challenge by Neiman Marcus design representatives. It was really cool having my ideas being recognized and chosen,” Mynarcik said.

As the industry evolves, students were exposed to new ways their degree and creativity could be applied in the workforce.

“The biggest thing I learned was that there is a whole market for app design. That’s something I find to be really cool and maybe want to pursue a career in,” VAS public relations officer Christina Pace said.

Although the TSTC provost’s office paid for the students’ admission cost, members of the Visual Arts Society hosted fundraisers for the remaining trip fees and split the cost of gas.

“The provost’s office sponsors student events as often as possible. I know it will be one of the highlights of their time at TSTC, and I can’t wait to see what their futures hold,” TSTC Provost Adam Hutchison said. “I personally know TSTC graduates from the program who attended the conference, and I saw how they were inspired, encouraged and better prepared to find great jobs through their participation with DSVC.”

“These kids are so good,” Stacie Buterbaugh, instructor and the club’s sponsor, said. “They worked so hard and had multiple fundraisers like bakes sales and selling pizza and candy and sodas at events hosted on campus.”

VAS plans to attend the conference next spring and is using the previous trip in April as recruitment for new members.

“I like seeing these students be exposed to what’s outside the classroom and get a glimpse at the long-term opportunities. It’s so easy to get stuck and focus on one project and one assignment, but this allows them to see everything as part of a bigger picture and learn from their experiences,” Buterbaugh said.

TSTC in Waco offers the associate degree in Visual Communication Technology.

Registration for fall classes at TSTC is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.