TSTC graduate grows into career

(WACO, Texas) – The last three years will be a period that Holly Herbelin will not forget.

Herbelin dealt with family health issues and worked through the COVID-19 pandemic to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management Technology from Texas State Technical College. She completed the online program in August.

“You really have to be motivated to get your studies done if you are completely online and working,” Herbelin said.

Herbelin works at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center –  Hillcrest in Waco. She worked for18 years in the radiology department as a patient service specialist before taking a new job within the hospital in May as a supervisor of clinic operations – imaging services.

“That is the job I ultimately wanted to have,” she said.

She took her laptop to work, and whenever she could get a few spare minutes, even if it would be in the middle of a 12-hour shift before the sun rose, she would do homework.

“I would steal every single minute, every hour, during the day, night and weekends, to get everything done,” Herbelin said. “I tried to stay on top of it.”

She said that toward the end of her studies she could feel burnout coming on. She did not take a semester off during her studies.

“Holly demonstrated above-average scholastic capabilities and leadership skills while enrolled in my cooperative education course,” said Connie Moncus, an instructor in TSTC’s Business Management Technology program. “As a student, she expressed motivation through her thorough presentations, her challenging input and her insightful expositions.”

Steven Szymoniak, an instructor in TSTC’s Business Management Technology program, admired Herbelin’s work ethic throughout her time at TSTC.

“She is a very tenacious and focused student on her commitment and dedication toward success,” Szymoniak said.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.