(FORT BEND) – From lost to found, Texas State Technical College alumna Georgeann Calzada attended classes on the Harlingen campus during a time when her future was uncertain. She now finds herself back at TSTC, this time as an employee ready to help college students the same way she once was helped.

Calzada now works at the TSTC campus in Fort Bend County as director of student services while finishing up graduate school at Sam Houston State University, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in higher education administration.

But it has been a difficult decade to get where she is today.

The 33-year-old single mother first graduated from TSTC in 2007 with an associate degree in business office technology, which is now business management technology.

“I found myself at TSTC,” said Calzada. “I had just had a baby. I was a single parent and I was lost, but the support I received at the college was invaluable to my growth.”

It was during Calzada’s time at TSTC that her passion for higher education began to blossom. She was involved with Student Government Association, serving as secretary and president. It was through her student leadership positions that she started to see the importance of a college experience outside of a classroom.

“I had no idea where life was taking me. I was living off of food stamps and Medicaid,” said Calzada. “I suddenly then fell into my career. I had no set plans of going into higher education, but now I can’t see myself doing anything else.”

Calzada got her feet wet in higher education when she worked for TSTC as a pre-tech advisor for the High School Equivalency Program, working closely with the General Educational Development (GED) student population.

“I’ve always advised students that TSTC is just the beginning to a successful career,” said Calzada. “It’s an important stepping stone in their life and it definitely was in mine.”

Calzada went on to transfer to the University of Texas at Brownsville, where she received a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science degree with minors in sociology, psychology and business technology.

Calzada also worked for Texas State University as a freshman academic advisor for four years, before deciding it was time for a change.

Fortunately, Calzada was offered her new position at TSTC and made the move to Fort Bend County.

“I was shocked when I was offered this position,” said Calzada. “I wanted it so badly, yet it was my worst interview ever. But I guess my experience was enough. This job is exactly what I need right now.”

The student services director is now ready to help students find themselves, the way TSTC helped her chart her future.

“I’m here to bring their (students’) dreams to life,” said Calzada. “I’m here to make sure they succeed, and I promise that there will always be help for them if they need it.”

In the New Year Calzada plans to make the most out of homework-free evenings. She plans on spending more time with her son, traveling and enjoying having family nearby once again.

For more information on programs offered at TSTC in Fort Bend County, call 346-239-3438 or visit tstc.edu.