![\"TSTC](\"https:\/\/news.tstc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/TSTC-DiversityInSTEM-2-72dpi.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\u201cI think this is a great opportunity that opens doors for us,\u201d said Sanchez. \u201cI\u2019ve learned a lot today about the different careers that are available to us here at TSTC and how I could turn my hobby of building things into a career.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event, which was hosted by TSTC\u2019s Enrollment Management, Support Services and Student Recruitment departments, included information booths on admissions, financial aid and other student services.<\/p>\n
Attendees heard from keynote speaker Stacey Perales, a TSTC Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology lab assistant, and Marty Capetillo, a TSTC Dental Hygiene student.<\/p>\n
Program tours were offered in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics, Agricultural Technology, Automotive Technology, Building Construction Technology, Chemical Technology, HVAC Technology and Precision Machining Technology.<\/p>\n
TSTC enrollment coach Anna Cortez said Diversity in STEM Day is about exposing both girls and boys to nontraditional careers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIntroducing them to programs early on is important because there is always a fear factor,\u201d said Cortez. \u201cThe firsthand look can help ease nerves and allows them see for themselves what the program is about and hopefully find a mentor.\u201d<\/p>\n
Each program tour was approximately one hour and included hands-on activities such as building toolboxes and planters, creating dice using machine shop equipment, and changing a tire and the oil of a car.<\/p>\n
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Weslaco East High School junior Mia Ramos made a pair of dice while touring Precision Machining Technology. She said she has always been interested in designing and would consider either machining or architectural design as a career.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s event has opened my eyes to program options I can pursue when I graduate from high school,\u201d said Ramos. \u201cIt\u2019s been a great experience getting insight into TSTC and hearing from different speakers. But my favorite part was learning how to use new machines.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 16-year-old said that although she has a dream of graduating as a Texas Longhorn, she will begin her college career at TSTC to get a head start and gain experience in either architecture or machining.<\/p>\n
Cortez said overall the event was successful and it was great watching students excitedly share their experiences with one another.<\/p>\n
She also said she hopes the program continues to grow and the collaboration between departments, programs and school districts remains strong.<\/p>\n
\u201cTSTC students have told us that it\u2019s because of events like this that they were encouraged to enroll, so we know that they have a huge impact,\u201d said Cortez. \u201cWe hope that students will feel empowered after completing this event and will realize that they are capable of achieving everything they put their minds to.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spring registration for new students begins Nov. 12. There will be a Registration Rally, a one-stop registration event, on Tuesday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.<\/p>\n