Those interests in mechanical and electronic engineering led him to enroll at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, where he is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics Technology and where his father is an instructor in the same program.

Reyes said the moments he spent building electronic kits with his father were fun, and the robotics students’ collaboration with each other was inspiring.

“The kits were basically Legos, but with more electrical components,” he said. “At my old high school, I would get a glimpse of the robotics club photos and competitions. I found it really interesting.”

Reyes’ father, Carlos Reyes, is a TSTC alumnus. He earned an Electronic Servicing Technology certificate of completion in 1981 and an Electronics Technology Associate of Applied Science degree in 1986 from the college.

The third-year Mechatronics instructor has been teaching at TSTC for more than 20 years.

Mentoring his son and the new spring cohort motivates him to train them for success.

“I advise them to learn as much as possible while in the program,” he said.

Jose Reyes remarked that his father is definitely another reason why he enrolled.

“Just by the fact that he teaches what I am going to be learning is an advantage,” he said. “By observing his projects, I will be able to comprehend the material and future endeavors.”

He revealed that what excites him is the program’s future.

“The modern world is starting to run solely on technology and different components of mechatronics technology,” he said. “I am excited to learn how the things that I create work the way they do.”

In Texas, electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians can earn around $69,000 a year. The number of these jobs in the state is expected to increase 8% by 2028.

TSTC offers Mechatronics Technology at the Harlingen campus, where students can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree or an Electromechanical Automation occupational skills award.

For more information, go to tstc.edu.

Veronica Munguia, a TSTC Culinary Arts instructor, said various regions prepare them differently.

“We use cornhusks, fill and fold over the masa for the ones we are most familiar with,” she said. “Some examples are the Oaxacan tamales, which are wrapped in banana leaves adding a unique flavor. In Michoacán, there is a sweet tamale called the Canarian. It is prepared with rice flour and other ingredients that are mixed together then wrapped in corn husks and cooked.”

The tamale, which originated from Mesoamerica, dates back to ancient civilizations as early as 8000 BC.

It is traditional for family and friends to come together during the holidays and help prepare them. The process is lengthy, but well-deserved.

Tamales are made of masa, a ground corn moistened with water and wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves. Traditionally, they are filled with pork, beef, chicken and beans. Modern recipes now include beef brisket, black bean and cheese, seafood, habanero pork, and countless others.

And, there is a special day just for the tamale. March 23 is National Tamale Day.

As new chefs make their footprint, only time will tell how their tamales will revolutionize and honor tradition.

The yearly median salary in Texas for chefs and head cooks is over $56,000, with more than 7,700 chefs needed by 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop website.

TSTC’s Culinary Arts program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and several certificates of completion at the Harlingen, East Williamson County, and Waco campuses.

Registration for the spring semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC’s Advocacy and Resource Center will host a grand opening for its new center Feb. 2.

“One of the biggest projects we are excited for is remodeling and expanding our Advocacy and Resource Center on campus,” said Belinda Palomino, TSTC’s Advocacy and Resource Center coordinator. “The new space will provide more access to services for all students.”

Resources available for students through the center include the food pantry, child care assistance program, transportation assistance program, and the book and tool loan program.

A virtual information session Jan. 19 will follow the grand opening.

The center has scheduled a community resource fair on Feb. 9.

Lisa Garza, TSTC’s Advocacy and Resource Center coach, said the center will extend invitations to TSTC students and community organizations.

“Information will be provided about programs and services available for students that need assistance with basic needs,” she said. “For example, child care providers, food pantries, affordable healthcare organizations and much more.”

A Women in Technology event will be held March 8, geared toward recruiting women into TSTC’s Automotive Technology, Precision Machining Technology and Electrical Lineworker Technology programs.

“Women who are currently enrolled at TSTC and haven’t decided on a pathway yet – or other young women who have yet to begin their educational journey – can attend this event,” Palomino said.

March 8 is International Women’s Day. The department’s focus for the Women in Technology event is to inspire female prospective students to challenge themselves in an in-demand field and pursue a technical degree.

Students will also have the opportunity to attend life skills workshops throughout the spring semester.

Additional information and a calendar of events can be found by visiting the Advocacy and Resource Center’s “culture of caring” website through the TSTC portal.

To learn more about TSTC, go to tstc.edu.

He graduated from Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus in May 2001 with a certificate of completion in Computerized Bookkeeping.

“I was excellent at handling money,” he said. “I sold auto parts for vehicles and motorcycles as a side job. However, the economy was not at its best in 2008. I had to seek other ventures to earn an income.”

Davis later served as a plumber at Valley Baptist Hospital in Harlingen. On several occasions he was referred to air conditioning duties based on his expertise as a mechanic.

Then the pandemic became an issue.

Consequently he chose to broaden his knowledge in air conditioning at TSTC’s Harlingen campus. He graduated from TSTC with a certificate of completion in HVAC Technology in August 2021.

Davis is currently an appliance technician with Conn’s HomePlus.

“This job is never boring, and I enjoy that,” he said. “The job duties are different every day. I meet many individuals, and it is never repetitive.”

The scope of Davis’ duties entails maintenance on refrigerators, washing machines, clothes dryers, and freezers.

“I use a scanner on refrigerators and freezers to determine if low refrigerant is detected,” he said. “It could have a locked compressor fault. If it does, I proceed to remove the back panel and use a multimeter to analyze the compressor pongs. I review the ohm and the ground readings. If this turns out to be bad, I have to recover the refrigerant, pull it out and reinstall a new compressor. Then I pull the vacuum. I apply a pressure test, and the final step is to refill it with refrigerant.”

Davis was informed that a technician at his place of employment normally meets company goals around the first year. After completing the first month of training, he has exceeded company goals for three straight months. His secret, he said, is being polite to customers.

Luis Villarreal, service manager for the Rio Grande Valley for Conn’s HomePlus, said he is impressed with how well Davis has done.

“His customer satisfaction rates are more than 98%,” he said. “He has been employed with the company for only four months. We are very pleased with his performance.”

Davis remarked that what he enjoys is helping customers.

“Every client’s home environment is different,” he said. “I enjoy helping to alleviate their stress by offering these services that not everyone can do.”

On its Harlingen campus, TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in HVAC Technology and an HVAC Technician certificate of completion.

HVAC Technology is one of TSTC’s Performance-Based Education programs. PBE programs allow students to study both online and in person, at a flexible pace, and with a class schedule that can accommodate their lives outside of TSTC.

HVAC mechanics and installers can earn an average of $48,030 per year in Texas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These types of positions are expected to grow by 16% in the state through 2028, according to onetonline.org.

Registration for the spring semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Jean Lashbrook, TSTC’s associate provost, said she appreciates the recognition of 25 years with the college.

“That is a long time unless you absolutely love what you do!” she said. “I love my job at TSTC and having had a small part of changing lives through education.”

Paul Leonard, TSTC’s Academic Science associate professor, mentioned that it is reassuring to know I have done a great job in 30 years.

“It has been a good ride,” he said. “I have met many fine individuals. Hopefully I have influenced many lives as well.”

Eva Ortega, TSTC’s developmental math instructor, added that it has been an honor to help students achieve their educational goals in her 20th  year of service.

“It has been a good experience working for TSTC, serving our students and being a team member alongside with faculty,” she said.

David Cantu III, TSTC’s help desk analyst, said it has been a blessing to be with TSTC for 10 years.

“I hope to continue working for TSTC and retire,” he said. “The people and the culture make it a great place to work.”

To honor the occasion, 65 faculty and staff members were recognized and received service award plaques, a TSTC-branded laptop backpacks and other items.

For more information, go to tstc.edu.

Here is a look back at some of the semester’s highlights:

New leadership

Amanda Posada, TSTC’s executive director of Dual Enrollment, became the interim provost of the Harlingen campus. Former campus provost Cledia Hernandez took on the role of TSTC’s associate vice chancellor for External Relations and Workforce Development.

More opportunities

The TSTC Foundation received a grant from the Rio-South Texas Education and Community Development Foundation for TSTC’s Biomedical Equipment Technology program and The TSTC Foundation’s Goal Line Assistance Scholarship, providing new training equipment and aiding students who may be facing financial difficulties during their final year at TSTC.

High-flying students

Adrian Nacianceno, a TSTC Aircraft Airframe student, and Izzy Ortiz, a TSTC Aircraft Powerplant student, are the stewards of an X-38 space prototype vehicle frame for research purposes. Once their project is complete, the X-38 will be used as a beacon to inspire other students to consider careers related to space exploration.

History-making grad

Claudia Reyes is a 2019 graduate of TSTC’s Computer Networking and Security Technology (now Computer Networking and Systems Administration) program. Her fascination with working with computers, analyzing crime documentaries and advocating against cyberbullying led her to return to TSTC to pursue an advanced technical certificate in Digital Forensics Specialist. She added a new credential to her portfolio by becoming the first student in the program to earn the AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE) certification.

A commencement to celebrate

The TSTC campus in Harlingen marked the return to an in-person commencement ceremony Dec. 8 at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg. More than 300 graduates walked across the stage to accept a TSTC occupational skills award, certificate of completion or associate degree.

TSTC congratulates all of its students and graduates for their accomplishments, and looks forward to what the next semester will bring.

Registration for the spring semester at TSTC is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

The multi-agency training included members of the TSTC Police Department, several local police departments, and area magistrates and prosecutors.

The training covered all aspects of temporary tag enforcement, including countermeasures, detections, interviews, and criminal charges. The event benefited TSTC and the surrounding community by offering tactics that can improve patrol operations. That knowledge will assist all attendees in traffic law enforcement.

Additional focal points of the training included examining the definition of an eTAG, the reasons behind the alteration of eTAGs, and other areas.

Escribano discussed a temporary tag system known as webDEALER, which the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles operates. The system is used to create buyer tags, process title applications and simplify processing dealer tags throughout the state in real-time for law enforcement officials.

“There are three security lines that run through a tag,” he said. “These are the same as permits. There will be a geometric layout, state seal, and a bar code reader.”

Drivers cannot operate a vehicle that displays a temporary tag that is in violation of a transportation code – or any other unauthorized temporary tag. If they do, their vehicle will eventually be pulled over.

Juan Lucio, a TSTC police officer, added that identifying the specific clues to the various types of eTAGS is interesting.

“Typically, we do not get this type of traffic with buyers near the campus,” he said. “These situations normally occur at auctions. However, we do keep an open mind. We never know if a driver might reroute through our area. In that scenario, this course will definitely be beneficial.”

For more information about the Clean Air Task Force in Austin, visit traviscountytx.gov/constables/3/clean-air.

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

With that electrical knowledge, Jimenez decided to pursue the Electrical Lineworker Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus. He graduated with a certificate of completion last August.

Jimenez began his lineworker career as an operator with Axis Power in Helotes, where he worked for three months.

He said his duties there entailed establishing poles between energized power lines while ensuring safety protocols.

“You perform many tasks manually as far as setting up the pole, tamping the dirt around the pole and centering the pole straight,” he said.

Jimenez said he enjoyed the responsibility he was given at Axis Power.

“I am thankful for TSTC’s lineworker program because it provided a step up with that job opportunity in Helotes,” he said. “That knowledge greatly benefited me. For example, when my supervisor asked me to perform a particular task, I immediately knew what to do.”

Brandon Barnum, a journeyman/foreman for Axis Power, said he was pleased with Jimenez’s skills as a quick learner.

“What we strive for is to have our new employees gain experience in a contracting world,” he said. “Your skill level will be much more valuable when you work at an energy cooperative.”

Recently Jimenez began new employment as an electrical lineworker with Magic Valley Electric Cooperative in Mercedes. He hopes to excel in the job.

His motivation to excel in his career is a result of treating his profession as a brotherhood.

“The feeling of knowing I am leaving my footprint in this world and helping my community, it makes me proud,” he said. “This is something I can tell my children about when I am older.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical power line installers and repairers can earn an average annual salary of $55,880 in Texas. Onetonline.org projects that there will be an increase of 16% in the number of such jobs in the state by 2028.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Lineworker Technology and an Electrical Lineworker certificate of completion at its Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall and Waco campuses.

The program is part of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee, which refunds a graduate’s tuition if he or she has not found a job in their field within six months of graduation.

Registration for the spring semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Experiences like these, along with his kitchen expertise, are what Texas State Technical College graduate Hipolito Garcia brings to his culinary students at San Benito High School.

Garcia earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts from TSTC in 2017.

While he was enrolled at TSTC, he assisted lead culinary instructor Emma Creps in a recruitment event at Brownsville’s Hanna High School. He enjoyed the engagement with the students, and the experience would be the deciding factor in his career transition after graduation.

After earning his degree, Garcia began teaching at the Windham School District, one of the largest correctional education systems in the nation.

“My experience at Windham was very rewarding,” he said. “What I enjoyed is that these individuals were eager to learn because culinary is very much hands-on.”

After two years, Garcia was ready for the next phase of his career. He applied for the Culinary Arts instructor position at San Benito High School, and he was hired the following day.

Garcia recalled his first year of teaching being difficult due to COVID-19 with online learning. Then the high school returned to in-person learning at the start of this school year.

Rodolfo Ramirez, principal of San Benito High School, said Garcia has high standards for his craft and skill in the kitchen.

“Chef Garcia has led a brand-new Culinary Arts program through a challenging remote-learning year,” he said. “The impact he has made on our school community by sharing his own talents, skills and love for cooking with students, staff and even our parents by the way he leads the Culinary Arts program is incredible.”

Garcia said witnessing his students’ motivation pleases him.

“One of their favorite dishes is chicken cordon bleu,” he said. “The final product was breaded chicken breast, stuffed with ham, bacon, spinach and mozzarella cheese, topped with Mornay cheese sauce. The sides were mashed potatoes and broccoli.”

Garcia’s success has also led to an increase in student requests to enroll in his class.

Fernando Rosa, career and technology director for San Benito High School, noted that the chef’s dedication to the success of the program played a major role in getting it off the ground.

“The students’ participation in culinary events and the quality of the products they have produced has really improved,” he said.

Garcia plans to participate in the high school’s after-school program beginning in January. He will teach basic culinary elements.

The yearly median salary in Texas for chefs and head cooks is over $56,000, with more than 7,700 chefs needed by 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop website.

TSTC’s Culinary Arts program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and several certificates of completion at the East Williamson County, Harlingen and Waco campuses.

Registration for the spring semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

The multi-agency training collaboration included the TSTC Police Department, the Department of Public Safety, and several police departments from area municipalities and independent school districts.

The training included safety protocols and procedures and was designed to educate law enforcement officers about how to isolate, distract and neutralize an active assailant.

Other topics included room-entry techniques, approaching and breaching a crisis site, and secondary-responder tactics. The course concluded with mock drills of real-life scenarios.

Course instructor Myra Draaven reviewed lifesaving techniques to be utilized once an incident is stopped. She mentioned how crucial it is to have various tools and equipment available.

“A tourniquet is a great resource to use on a victim,” she said. “If you have one, you have none. But if you have two, then you have one.”

Michael Salinas, a TSTC patrol officer, said the information was very beneficial.

“I believe this highlights the need to be extra prepared — it pays dividends to come into a situation with additional lifesaving tools,” he said. “For example, while our officers do carry a tourniquet on their duty-belt at all times, it could become overly relied upon that it will work. Having a backup to the backup would be an invaluable benefit to saving lives.”

The training benefits the TSTC community because it prepares the TSTC officers to collaborate with other agencies if an active assailant event were to take place. The training shortens response time by allowing the responding officers to seamlessly work together and save lives.

For more information about the ALERRT program, visit https://alerrt.org/.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.