Summary
The reasons why the students chose to attend Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus were many and varied.
(ROSENBERG, Texas) – The parking lot on campus was full the morning of Aug. 28. Inside the buildings, new students could be seen wandering the halls, trying to find their classes and labs. Staff and faculty made themselves available to help, and there was a palpable excitement in the air.
School was back in session.
The reasons why the students chose to attend Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus were many and varied. For some, a technical career in HVAC or welding was what they had dreamed of. For others, it was an enticing opportunity to avoid four full years of traditional university and instead get out into the workforce and make money sooner.
For Chris Dorado, a first-semester student in the HVAC Technology program, the reason was simple.
“I grew up without (air conditioning), so I wanted to learn how to fix and operate HVAC equipment,” Dorado said. “The first couple of weeks have been great. I like my instructors, and they are calm and patient with me.”
Students were not the only ones feeling the excitement of the start of the new school year, however. Faculty and staff were likewise eager to help and support the new students, as well as those who were returning from previous semesters.
“For first-semester students, my first goal is to help them understand that a clean environment is a safe environment,” said Jose Reyna, an instructor in the Diesel Equipment Technology program. “I want them to know where the safety equipment is and to be acclimated to their surroundings. For returning students, we are hopping right back into the lab.”
Bryan Bowling, provost for TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus, sent a letter to faculty and staff, encouraging them and reminding them of their roles in helping shape tomorrow’s workforce.
“For our students, the decision to enroll at TSTC demonstrates an intense desire to better themselves,” Bowling wrote. “It is also a testament to their trust in us to guide and shepherd them on their journey.”
For more information about TSTC, go to tstc.edu.
