(HARLINGEN, Texas) – As she was wrapping up her final year of high school, Mary Guerrero knew that she wanted to spend her career helping others.
A senior class trip to Texas State Technical College helped guide her right where she needed to be. Now the Santa Rosa native is ready to embark on a new journey when she receives her Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology from TSTC later this month.
“We visited TSTC on a class trip during my senior year,” she said. “I remember meeting Mr. Robert Sanchez when we were taking a tour of all the programs offered. Seeing how passionate he was about the Surgical Technology program helped me realize that it was the perfect career for me.”
Guerrero credits Sanchez, who retired from his position as a Surgical Technology instructor in 2019, as being one of the biggest reasons she pursued the degree.
“If it wasn’t for him being there during my class trip to give us a tour, I probably would have never heard about the program and would have most likely gone into a completely different profession.”
Sanchez said that Guerrero’s knack for overcoming bumps in the road will benefit her as she begins her next chapter.
“She does not let obstacles get in her way,” he said. “The perseverance she has will allow her to do very well in her career.”
Guerrero enjoyed the positive relationships she formed during her time as a TSTC student.
“My experience was truly life-changing,” she said. “I’ve met so many people and have built friendships during my time at TSTC. The instructors were very supportive of their students, and I could not even imagine being able to get through this program if it wasn’t for them. They have been amazing.”
Registration for the fall semester is underway. To apply to TSTC, visit https://www.tstc.edu/admissions.
