(WACO, Texas) – Mason Gomez, of Belton, is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus. He will begin in mid-December an internship at Ultimate Biomedical Solutions in Austin and is scheduled to graduate in spring 2023.
Gomez grew up in Cypress and is a graduate of Cypress Falls High School in Houston and Lone Star Community College.
How did you become interested in TSTC and the Biomedical Equipment Technology program?
When I first went to community college, I was interested in biomedical engineering and was taking anatomy, physiology and medical science-centered classes. I passed them but then got in the mindset that this was going to be very difficult. So I decided to do power supply studies. But I found a job that paid very well that I thought was important, and it sidetracked me. I could afford my food and rent and dropped essentially out of the four-year university I was attending at the time.
My mom moved to Belton after I came to a bump in the road in Houston, so I decided to move in (with her) and work in a feed store. I made a resolution that I would get a degree that would help other people.
Biomedical Equipment Technology made so much sense to me. A lot of people are afraid of hospitals, and they do not like the smell or atmosphere, but I do not mind them at all.
What will you do during your internship?
Ultimate Biomedical Solutions has headquarters in Magnolia, but I will be working at the Austin location. From what I understand, certain things have to be fixed in-house in the warehouse. But a lot has to be fixed in hospitals also. I start Dec. 19.
What are some lessons you have learned since graduating from high school?
Believe in yourself, and do not listen to what anybody says. Do what you feel is right and, if it is not right, learn from your mistakes.
What do you enjoy doing outside of classes and work?
I like to play the drums. I would play them all day if I could, but we live in small apartments, and people would come home and complain. I started playing when I was in elementary school. I also play guitar and bass guitar. I also like all kinds of music.
What motivates you in your life?
The desire to make an impact on other people’s lives in a positive way. The desire to make myself the best man I can be, which is kind of stereotypical and lame, but there are points in my life where I have been close to getting hurt, and eventually you have an epiphany to try to do the best you can. If you are not doing the best you can, you will sink back into the same position you were in before. Music also motivates me, along with listening to philosophy on YouTube, and, of course, my loved ones.
What will you miss about TSTC?
I will miss the hands-on learning and the honest input from the instructors. I will also miss the camaraderie of the people I have met here.
TSTC’s Biomedical Equipment Technology program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree at the Harlingen and Waco campuses.
Registration for TSTC’s spring semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.
