(HARLINGEN, Texas) – After a challenging yet rewarding journey for Texas State Technical College graduates, their hard work concluded and a day of celebration arrived.
The sounds of families cheering and applauding filled the room when more than 270 TSTC graduates from TSTC’s Harlingen campus echoed expressions such as “I can’t believe I did it” and “you inspired me” at TSTC’s Fall 2022 Commencement held Tuesday, Dec. 6, at the South Padre Island Convention Center in South Padre Island.
Amanda Posada, provost at TSTC’s Harlingen campus and the college’s statewide dual enrollment executive director, welcomed the graduates and thanked the TSTC family for their commitment to honor the tireless efforts of the graduates.
“Texas State Technical College provides students the opportunity to change their lives,” she said. “Today we honor and celebrate our graduates as they walk the stage with their earned certificate or degree. TSTC thanks all of the students’ families and friends for coming out to show their support of their achievement. Today our graduates will walk away with a more marketable skill set and training that has prepared them for success in a great-paying career.”
Jessica Shelden, of Harlingen, graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aircraft Airframe Technology.
“The Aviation Maintenance program is a family, and I’m grateful for my experience,” she said. “Thank you to my children and my husband for their patience. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without them.”
Jesus Garza Jr., of Rio Grande City, graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Auto Collision and Management Technology. He said he is thankful for the education he gained from his program instructors.
“I came into this program with minimal knowledge,” he said. “Now I have great knowledge and skills. I gained confidence as a result of their teaching methods. I’m ready to enter the workforce.”
Guadalupe Lira, of Raymondville, graduated with a certificate of completion in Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology.
“The Electrical Lineworker program was a great learning experience for me,” he said. “I’m not very technology savvy, and a good portion of a lineworker’s job entails working with technology. I’m proud of myself for overcoming those obstacles and for graduating from TSTC.”
Stacy Hernandez, of Brownsville, graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing.
“I’m the first one of my siblings to graduate and for my family as well,” she said. “I’m emotional because the Nursing program is rigorous, and I persevered. I’m grateful for the support from my instructors for helping me every step of the way. I plan to have a nice dinner and enjoy the moment with my family.”
Registration for TSTC’s spring semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.
