(HARLINGEN, Texas) – There are moments in life when people may experience a setback of a goal they are determined to achieve.
For Edmundo Salazar, a Precision Machining Technology student who is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, his manufacturing education was halted by two health issues last fall: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and acute kidney failure.
“During class one day I noticed my body didn’t feel right,” Salazar said. “I missed three months while medical specialists were checking me. My family and peers suggested that I withdraw from TSTC because of my health. But I was determined to earn a college degree.”
After Salazar’s health improved, he rejoined the program.
“I had to make up three months of hands-on assignments in one month to stay on track of reaching my final semester,” he said. “I’m grateful the instructors helped me and I caught up.”
As an advanced student, Salazar said he enjoys teaching skills that he has learned to his younger classmates.
“I do it because I want to see them succeed as well,” Salazar said.
Francisco Garcia, one of Salazar’s instructors, said Salazar is learning a variety of complex skills that will make him marketable in the workforce.
“Industry employers will notice the skills that he’s acquired, and hopefully they will hire him,” Garcia said.
Salazar said choosing to study at TSTC has given him a broader perspective.
“It’s great to know which companies are hiring and who may be a great fit for me,” he said.
Salazar plans to graduate in April.
According to onetonline.org, CNC (computer numerical control) tool programmers earn an average of $62,160 per year in Texas, where the number of such jobs was projected to increase 47% from 2020 to 2030.
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate of completion in Precision Machining Technology, as well as a certificate of completion in CNC Machine Operator, at its East Williamson County, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas and Waco campuses.
Precision Machining Technology is one of nine programs at TSTC that have money-back guarantees. For more information, visit tstc.edu/mbg.
To learn more about TSTC’s Precision Machining Technology program, go to tstc.edu/machining.
