The future is looking bright for Texas Southmost College student Ana Reyna whose interest in the health care field was sparked in high school and validated at TSC.

The Brownsville resident, originally from Valle Hermoso, Mexico, came alone to the states to live with her sister who was already residing in the city.

Her sister, now a mathematics teacher, graduated with an associate degree in Mathematics from TSC, and encouraged her to also become a TSC Scorpion.

“Making the decision to leave the rest of my family behind in Mexico was hard, but I’ve never regretted it,” she said. “I’m finding opportunities and success now at TSC that I know I couldn’t get anywhere else.”

Following in her sister’s footsteps, who was a mathematics tutor with TSC, and with a 3.2 grade-point average that has impressed more than a handful of her instructors, Reyna has been given the opportunity to become a tutor at TSC’s Learning Labs.

“I’m not only a tutor, but I’m an Anatomy and Physiology tutor,” said Reyna. “This confirms and validates that health care is where I’m supposed to be, and helping others understand this subject only makes me stronger.”

Reyna added that the opportunity to become a tutor and excelling in her classes, always seemed a little out of reach.

“English is my second language, so I wasn’t sure how I would do coming to college in the states, but TSC has made me feel like I can do anything,” she said. “I’ve had to grow up quick without my parents here, but TSC has helped me find my confidence, my independence and learn valuable life skills all because of the support and motivation you find across campus.”

In addition to tutoring, Reyna also works as a part-time babysitter and actively volunteers with the TSC Campus Activity Board.

“My heart has always been in helping others,” said Reyna. “So as a tutor and volunteer, I’m able to help other students have a positive college experience or also work toward their dreams of a career in health care. It really is a win win…we’re all in this together to succeed.”

Upon completing her general studies in the coming months, Reyna plans on applying to the Respiratory Care or Radiologic Technology programs.

“I’ve built a strong support team here at TSC and I have so many goals and dreams now to work toward,” she said. “TSC has changed my perspective and outlook on my future. I know where I’m going, what I want and what it takes to get there.”

For more information about the programs and student services offered at TSC, visit tsc.edu.

The well-being of every student, from safety to mental health, is a priority of Texas Southmost College. With the stressors of today, especially during a pandemic, TSC’s newest Counselor and Accessibility Manager Mario Garcia wants every student to know his door is always open.

With only two weeks on the job, the Harlingen resident has already hit the ground running ensuring that students get the help they need to finish Scorpion Strong.

“These students are our future,” he said. “In college, I wish I had someone to speak with, someone who could guide me and listen to my struggles with daily pressures, so that’s why I’m here. I want to be that support and guidance I wish I had.”

According to recent college student surveys from the American College Health Association, about 60% of respondents said they felt overwhelming anxiety, while 40% experienced depression that made it difficult to function.

According to the same surveys, the top five mental health problems faced by American college students today are: depression, anxiety, suicide, eating disorders and addiction.

“My goal is to teach our students coping and problem-solving skills that can lead to solutions that allow them to keep moving forward,” said Garcia. “With mental illness on the rise across the nation, it’s important that we face these problems head on together. No one is alone.”

Garcia went through a few struggles of his own as a college student, primarily because he lacked a clear path to follow.

“I relate in a lot of ways to these students,” he said. “For me that’s important. I want them to know I understand the issues. I’ve been there and done that, but there is hope and there is a bright future. They’ve got my support, our support.”

Before earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 1999 and 2005, respectively, in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas-Pan American, now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and deployed to Somalia for Operation Restore Hope. He served for four years.

“This was a time of discovery, as was college,” he said. “I went from wanting to become a nurse to becoming a licensed professional counselor, a path that has served me well and helped me serve our community.”

Garcia worked with Tropical Texas Behavioral Health for nearly two decades working in the areas of substance abuse and children and adult mental health. He also worked in the criminal justice system as a screener, skills trainer and therapist.

He went on to work with Su Clínica for a year and half before joining the TSC family.

“This has turned out to be the most rewarding career,” said Garcia. “Seeing people have that ‘aha’ moment and realizing for themselves the changes they need to make is success. There can be no change if it isn’t discovered by ourselves, only then can true change or healing happen and that’s what I hope to bring to our students.”

TSC students can visit the Counseling and Student Accessibility Resources office at the Lightener Center, room 102A or call 956-295-3587.

Four and counting…is the number of certificates Carlos Rodriguez has from Texas Southmost College.

He is currently working on his fifth and final certificate in Auto Body Repair to include with his others from TSC’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Automotive Technology, Construction Technology and Commercial and Residential Electrician programs.

“I should have done classes like these a long time ago,” said the 59-year-old. “I’ve always wanted to learn about the trades and TSC has some of the best.”

The man of all trades has experienced what TSC has to offer since 2014 and opportunities like his recent internship with Tipton Ford in Brownsville is proof that it’s never too late to learn.

“I’m a disabled, retired U.S. Marine and Army veteran and after officially leaving active duty in 2013, I needed a new chapter,” said the Brownsville native. “I came back home and TSC was here with open doors for me and my service dog, Ike.”

Ike was assigned to Rodriguez to help warn him of oncoming panic and anxiety attacks and with his hearing impairment. Rodriguez jokes that Ike should also be receiving honorary certificates.

“Ike has sat with me through every class, every lab and has walked across the stage with me to receive every certificate,” he said. “I think that deserves recognition.”

Rodriguez enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps immediately after high school in 1981 and served until 1985, before going on to own a flooring business in Dallas and enlisting in the Army National Guard from 2005 to 2013, where he served on deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.

During his last years in the Army, Rodriguez also worked as an Army instructor training new soldiers.

“I have taken the definition of retirement very seriously, but there is something about learning and gaining new skills that intrigues me,” said Rodriguez. “The demand for a skilled workforce in the trades is high right now, and it will always be, and I may be pushing 60, but these hands can still work, and this mind can still learn.”

Over the last seven years that Rodriguez has been enrolled at TSC, he has been able to apply what he learns in the classroom with hands-on training provided by each program, but his favorite part yet, has been working at Tipton Ford.

“Not only am I getting taught by some of the best in the classroom, but I’m also learning and working with some of the best in the industry,” he said. “Being able to experience the different areas of an auto body shop is invaluable.”

Rodriguez added he still has a lot to offer his community and after him and Ike earn a certificate in Auto Body Repair next fall, he plans on using the skills he has learned over the last seven years to serve the residents of his hometown and the Rio Grande Valley.

“My next chapter in life is volunteering. I will volunteer my skills to help improve lives,” he said. “The first step in my new endeavor is to seek out organizations like Habitat for Humanity, where I know I can make a difference.”

TSC’s Auto Body Repair program is two semesters and offers a certificate of completion. The program prepares students to become entry-level auto body repair technicians and provides hands-on training in areas such as the use or repair of steel, plastic, fiber-reinforced plastics and aluminum along with acquiring skills in welding, structural analysis, estimates, refinishing and computerized measuring systems.

All training reinforces technical training and safety procedures by implementing the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) Professional Development Program.

For more information about TSC’s Auto Body Repair program, visit tsc.edu.

In 2021, Stephen De La Garza donated $35,000 to the Texas Southmost College Foundation to fund full scholarships for students interested in the college’s craft training programs.

Since then, 12 students received scholarships funded by De La Garza’s donation, and they recently graduated from TSC’s Welding program, including nephew and uncle duo Christopher Solis and Eric Solis, respectively.

The dozen graduates were honored with a ceremony and luncheon where they received their Fitter Welder and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 certifications.

“I call this a blessing,” said Christopher. “This is going to open up a number of opportunities for me and I would not be where I am today without this scholarship and donors like Mr. De La Garza.”

Eric said having skills that are in demand is a large accomplishment he credits to Mr. De La Garza and TSC.

“Students like me have been able to gain the knowledge and skills we need for a field that is in demand right now, especially here in Brownsville, and because of these scholarships, that’s invaluable,” he said. “I’m so humbled and I’m going to work hard, so that I can get to a point, where like Mr. De La Garza, I can donate to help others too.”

As a token of appreciation, the welding graduating class artistically created and welded a scorpion out of metal parts that was presented to De La Garza during the ceremony.

De La Garza, a local Brownsville native and entrepreneur, said he has seen firsthand the difference a scholarship can make for a student, and he has always made it his mission to provide what he can so others can find success.

“To impact lives in a way that provides opportunity, well, that’s the ultimate reward,” said De La Garza. “Any student who wants a college education, should be able to get an education without money being a barrier. TSC is doing a wonderful job by opening doors and providing a high-quality education. Together, we’re making sure that college is for all.”

De La Garza has committed to fund additional scholarships building upon TSC’s efforts to make college more affordable for families and explaining that each contribution changes lives and is a crucial resource for TSC.

TSC President Jesus Roberto Rodriguez said the ceremony was a symbol of what happens when a community comes together to support students and their futures.

“It is this collaborative spirit of our community to make things work and this celebration has been a year in the making,” he said. “It was 2021 when Mr. De La Garza made his first contribution and we are now celebrating achievement and success. We are thankful to Mr. De La Garza for his commitment and belief in Texas Southmost College.”

For more information, visit TSC’s Welding and Workforce Training programs or call 956-295-3724.

Robert Andes not only teaches and trains future generations of artists at Texas Southmost College, but he also practices what he lectures as an award-winning Rio Grande Valley artist, with an upcoming exhibit at a local art gallery.

With more than 30 pieces of art on exhibit at Puente Art Gallery in Brownsville, Andes said this is his first solo art show and he is honored.

“When I got the invitation, I was speechless,” said the TSC Art instructor. “As an artist, a solo show is the highest honor you can receive, so it’s still hard to imagine that it’s happening to me.”

Andes’ exhibit opened Feb. 4 with a reception attended by his colleagues, students and community members.

Most of his art on exhibit is for sale and includes his two Texas Association of Schools of Art (TASA) award-winning pieces, Santa Fe Woman and A Sense of Silent Contemplation.

Every piece is an oil painting on canvas and focuses on the introspectiveness of people in his community and from his travels, concentrating on shadows, colors and expressions.

Andes’ collection at the gallery dates back to 2008 and includes two of his most recent works The Sister, The Sculptor and Girl in a White Floral Dress.

“This has been an exciting experience for me, and what’s made it even better is that I get to share this with my students and represent TSC,” said Andes.

He added that including his students in this experience sets a positive example and shows each aspiring artist the opportunities that are available.

Andes began drawing at a young age with his father, capturing the fall colors of New Hampshire. He went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Art with an emphasis in painting from Oklahoma State University and the University of Arkansas, respectively. While teaching, he has remained active in the art scene showcasing work in galleries and becoming an active member of the Oil Painters of America.

He started his journey at TSC in 2013 and since then has taught painting, design, drawing, art appreciation and art history.

Andes’ exhibit will be on display at the Puente Art Gallery from February 5 to March 26.

For Dr. Eduardo Uribe, an unfortunate event turned into opportunity when it set him on his career path, and Texas Southmost College was there to give him his start.

Uribe, a family practice physician and faculty for the Valley Baptist Family Practice Residency Program is also a Respiratory Therapy Medical Director for Valley Baptist Center in Harlingen, a field that was a first step in his medical career.

“I was in and out of hospitals for a period in my life and watching the medical staff take care of me and others around me, encouraged me to go into healthcare,” said the Brownsville native. “I couldn’t afford to go to medical school immediately though, so with good grades, financial aid, scholarships, an English to Spanish dictionary and God, I enrolled at TSC. It was the best decision I could have ever made.”

It was a motorcycle accident and near amputation of his leg that kept Uribe rotating hospitals, searching for healing and a way to keep his leg.

Uribe’s leg was saved, and he went on to earn an associate degree in Respiratory Care from TSC in 1993 and immediately began his career as a certified respiratory therapist.

He led a successful career in the field serving as supervisor of respiratory therapy at Valley Regional Medical Center, clinical instructor for Respiratory Care at TSC, a pediatric respiratory therapy clinician at Valley Baptist Medical Center and a specialty critical care transport respiratory therapist for Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi.

It was through his experience at Driscoll that he also trained to become an emergency medical technician. He currently serves as the Port Isabel Emergency Medical Services medical director.

“I was proud of the career I had built, but there was still a little voice telling me to become a doctor,” said Uribe. “So, I saved up, never took out a loan and went to medical school in Mexico.”

Uribe spent the next seven years working toward a medical degree at the Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas in Matamoros, Mexico.

He earned his medical degree in 1999 and went on to complete his internships and residencies in Mexico and Harlingen.

“This has been a dream come true,” he said. “Helping people improve their health and helping people heal is what I’ve always wanted.”

Uribe credits TSC and his instructors for shaping his professional career.

“My perseverance, focus, discipline and TSC instructors got me where I am today,” said Uribe. “They believed in me when I did not, they saw my potential and made me work toward higher standards and emphasized my need to continue moving forward. They created a well-rounded respiratory therapist and doctor.”

In addition to his work, Uribe is active in the medical community volunteering across the Rio Grande Valley, including the TSC Respiratory Care Advisory Board, sharing the latest advances and technologies with faculty and respiratory care students.

“Part of my journey is to share my knowledge and skills with others, to train our future respiratory therapists and medical doctors,” he said. “And I hope through my work and volunteer initiatives I’m able to help others believe in themselves, have confidence in their skills and never set limits on their dreams.”

For more information, visit TSC’s Respiratory Care Science program or call 956-295-3731.

David Cid is looking forward to a new chapter at Texas Southmost College later this month, especially after his last experience at the college, which he calls life changing and rewarding.

It was only one month ago that the 22-year-old was making sparks fly in the TSC welding labs at the International Technology, Education and Commerce Center (ITECC) and receiving his certificate of completion.

Cid also started his career immediately upon completing the program.

“For someone who’s first career option wasn’t welding, I have come to realize that this is where I’m meant to be,” said Cid. “I’ve definitely always had an interest in learning how to weld and TSC has allowed me to take this interest beyond what I could ever imagine.”

Cid now works with EHP Powder Coating and Aluminum Fabrication in Brownsville and Laguna Heights as a Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welder fabricating boat towers.

“Making this career move was one of the easiest decisions for me and I know because everything began falling into place when I enrolled. I never thought I would be hired somewhere this quick,” he said. “I’ve gained invaluable skills that are in demand, I have a career and now I see myself going somewhere.”

The Brownsville native started his college education as a Criminal Justice major at TSC, but due to financial hardships during the pandemic, he had to withdraw.

Upon withdrawing, he got a job with the Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) as a general laborer doing repairs and maintenance across the city and saving money to return to TSC for its welding program.

He said, BPUB opened his eyes even more to the welding field and other crafts trade careers.

“The moment I pick up that welding rod, all of my problems melt away,” said Cid. “It has me thinking, how else can I grow, where can I go from here, and you know what, the possibilities and opportunities are endless.”

Cid has returned to TSC to complete the college’s Advanced Welding program, which dives deeper into the trade and types of welding.

“There is no better place for me or others to train than at TSC,” he said. “The labs are new, equipped with everything we need and will see out in industry. This, in addition to the instructors, is what makes us successful and why I decided to return.”

In the meantime, Cid plans on gaining as much experience as possible with his current company, enough to someday become a traveling welder, visiting new places and working toward becoming his own boss.

“That’s always been a dream of mine…to own a business,” he said. “I’m now one step closer to making that dream come true and welding is showing me the light.”

Full scholarships are available for those who qualify for TSC’s Welding program through the college’s Workforce Training and Continuing Development department.

For more information, visit TSC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education or call 956-295-3724.

From one year in a foster home to teen pregnancy, it wasn’t always clear to Jovita Viveros that college was in her future, but Texas Southmost College has made it possible, and now she is on her way to becoming the first college graduate in her family.

The 20-year-old is a student in TSC’s Medical Laboratory Technology program and expects to earn her associate degree in May.

“I can’t believe how far I’ve come. It sometimes doesn’t feel real,” said the San Benito native. “I feel like the uncertainty and stress I’ve carried for so long is being lifted.”

Viveros was only 12 years old when her mother passed away and she and her older sister ended up in a foster home, but it was what happened next that gave Viveros hope.

“We were some of the lucky ones. After one year, my aunt and uncle were able to bring us into their home,” she said. “This changed our lives and they have been a big help.”

Then at 17, Viveros’ daughter was born, bringing her into a new chapter of responsibility and adulthood she wasn’t quite prepared for, but said it is her daughter that gives her the motivation to keep going.

“My biggest motivation is and will always be my daughter,” she said. “Everything I’m doing is for her, for us; to give us a better life.”

Between a full-time job from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., school and medical laboratory clinical rotations from 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Viveros juggles school, work and mom life, knowing that in the end, it’s all going to be worth it.

“This is going to give my baby a better life and I’m doing what I have to, to ensure that. I give 100% to everything I do,” said Viveros. “And TSC’s Medical Laboratory Technology program has given me opportunities I never thought I would have.”

In the program, Viveros has been able to build a foundation in the medical laboratory field she said she would not be able to get anywhere else. From hands-on learning and dedicated instructors to clinical rotations at local hospitals, Viveros said it has given her confidence and she is ready to start her career in May.

In fact, Viveros already has a couple of job offers on the table as a medical laboratory technician working behind the scenes in the medical field in microbiology, hematology, urinalysis and chemistry.

“This has all been possible because our instructors want to see us succeed, so they give us all of the tools and resources necessary,” she said. “I have learned so much and gained a newfound confidence, making this a steppingstone for bigger things to come.”

Viveros plans on continuing her education at a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree in clinical lab science.

“Because of TSC I will be able to support myself and my baby, gain a career and financial security and set a good example for my daughter and other women in my situation,” she said. “Thank you TSC and my instructors for making all of this possible.”

For more information, visit TSC’s Medical Laboratory Technology program or call 956-295-3731.

Michael Cordova has big dreams of becoming a chief with the border patrol, so to set his future in motion he found the Criminal Justice program at Texas Southmost College to be his best choice.

Following in his family’s footsteps, with a sister in the Army and an uncle and grandfather on the police force in Mexico, the 23-year-old always knew that law enforcement was his calling.

“It’s something that has always felt right for me,” said the Dallas native. “I consider myself a servant leader, and this is my way of helping and making a difference in my community.”

Cordova is a former member of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Law Enforcement Explorer Program, a volunteer program designed to give young men and women exposure to law enforcement careers, an experience that solidified his choice.

“I have a goal and TSC is the place that’s going to help me get there,” said Cordova. “Their program offers an in-depth look and training into various areas of law enforcement and criminal justice fields and offers job and career resources. I thought, ‘It can’t get any better than this.’”

But for Cordova, it did get better.

His college experience got better when he began to actively participate on campus with Student Life and the Campus Activities Board (CAB).

“TSC has really made me a well-rounded student and leader,” he said. “Believe it or not, despite my career choice, I was a very shy guy. TSC got me to break out of my shell and showed me what I’m capable of.”

With volunteer opportunities on and off campus, the student leader said this too has prepared him for a future in law enforcement.

“I’ve gained a number of skills like teamwork, leadership and communication that are needed in my chosen profession,” said Cordova. “At the same time, I’m putting smiles on people’s faces and creating a fun college experience beyond the classroom. It’s a rewarding feeling.”

In addition to CAB, Cordova has also recently started working as a student worker with the Office of Student Life.

“Every experience I’ve had at TSC is building me up for success,” he said. “I advise other students like me to take advantage of everything TSC has to offer, because you never know how it’s going to help you achieve your goals.”

For more information about TSC’s Criminal Justice program, visit tsc.edu.