TSTC student from Killeen ready to move into life after graduation

(WACO, Texas) – Jonathon Houston, of Killeen, takes pride in his attention to detail, which comes in handy in his field of study.

Houston is a fall candidate for graduation for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Precision Machining Technology at Texas State Technical College in Waco.

“I like being hands-on and mechanically inclined; it came easy to me,” he said.

Houston has been a resident at the on-campus Village Oaks Apartments during his time at TSTC and became a resident advisor in early summer. He said the qualities he brings to the job are his organizational skills and drive to do tasks well.

Crystal Vela, an assistant of residence life at Village Oaks, said she had her eye on Houston early on as a potential resident advisor.

“When students come to events, I get to see how they interact,” she said. “He would go to the students that were to themselves and start a conversation. I will miss his crazy laugh and his helpfulness.”

Houston grew up in Killeen and enjoyed working with his hands, helping his parents with repairs and building an interest in machinery.

While he was a student at Central Texas Christian School in Temple, he was a member of a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) club and used metal fabrication to build a life-size shield bearing the school’s logo. While attending a competition with his classmates at TSTC in Waco, Houston had an opportunity to tour the Precision Machining Technology program and liked what he saw.

“From sophomore year until I graduated from high school, I would decide to come here,” Houston said.

Houston will begin work in tool and die making and maintenance in early January at Emerson Automation Solutions in Stephenville. He said he looks forward to being on his own.

“It feels great,” Houston said. “I have a head start on a new life.”

Houston’s advice for future college students is to be social.

“Move in with someone,” he said. “Meet new people because, who knows, you may meet others who can help you in your classes.”

TSTC’s Fall 2021 Commencement will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at The BASE at the Extraco Events Center at 4601 Bosque Blvd. in Waco.

For more information, go to tstc.edu.