(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Rebecca Lara served for 22 years in the U.S. Army as a nuclear, biological and chemical warfare specialist.
She found the transition to civilian life challenging — especially without the routine that had guided her for two decades.
Lara was encouraged by a relative who first toured the Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance program at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus during her senior year of high school.
“My niece suggested I enroll in the same program because (she) recognized the similarities the program had to my former job in the military such as air and water sampling and chemical identification,” she said. “The only thing I had to do was change the military structure I was used to for self-discipline when starting the program.”
Lara, who is pursuing an associate degree, said her education has been eye-opening.
“Seeing and operating the equipment firsthand has been rewarding,” she said. “It’s helped me to relearn techniques that I did in the Army and build muscle memory through repetition. Now I have a much better understanding of why safety procedures such as monitoring and chemical hazard awareness are critical in protecting workers and communities.”
Andrea Skinner-Creeks, an instructor in the program, said Lara has significantly improved her skill set since joining the program.
“As a former military professional with experience in the chemical industry, Rebecca brings a strong foundation of discipline and practical knowledge,” Creeks said. “(She) has also developed a deeper clarity regarding regulatory compliance and a solid understanding of the importance and purpose behind safety and environmental regulations.”
The Wharton native said TSTC has broadened her outlook of the industry.
“I’m now building expertise in a field where I can continue serving others by safeguarding workplaces and the environment,” she said.
TSTC offers Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance at its Abilene, Fort Bend County and Waco campuses. An associate degree and certificates of completion are available.
For more information, go to tstc.edu.