(MARSHALL, Texas) – Sergio Bazaldua, of Henderson, admitted he was not a computer enthusiast growing up, but that did not stop him from thriving in Texas State Technical College’s Cybersecurity program and finding a successful career afterward.
“I came out of this school with a lot more knowledge than I thought I would,” he said.
It all began with a college visit during Bazaldua’s senior year of high school, when he met Cybersecurity instructor Amy Hertel.
“I met Amy and she talked about Cybersecurity and how all of that works, and that’s when it just clicked that I wanted to come here,” he said. “Just the technology behind it and how technology can connect someone from across the whole world to Marshall, Texas, the way technology is growing and improving; it’s what interested me in this field.”
Bazaldua said he appreciated the consistent guidance from his TSTC instructors and how it came from their own experience in the field. In turn, he was able to guide his classmates in their lessons when they got stuck.
Bazaldua competed in the SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference in Houston in 2023 and 2024, earning a silver medal in Internetworking the first year and a silver medal in Cyber Security the following year.
“I really enjoyed going out and competing and having fun,” he said. “That’s what the teachers here really prioritize; you can go and compete but make sure you have fun and learn.”
Bazaldua received his associate degree from TSTC in May 2024, and earned TSTC Board of Regents honors. Just two weeks later, he was hired as a network analyst for Provalus, a subsidiary of Optomi that provides IT and business outsourcing services to rural American towns.
Bazaldua has gained knowledge on various old and new pieces of equipment in his time with the company’s Henderson location. In only a year and a half, he was promoted from a tier I to a tier II analyst.
“As a tier II, you get more of a management role and the tougher issues that come up get escalated to you,” he said.
Hertel said success like Bazaldua’s does not happen by accident.
“From the classroom to the workplace, Sergio has consistently demonstrated the character, determination and professionalism that set him apart,” she said. “His continued growth within the company is a testament to his outstanding work ethic, positive attitude and commitment to excellence. I am incredibly proud of everything he has accomplished and have no doubt he will continue to achieve great things.”
Registration for the fall semester at TSTC is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.