(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Eight years ago, Morgan Gonzales lost her grandmother to cancer. That personal loss sparked a drive in Gonzales to become a surgeon and help others.
Gonzales, who is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, is honoring her grandmother’s memory while juggling motherhood and preparing for a career in health care.
“My grandmother was a fighter and was the glue to our family,” Gonzales said. “Her illness changed my outlook on medical care. I want to help families that may not be able to get the support they need.”
Brenda Frias is one of Gonzales’ instructors.
“Students like Morgan often hold themselves to higher standards when driven by a personal loss,” Frias said. “That inner motivation can foster a culture of excellence and accountability among classmates. Morgan will soon enter this profession with a deep commitment to do right by others.”
Before enrolling at TSTC, Gonzales did not know the job of a surgical technologist existed.
“I was looking for a quick route to a new career,” she said. “I searched TSTC’s website and saw the Surgical Technology program. I felt it was the right choice to get my foot in the door in the medical field.”
Now in her third semester, Gonzales said the support from her classmates and instructors helped her stay motivated during a challenging time.
“I gave birth to my second child,” she said. “Everyone in the program has been supportive through it all. I caught up on my coursework, and now I’m doing my clinicals at several medical facilities.”
Gonzales said she has a personal goal that she would like to accomplish.
“Once I’ve gained experience as a surgical technologist, my goal is to become a certified first assistant surgical technologist,” she said. “The job has a more hands-on responsibility in assisting surgeons during operations.”
According to onetonline.org, surgical technologists earn a yearly median salary of $62,640 in Texas, where projected job growth for the profession was forecast to increase 15% from 2022 to 2032.
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology, as well as an occupational skills achievement award in Sterile Processing, at its Harlingen campus.
For more information about TSTC, go to tstc.edu.