Student Success Profile – Robert Piña

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Robert Piña is a Business Management Technology student at Texas State Technical College and expects to earn his associate degree in Summer 2019.

The 43-year-old San Benito native, boasts a 3.5 grade-point average and also already holds two associate degrees from TSTC’s Building Construction Technology and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) programs.

The husband and father of four is also a student worker in TSTC’s Talent Management and Career Services Office and volunteers when has spare time as a Tech Day campus tour leader.

What are your plans after you graduate?

After I graduate I hope to find a position with a school district office or at TSTC.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to establish a career here at TSTC in an office setting. Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful, that I want to be that for someone else and help others achieve their dreams.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

As a first-generation college graduate, my greatest accomplishment has been earning my degrees and showing my children that it is never too late to fulfill your dream of an education.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The lesson I have learned is that perseverance does pay off. I worked in the hospitality industry for more than a decade, when I was laid off I decided to come back to school. It was scary and a challenge, but hard work and being opened to change has brought me a long way.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

The person who has influenced my success is TSTC Talent Management and Career Services Director Viviana Espinosa. She has been a great supervisor, always motivating. I see how successful she is and how hard she is working toward a graduate degree and it inspires me. She has inspired me to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to stay focused and to not get discouraged. If you stay on point and stay positive, everything is possible. All hard works pays off in the end.