TSTC candidate for graduation striving to keep Goodwill Industries’ employees safe

(WACO, Texas) – Roxann Buzbee is already transitioning from student to educator in her new job as a human resources training developer.

Buzbee is a candidate for graduation for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Environmental Technology Compliance and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Safety Compliance Technology.

She and more than 500 other students will receive certificates and associate degrees at Texas State Technical College’s Spring 2019 Commencement at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, at the Waco Convention Center.

“Anybody is going to have obstacles,” Buzbee said. “Anybody is going to have something going on in their lives, but don’t make that an excuse for failure. If I can overcome my obstacles and make sure I set my goals, anyone can.”

She began work a month ago at Heart of Texas Goodwill Industries Inc. in Central Texas. One of her first tasks has been developing a new training curriculum focusing on workplace safety.

“It is a lot, but the ladies I work with give me awesome feedback,” Buzbee said.

She said TSTC instructors Martin Knudsen and Lester Bowers were some of her biggest supporters and gave her motivation to pursue her studies. Bowers was Buzbee’s instructor in what she said was one of her toughest classes; Environmental Toxicology.

“She worked hard,” Bowers said. “She persevered. She was always in class and contributed to class discussions. It was a learning process for her.”

Buzbee grew up in Gholson and graduated from West High School.

“I was a hair stylist for 15 years and a manager of most of the hair salons I worked at,” said Buzbee. “I got my instructor license and was told after I received it that I needed a bachelor’s degree in education. I thought, if I am going back for the third time, I might as well make it worth it.”

She said her advice for other students is to keep an open mind.

“Keep focused on your goals,” Buzbee said. “There is going to be a lot of sleepless nights and a lot of hard work and a lot of studying. Put your mind to it.”

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to www.tstc.edu.