TSTC’s Waco campus begins spring semester

(WACO, Texas) – The wind and rain did not diminish the enthusiasm of the first day of the spring semester at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus on Monday, Jan. 8.

“The first day of class is electric,” said Lucinda Dentremont, the college’s assistant director of enrollment. “There is a lot of expectation and a little nervousness among the students.”

Dentremont said extra campus maps were printed for students who needed directions to classes. Enrollment coaches were staffed at the Student Services Center and throughout campus assisting students with their schedules and answering questions.

Around the corner from the enrolment staff were donuts and coffee courtesy of the Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC). Maegan Bennight, an ARC coach, said staff members are able to help students with clothing, food, textbooks, child care and transportation assistance, and emergency financial aid.

Kent Kahler, an instructor in the Diesel Equipment Technology program, marked his 47th year of teaching at TSTC this week. He said his goal is to give students’ opportunities to change to make their lives better.

“If you enjoy what you are doing, you will be the best you can be,” Kahler said.

Mathew Cagle, of Axtell, began his second semester in the Diesel Equipment Technology program. He is working toward a certificate of completion in Diesel Equipment Technology – Heavy Truck.

Cagle spent his holiday break working at his new job at the Waco Transit System. On Monday, he woke up at 4:30 a.m. well ahead of the start of his class day.

“I’m really excited to meet my new instructors,” Cagle said.

Jazer Gomez, an Instrumentation Technology student from Denton, visited family in Mexico during his holiday break. He is taking a full course load this semester.

“I like it when I get to be hands-on on the type of transmitters they have and do the calibrating on my own,” he said.

For more information about TSTC, go to tstc.edu.