TSTC’s Waco campus opens for the new academic year

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus began the fall semester on Monday, Aug. 28.

Kent Kahler, an instructor in TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program, has taught at TSTC since 1977 and said he still enjoys teaching and learning about new students, particularly about their style of learning.

“I tell them, ‘I was you at one time,’” he said. “You want to make sure they know their role in life.”

Some students lined up outside the campus store to purchase books and supplies, while others visited the on-campus recreation center between classes. Many of TSTC’s programs held orientations for first-year students on Monday.

Graham Peatrowsky, of Alvarado, is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Precision Machining Technology.

Machining work will be brand-new to Peatrowsky. In high school, he considered studying accounting at a university but decided instead that a technical college was the place for him. He chose Precision Machining Technology because of the opportunities to work on lathes and CNC (computer numerical control) machines and because of the career options after graduation.

“I’m looking forward to meeting all kinds of people,” Peatrowsky said.

Lauren Magsino, of Houston, began learning about her degree program on Monday. She is the first female to pursue TSTC’s Associate of Applied Science degree in Auto Collision and Management Technology – Repair Specialization Co-op.

She chose her program of study because she took an automotive class during her junior year of high school. She researched two-year collision programs and discovered TSTC.

“I look forward to just learning more new things and getting hands-on experience,” Magsino said.

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