First-generation college students turn to TSTC for better futures

(MARSHALL, Texas) - Texas State Technical College trains many nontraditional students, including some first-generation college students, for a wide variety of jobs in the Texas workforce.

"First-generation students often bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table," Michelle Atkinson, enrollment lead for the Marshall campus, said. "Their strong work ethic and desire to be the first in their family to get a college degree make them ideal TSTC candidates."

Three of those first-generation college students are Michael Galvan, Jakelon Tutt and Mylon Stephens.

Automation and Controls Technology student Galvan said his family has a tradition of going straight to work after graduating from high school. His parents encouraged him to break that pattern.

"There wasn't an option for them to go to school because they didn't make a lot of money," he said. "I chose TSTC because I grew up here in Marshall and it's one of the schools that is famous in Marshall."

Galvan's positive experience at TSTC inspired his brother to make plans to join him at the Marshall campus next fall. Galvan said he hopes to encourage his 12 nieces and nephews and 2-year-old daughter, when they are old enough, to attend college too.

"As a parent, you want your kids to succeed even more than you," Galvan said. "Having the choice to choose what you want is a pretty good thing."

Tutt grew up working on his family's ranch in Garrison. When he felt he could not turn his previous work experience into a career, he decided to combine his love of being outdoors with his interest in electricity and enrolled in TSTC's Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology program.

Tutt said he has made many friends at the Marshall campus and plans to graduate this August.

"I accomplished something that nobody else in my family has," Tutt said. "It feels good when you think about it."

Though Stephens' father spent his career working on oil rigs, he encouraged his son to pursue a different path. Knowing that a four-year university was not for him, Stephens joined TSTC's Precision Machining Technology program.

"When I came to TSTC, they taught me a lot more than I thought I was going to learn," Stephens said.

Registration for TSTC's fall semester is underway. For more information about programs, how to apply and financial aid, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC Automation and Controls Technology student Michael Galvan hopes to encourage his 12 nieces and nephews and his 2-year-old daughter to go to college someday. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)

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