Western Technical College

   Maria Aranda, Student Services Representative at Western Technical College (WTC), recently coordinated celebrations for student academic achievements and encouragement of personal milestones.  One major milestone includes students who have chosen to attend college at WTC from out of town and their working towards their educational goals.  Aranda feels strongly that it is important to facilitate an environment where out of town students feel welcomed and encouraged in their education away from home.  Aranda says, “Events like these give student’s something to look forward to. They feel acknowledged, and it helps build a sense of community, especially for individuals who may sometimes feel homesick.” Aranda adds, “We even like to celebrate birthdays because individuals can’t be with their families in other cities and states during that special time.”  At a recent pizza party sponsored by Little Caesar’s Pizza, out of town students received tickets to a Diablo’s baseball game and to Wet-N-Wild Water World to show them what a little fun away from book study is like in El Paso.

   Now let’s talk about achievements and attendance.  Student Services had another reason to celebrate with students who have earned both perfect attendance and a 4.0 grade point average.  “It is important to recognize these students and their efforts and achievements, because they put in the extra time and energy.  These students set the example for other students, and the recognition they receive offers incentive for other students to follow their lead,” says Aranda.  Emilio Caire, a Refrigeration & HVAC Technology student who has both perfect attendance and a 4.0 GPA, says he “wants to set the bar high so that others, especially my own children, strive to do better than me. If they do that, than I am a success.” He adds as advice for other students, “If you settle for less and have low expectations, you shouldn’t be surprised with what outcome you get.”

  Student Services has also recently held bake sales at both campuses to raise money for students that may need help with gas money.  Combined students raised over 300 dollars to contribute to a gas fund.   WTC would like to send a special thank you to Little Caesar’s Pizza for graciously supporting educational achievements and academic success of students in our great community of El Paso.