51ÁÔĆć’s Office of Student Life hosted another installment of its Distinguished Speaker Series on Thursday, October 16, 2025, in Conference Room 3 on the second floor of the Oliveira Student Services Building for the college’s Student Leadership Academy (SLA), continuing its tradition of connecting students with college leaders and professionals.

This session featured Dr. Patricia M. Blanco, instructor of Organizational Management at TSC, who spoke to students about the importance of etiquette and professionalism, which are both crucial elements of personal and career success. Her presentation covered topics such as proper workplace conduct, professional communication, and appropriate attire. Dr. Blanco emphasized how these elements work in tandem to help build confidence and credibility for students who are preparing to enter a professional environment as part of their career pathways.

“Professionalism and etiquette are essential because they prepare students not just for academic success but also for lifelong careers and personal growth,” said Dr. Blanco. “These skills build the foundation for how individuals present themselves, interact with others, and navigate diverse professional and social settings.”

The weekly presentations feature guest speakers from across the college, typically offering around nine sessions each semester. The sessions are just one of the many different professional development opportunities facilitated for the SLA, who regularly attend a variety of workshops, conferences, and special events to help build and strengthen their leadership skills. The students who attend the speaker sessions and complete 20 volunteer hours receive a certificate of completion, recognizing their dedication to leadership development and community involvement.

The series is coordinated by TSC Student Services, who strive to continuously create new opportunities for students to engage with college professionals in open, conversational, and informative settings. “These sessions are designed to help students gain firsthand insights into areas like leadership, professionalism, and networking while also preparing for their future academic and career success,” said Sophie Vega, TSC Student Services Specialist, emphasizing the many important skills that the students develop over time.

By being a part of events like the Distinguished Speaker Series, TSC’s Student Leadership Academy continues to strengthen a culture of mentorship and personal development, empowering students to take initiative and develop the professional tools needed to thrive in their future careers beyond college.

BROWNSVILLE, TX – A moment of pride and joy filled the halls of 51ÁÔĆć (TSC) this May as seven determined students from the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program crossed the stage to receive their Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (AAS in DMS). Behind their smiles is a story of resilience, rigorous training, and a program with a longstanding commitment to excellence, community service, and student success.

“Our students leave TSC workforce-ready, highly skilled, and already in demand,” said 51ÁÔĆć Program Director for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Dr. Ariel I. Villanueva. “The TSC DMS Program is the only CAAHEP Accredited program in the Rio Grande Valley and the only one South of Corpus Christi, Texas.” “Students want to graduate from an accredited program because it allows them to challenge the ARDMS certification exams immediately upon graduation, an essential step for employment in the field.”

Training Across the RGV

TSC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography graduates earned their success through dedication and rigorous training.

TSC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography graduates earn their success through dedication and rigorous training that takes place over the course of 18 months. During this time,Ěýstudents complete four semesters of clinical rotations at top medical facilities throughout the Rio Grande Valley, from Brownsville to Edinburg. These immersive, real-world experiences expose students to diverse specialties and healthcare settings, and it equips them with the hands-on skills and confidence needed long before they walk across the graduation stage.

A Community-Driven Mission

Beyond hospital walls, the DMS program also extends its impact by providing free sonograms for pregnant women from the community, an initiative that has been running since 2004. This service allows students to refine their scanning skills while offering expecting mothers complimentary ultrasound images as a thank-you for their participation.

“This is a win-win for everyone,” added Dr. Villanueva. “Our students gain critical practice, and our community benefits from an invaluable service.” Expectant mothers can participate by contacting Janet Hernandez at (956) 295-3731 or janet.hernandez@tsc.edu. Appointments can also be arranged via the program’s Facebook page at.

Looking to the Future

With this chapter closed, the program is already looking ahead. The next cohort begins in Fall 2025, and applications are due by the last working day of May 2025.

“We currently have eight 2nd-year students on track to graduate in May 2026,” Dr. Villanueva noted. “If you’re looking for a high-demand, accredited healthcare career close to home, our TSC DMS program is the gold standard in the region.”

As the Spring 2025 class moves forward, they carry not only the weight of their achievement, but the hopes of future patients and a thriving community that believes in them.

February 3, 2025, was a typical sunny day in Austin, but it was graced with the presence of a group of passionate student leaders from 51ÁÔĆć (TSC) who made their voices heard by participating in Texas Community College Day, an event organized by the Texas Association of Community Colleges. The event’s focus is advocating for the future of community colleges in Texas.Ěý

The mission was clear: to ensure that TSC continues to receive the support and funding it needs to provide quality education, resources, and opportunities for its students. This event wasn’t just about a day at the Capitol—it was about shaping our community’s future and empowering tomorrow’s leaders.Ěý

51ÁÔĆć student leaders Kyra Perez, Alessandra Aldape, and Ashanti Roman were front and center during the event, representing TSC students. Their presence at Texas Community College Day highlighted the importance of student advocacy in the legislative process.ĚýĚý

Meeting with State LeadersĚý

During the day, our TSC delegation had the opportunity to meet with representatives of key Texas legislators, including State Representatives Erin Gamez, Oscar Longoria, and Janie Lopez. The students discussed the critical need for increased funding for community colleges and the impact these investments have on students and the surrounding community. These meetings were a powerful reminder of how vital it is to have open lines of communication between students and lawmakers.Ěý

In addition to the state representatives, the group met with State Senator Adam Hinojosa, who has strongly advocated education and community colleges in the Texas Legislature. The conversations were focused on ensuring that TSC and similar institutions are well-supported during the upcoming legislative session, and the student leaders passionately conveyed their personal stories and the importance of community college funding.Ěý

The Impact of AdvocacyĚý

“As I stood alongside Kyra, Alessandra, Ashanti, and State Senator Hinojosa in the final photo of the day, I couldn’t help but feel proud of their passion, drive, and commitment these students have shown in advocating for their peers and the future of TSC; it was truly inspiring,” said Executive Director of Athletics and Civility Dr. Armando Ponce,Ěý

Their involvement in this event is a testament to the leadership and initiative that TSC fosters in its students.Ěý

TSC is more than just a place to earn a degree—it’s a community that empowers individuals to grow, learn, and lead. The voices of our students are shaping tomorrow’s opportunities, ensuring that TSC will continue to provide the kind of education and community support that allows each student to thrive. Looking to get ahead in life, Think TSC.ĚýĚýĚý

The Road AheadĚý

As we move toward the upcoming legislative session, it’s clear that the work of student leaders like Kyra, Alessandra, and Ashanti will continue to play a pivotal role in the fight for community college funding. Their dedication to making a difference is exactly what ensures TSC will remain a cornerstone of opportunity for students in our region.Ěý

In the words of TSC President Dr. Jesus Roberto Rodriguez, “51ÁÔĆć student leaders proudly represented our institution at Texas Community College Day, advocating for the future of our students and the strength of our community. Their voices shape tomorrow’s opportunities, ensuring TSC continues to empower and inspire.”Ěý

We remain committed to supporting our students in every way possible. The work doesn’t end here—TSC will continue to advocate for the resources needed to ensure all students have access to the education and opportunities they deserve.ĚýĚý

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The average student’s life involves tasks such as studying, attending lectures, writing research papers, and taking exams. For students who choose to take on a full load every semester, this turns into a delicate balancing act of time and stress management. Fortunately, there’s a new and exciting way for students to indulge in leisurely activities while on campus.

TSC’s new Game Room officially opened on Monday, inviting students to indulge in various fun and engaging activities. Occupying a sizeable space on the second floor of the Oliveira Student Center, the Game Room has just about everything that students could need to unwind and enjoy themselves.

For hardcore gamers, a selection of major video game consoles pre-installed with several popular games is available, including a Sony PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X. Arcade enthusiasts can get competitive with classic multi-game cabinets featuring everything from Pong to Pac-Man to Street Fighter.

Speaking of competitive games, more casual gamers can enjoy challenging one another to air hockey, pool, foosball, and Jenga. For the ultimate one-on-one challenge, both traditional and extra-large chess sets are available to facilitate the most strategic of battles.

A reservation room is also available for larger games or group gatherings who wish to organize multiplayer tournaments, hold club meetings, or even gather together friends to watch a movie or enjoy a little karaoke, and a variety of different board games can also be rented out to expand upon the fun.

Over the course of its development, a significant amount of time was dedicated to researching and planning, as well as gathering crucial information from different people and departments on campus to ensure that every conceivable angle would be considered.

“We carefully coordinated with different campus departments like Facilities and Events, as well as administration like the Board of Trustees and President, and they all played vital roles in helping us work toward today’s grand opening,” said Brandon Sanchez, Coordinator of Student Development with TSC’s Student Life department. “It’s something that’s been in the works for many years, as far back as when I was a student, but we at Student Life are extremely glad to have played a role in seeing it through to completion.”

For students who flocked to the Game Room on opening day, it appeared that they did not require much prompting to get comfortable and start jumping into some available activities. “I think it is pretty cool to have a place like this for the students, especially if it helps them to reduce stress and not get overwhelmed with schoolwork,” said Miguel Puig as he and a friend eagerly grabbed a pair of Xbox controllers before starting a game of FIFA.

In all, Sanchez hopes that more students will feel just as comfortable visiting whenever they need a break from the demands of their classes, as well as an environment in which the social aspects of student life can really thrive,

“We envisioned this becoming a place where students can feel welcome to visit and relax during their downtime. Of course, keeping up with classes and maintaining passing grades are going to be the main priorities for our students, but we know that students are also going to want to have fun, make memories with their friends, and even make new friends, and we feel that this is the perfect place for that.”

TSC’s Game Room is located in room 211 on the second floor of the Oliveira Student Center Building. Hours of operation are Mondays through Thursdays, 10:30 am – 3:30 pm.

PHOTOS: The Game Room at 51ÁÔĆć