Women show prowess in Computer Programming Technology at TSTC

In college or university, Phyllis Hollingshead was learning to become a trainer when her individual teacher opened a doorway to computer programming.

“I recognized it was this sensible process you go through of telling the computer system what to do,” she recalled. “It’s intriguing — you can regulate that device. I would’ve assumed it was mystical and tough to do, but it was not as really hard as I imagined it would be.”

Hollingshead has been an teacher in Texas Point out Technological College’s Personal computer Programming Technological know-how system for 16 several years.

“Back when I was in higher education, I was the only lady in that class,” she remembered. “One of the lecturers held telling me I was in a man’s discipline. I held reminding him that ladies assisted start off this.”

Hollingshead encourages future learners to give computer system programming a shot — as does her colleague, Susie Watkins.

“I sense like any one can do anything at all they want as prolonged as they place their intellect to it,” Watkins said.

Watkins has taught at TSTC for approximately 22 many years. Ahead of teaching, she well balanced obtaining her levels with working and boosting her daughter. She became intrigued in pc programming many thanks to video video games and her father’s get the job done on old computer systems at Fort Hood.

Watkins was also the only girl in her lessons.

“It wasn’t a massive deal,” she said. “No one particular gave me any grief. They (the other college students) were being always asking me for aid.”

Alexis Fisher (left), a Waco resident who is presently education in TSTC’s Laptop Programming Technology plan, also turned intrigued in the industry since of video clip video games, which she has been taking part in because the age of 2.

But in its place of gaming, Fisher identified her enthusiasm in computer software advancement.

“I’d like to go into software package growth since that field is mounting far more than gaming,” she said. “And it’s generally great to have the possibility to do either one particular since I’ll have the degree for it.”

Even though she is 1 of handful of gals in her lessons, Fisher has not noticed a big difference.

“I haven’t had any troubles,” she explained. “It’s been quite fantastic, and I really don’t get handled any differently by instructors or other college students. We get our applications carried out and go.”

For Jazmin Hernandez (correct), of Harlingen, TSTC’s Laptop or computer Programming Technological know-how application satisfies her curiosity in her tech support posture — and provides her success anytime she sees success in an assignment.

“I seriously want to get a excellent task, but I want to move ahead with pc science,” Hernandez explained. “I genuinely want to go for software program engineer. That’s my major goal.”

Hernandez encourages possible students to give the software a try out to see whether or not they like it — and to dedicate the time and persistence they need to have to analyze and mature.

Her drive? Her daughters.

“My oldest daughter — she’s 7 — she constantly tells me, ‘Oh, you are so smart, Mom. Analyze — I want you to pass,’” Hernandez reported. “It’s lovable. She’s quite encouraging.”

And if her daughters could choose 1 working day to pursue a occupation in this discipline?

“It would be amazing,” Hernandez mentioned.

In Texas, laptop or computer programmers can make an regular once-a-year wage of $91,830, according to onetonline.org.

TSTC gives an Associate of Used Science diploma in Pc Programming Technological know-how with thoroughly on line training. The program’s Effectiveness-Based mostly Schooling strategy affords learners the adaptability to direct their possess mastering, focusing on mastering competencies.

Through the thirty day period of March, TSTC is honoring ladies in heritage and on its campuses who get the job done to make strides in the STEM (science, engineering, engineering and mathematics) fields each working day.

Master far more about TSTC at tstc.edu.