Sierra Jauregui decided to show her three children what hard work can accomplish. She also hopes to inspire others, as well.

Jauregui began Texas State Technical College’s Emergency Medical Services program this fall, and before she knew it, her third child was born. During the first few weeks of class, Jauregui gave birth to her child and returned to class as quickly as she could.

“I knew I had to get back here to stay on pace to complete the program,” she said. “I want to be able to show my children that hard work does pay off.”

Jauregui’s goal is to show people of all situations that earning a degree is possible. When she completes the program, she plans to begin studying to become a paramedic at TSTC.

“It does not matter what your situation is, it is never too late to complete your education,” she said. “That is what I want to show my children and anyone else who will listen to me. I am excited to be able to share my journey with people.”

Jauregui started in nursing school, but she quickly learned it was not going to work out. She continued her education by becoming a certified nursing assistant.

“I always liked helping people, but I wanted a faster pace,” she said. “I want to be in on the action instead of waiting for it to come to me. This program at TSTC has been everything I have expected and a little bit more.”

The “little bit more” that Jauregui referred to is how quickly she and her classmates have become friends.

“I like the family environment of the program,” she said. “I enjoy learning new things with new people. It is very comfortable to learn things in this environment.”

Jauregui learned about the program available in Brownwood from her friend Destiny Roberts, who is currently in the paramedic program.

“She told me all about what she was able to learn at TSTC,” Jauregui said. “She told me how much she enjoyed learning different aspects of the job.”

That includes competing in the Texas SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference in the spring.

“I want to prove to myself and my kids that I can do my best,” she said. “I want to be able to represent TSTC like Destiny and work hard to get to nationals.”

Jauregui, like her classmates, is excited about the different learning opportunities available in the program, including the Immersive Interactive lab that uses virtual reality to simulate a variety of emergency situations and environments.

“I cannot wait to get in there and see what we are able to do,” she said. “I like how we are being prepared by our instructors to do things the right way. If we are not doing something like chest compressions correctly, they will stop us and show us the correct way of performing the compression.”

Adjunct instructor Miranda Hicks said Jauregui and her classmates are working to become the best emergency medical technicians that they can.

“She asks all the right questions in class and works hard to make sure she knows what to do,” she said of Jauregui. “I know when she completes this program, she will be an excellent first responder.”

According to onetonline.org, the need for emergency medical technicians in Texas was expected to grow 19% between 2020 and 2030. The average annual salary for an emergency medical technician in Texas is $34,630, according to the website.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paramedic, as well as certificates of completion in Emergency Medical Services – EMT, Emergency Medical Services – Advanced EMT AEMT, and Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic. Additionally, the college offers an occupational skills achievement award in Emergency Medical Services – EMT. The program is available at the Abilene, Brownwood and Harlingen campuses.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.