23
September
2020
|
09:22 AM
America/Chicago

Future is hot for first gen HVAC student

Student of the Week: Emyliano Lopez Valdez

As the first in his family to go to college, Emyliano Lopez Valdez says it’s up to him to determine his own future.

Emyliano entered South Texas College as a sophomore in high school in 2016, and began in the college’s Heating, Ventilation, and A/C and Refrigeration (HVACR) program. He now plans to work for the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley as a chiller management operator until more opportunities come up.

“I motivate myself by reminding myself that this is for my own future,” Emyliano said. “I plan on giving back to my parents because they're the people that motivated to go to college. I'm the first in the family to go to college which is also a reason I want to be the first to finish.”

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration technicians are primarily trained in the service, repair, maintenance and installation of heating, cooling and refrigeration equipment including domestic, residential, commercial and industrial systems.

“I motivate myself by reminding myself that this is for my own future."
Student of the Week Emyliano Lopez Valdez

Career preparation requires extensive educational training in refrigeration systems, electrical/electronic controls, pneumatic controls, cooling and heating systems, duct design, fabrication and residential and commercial heat gained and loss calculations.

Based at STC’s Technology Campus in McAllen, the program offers both an HVAC certificate as well as an Associate of Applied Science in HVAC Technology.

Some of the opportunities for employment in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration include: Engineers in sales, application and operating. Technicians in testing, equipment installers, preventive maintenance, service and repair, wholesale and sheet metal specialist.

“As a message to students, I would like for them to remember that everything comes down to you. You determine your own future,” Emyliano said. “My experience has been really great. The professors have been amazing at teaching us the material we need. STC offers tutors which has really helped me out.”