“I decided to attend TCC because of how dynamic it was to allow a full-time employee to be able to work and attend school full-time,” said Juan Torres Imperial, who graduated in the spring of 2021 with an Associate of Applied Sciences in Occupational Safety & Environmental Technology. “TCC really puts success within reach by allowing students to attend evening and weekend classes to achieve their academic goals.”
Imperial said because TCC has six campuses, he was able to take classes that fit into his work-life schedule. In fact, he attended four of the six TCC campuses — Trinity River, Northwest, South and Connect.
Like most students, Imperial’s academic journey included challenges. “Every goal comes with its challenges,” he said. “Mine was that I was working up to 65 hours a week while attending classes full-time. This was not easy because I really had to focus and rely on my discipline and determination to help me stay consistent over time.
“Another challenge that resonates with me was the initial fear of just starting college for the first time,” Imperial said. “I am incredibly thankful for my wife, family, faculty and staff who helped provide support to help me get enrolled and through the learning curve of starting college.”
One faculty member who made an important difference for Imperial was Ali Williamson, program coordinator and associate professor in the Occupational Safety & Environmental Technology program. “Ali is a technical and experienced professor who is invested in helping her students succeed in the program and in the real world,” Imperial said. “I am thankful for being able to meet Ali and be part of her program.”
Imperial currently serves as a safety & health manager for The Beck Group, a large architectural and construction firm. He oversees the safety and health of the workforce from the beginning of the project until the building is completed and turned over to the owner to use. “One of our company’s core values is caring,” he said. “I enjoy being part of a company that reflects caring by being committed to sending employees home safe to their loved ones.”
His advice to those considering attending TCC is — “Take it seriously and be consistent with yourself. Yes, the faculty and staff are there to help you. But at the end of the day, you must show up for yourself and be disciplined to achieve your academic goals,” Imperial said.
“I am grateful to have been able to have the opportunity to attend TCC and would recommend it to anyone that wants to attain a higher education,” he said. “I’d also recommend it to any safety and health professionals interested in attaining a designation from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.” Imperial said his degree allowed him to sit and test for the Associate Safety Professionals exam, a highly recognized safety designation in the safety and health industry.
“TCC provided the academic knowledge that allows me to better serve the construction industry I work in. With the knowledge provided, it allowed me to be more confident in myself,” he said.
Are you experiencing Success at Work thanks to your time at TCC? If so, please let us know. We love hearing about the success of our graduates! Contact us at PR.Marketing@tccd.edu, and we’ll be in touch.