GOOD NEWS: Pupil learns administration abilities in classroom, on the job

MEDITERRANEAN Less than a year ago, after only 6 months working at the Subway Sandwich Shop on W. Dickinson Blvd. At Fort Stockton, 18-year-old Edgar Tavarez was promoted to shift supervisor. The 2020 Fort Stockton High School graduate attributes one reason for his success in the workplace to his business management courses at Midland College.

“I signed up for dual high school enrollment courses and business class was one of the options,” explained Tavarez. “I’d never been that interested in the business before, but the schedule was on, so I thought, why not give it a try?”

Tavarez said he immediately enjoyed the class and the instructor Anita Shellenberger.

“MS. Shellenberger wasn’t just a teacher – she really explained things and wanted to help,” he said. “When we got into business ownership and entrepreneurship, I got really interested. The class inspired me to take more classes in My goal is to one day have my own business. I like the idea of ​​building a business from scratch – something where I can control my own destiny. “

Tavarez took additional business and management courses at the Midland College Williams Regional Technical Training Center (WRTTC) in Fort Stockton. When he graduated from high school last May, he received a certificate in business management from Midland College.

Tavarez is staying at WRTTC and is aiming for an Associate Degree in Business Management. He continues to lead the 3pm to 9pm shift on the subway, which works 25 to 35 hours a week.

“I can apply a lot of what I learn to my duties at Subway,” said Tavarez. “My classes helped me deal with people and gave me organizational skills.”

Tavarez noted that Subway recently had to cut hours for some of its workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic decline. It was his responsibility to inform the employees on his shift.

“That was tough,” said Tavarez. “I relied on some of the principles Ms. Shellenberger explained in my class to be transparent and explain the situation. I hated it, but I realize a manager has to do this on occasion. “

Tavarez is the son of Olga and Arnaldo Tavarez. He has two siblings – an older sister, also called Olga, who is 20 years old; and a younger brother named Diego who is 8 years old. Edgar Tavarez and his sister Olga are the first in their family to go to college. Olga attends the Art Institute of Austin and studies graphic design.

“Currently my sister is staying home and taking online courses because of the pandemic,” Tavarez said. “It’s nice to have the whole family together again.”

Tavarez is very close to his family. In fact, he stated that if he starts his own business he will want to stay in the West Texas area so he can be close to his family. His father Arnaldo works in the oil and gas industry.

In his spare time, Tavarez enjoys watching football. His favorite team are the Dallas Cowboys. He also plays the saxophone – a talent he learned as a member of the Fort Stockton High School Band.