By Gabrielle Saleh/reporter

TCC gives students the opportunity to retool themselves for the future, and the best way to harness those tools is to get involved, said North Richland Hills’ mayor Sept. 20 to a NE Campus audience.

Mayor Oscar Trevino is a business owner, community leader and TCC supporter.

He spoke to students as part of the Pizza with a Purpose series about his life experiences that led him to become mayor and owner of O. Trevino Construction.

He also discussed how students can become involved with their college and city.

Trevino graduated from Texas A&M University with a major in civil engineering.

Before then, he worked at grocery stores, fast food restaurants and on paper routes.

“From the day I could, I started working,” Trevino said.

After years of working and building his own business, Trevino became involved with North Richland Hills in 1991 by serving on the parks board.

He became mayor in 2002.

Trevino, who was president of the National League of Cities’ Hispanic Elected Local Officials group, said why he believes he was elected despite the city being predominately non-Hispanic.
“It’s about how you perform your duty,” he said. “It’s about what you can do and how involved you are in the community.”

Trevino stressed the importance of being involved in the community.

He said cities are looking for people who voice their opinion about the future of the city.

At the same time, Trevino encouraged students to engage in college organizations.

“If there’s an organization here that feeds to your major, get involved in it,” he said.

By doing this, students can connect with others in their field to lean on in the future, Trevino said.

“You’re going to make some of your best friends here,” he said.

Trevino also emphasized the value TCC students have by choosing to attend this college.

When asked how students can make that first step to becoming involved in the city, Trevino said to look for positions that relate to their interest.

He also said for students to contact city officials and tell them they want to be involved.

Michelle Taylor, NE student development associate, organized the event to inspire students to become more involved on campus.

“So much of student development happens outside of classrooms,” Taylor said.

NE student Tai Kapaji said he liked that Trevino gave specific information on who to contact to get involved in the city.

“Having this event is a good idea,” he said. “His point to get involved in things that you are interested in as soon as possible is really important.”