For the class of 2020, the road to graduation was more like a rollercoaster. From Hurricane Harvey in 2017 to the global pandemic this year, these students have faced unprecedented challenges.
Yet they persisted.
At the 91ĘĘ½ā°ę College of Education, these graduating students followed through on their dreams to become teachers, administrators, health professionals, researchers and other leaders in their fields.
āTo the class of 2020, you overcame each hurdle with unparalleled resilience,ā said College of Education Dean Bob McPherson. āOn behalf of all our faculty and staff, we are so proud of you and look forward to your positive impact on the world.ā
The College will honor roughly 975 students from the spring, summer and fall graduating classes during ās Thursday and a virtual celebration Saturday.
Learn more about the Collegeās top 2020 graduates, who maintained 4.0 grade point averages despite the turmoil. They would have served as banner bearers, leading the processional and sitting on stage, during a traditional in-person ceremony.
āThese students exemplify the Cougar spirit,ā McPherson said.
Brandy Winner
December 2020 Graduate, B.S. in Teaching and Learning
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Iām 46, older than the average college student, and Iām the first in my family to graduate college. I have two teenagers.
Why did you become a teacher?
I was a stay-at-home mom for 18 years, so I wanted to do something for me. I really wanted to make a difference for kids and get a degree I could use to make that difference, and what better way than teaching elementary school?
As someone who attended college later in life, did you find it hard to get started?
I started when my kids were younger, so it was hard to balance because they needed me all the time. I would start and come back and start and come back. It was too much, so I had to wait until they were older. This last time, it was hard, but I felt like I was mentally ready.
What drew you to ?
It was close, so I wouldnāt have to leave my family. has a good education program, so it was a no brainer.
How has your time at prepared you for your dream job?
Right now, Iām hired as a long-term sub. As soon as my degree comes in, Iāll be hired. When I had to do an interview for my position, everything I was asked was talked about in my classes the same semester. Whether it was student teaching, my math class or my literacy class, I felt well prepared. Iām teaching kindergarten, so every day is a new day for them. Itās always going to be a learning curve, but I feel prepared.
What challenges did you face at , and how did you overcome them?
Other than going virtual and COVID-19, it was time management. I had to manage my personal time, school time, family time and make enough time for me and my schoolwork. The hardest part was learning how to study again after being out of school for so long. I had to learn how to take notes the right way and how to study so I would remember.
What advice do you have for students who want to maintain high grades?
I had to figure out when the best time to learn was. I tried to study at night because thatās what I did when I was younger. At my age, I learned that waking up in the morning and studying made it easier to retain what I was reading. I had to figure that out for myself. Keep an agenda or a to-do list. I canāt remember anything without writing it down.
What motivates you?
I waited so long to go back to school that I put a lot of pressure on myself. I donāt want to just do something; I want to do it well.
How do you blow off steam?
Just spending time with my family. Iām super passionate about teaching, so Iāll get on Pinterest and find new ideas for lesson plans.
Of course, graduating during the pandemic is not what you imagined. Have you found a way to celebrate or a silver lining?
A virtual graduation is just fine for me, but I do feel bad for the younger graduates.
Paula Hernandez
December 2020 Graduate, B.S. in Teaching and Learning
Can you tell us a little about your background?
I was born in Bogota, Colombia, and I came to the U.S. when I was 4. My parents were both engineers, but it was hard for them to find work because they didnāt speak the language. They worked wherever they could. Then my mom became a teacher, and sheās been teaching for 10 years. She piqued that interest for me.
Why did you become a teacher?
Iāve always thought, āHow can I leave my mark?ā Then I thought, āIf I make a difference in a childās life, when I leave this world theyāll still be here.ā That was my motivation to go into teaching. Even if itās just one child, I can leave my mark and make an impression.
How did faculty and staff help you on your path to becoming a great teacher ?
A lot of the professors at the COE are amazing because theyāre teaching you the best practices. One that stood out to me would be Dr. Justin Burris (a professor of math education). I was terrified because math is not my thing. He focused on mental health and a growth mindset. He supported students emotionally, and he was there for us. He wanted us to deeply connect to the material and understand it. I had never been taught that way before, so he really opened my eyes.
How has your time at prepared you for your dream job?
It has prepared me so much. Most universities only do a few months of student teaching, but does a whole year. Thereās so much that you donāt know, and you learn a lot through that process. I feel like sets you up so you wonāt be blindsided. We know what to expect.
Do you have a job lined up after graduation?
Yes, Iām going to be a pre-K teacher at Carter Elementary School.
What challenges did you face at , and what lessons did you learn?
I would say group work at the very beginning. It was hard because there were people there that didnāt really care as much as I did. I learned to only worry about doing the best that I can. I can only control myself.
What advice do you have for students who want to maintain high grades?
It might sound extreme but put school above everything else. Obviously, there are more important things, but you have your whole life to go out. If your goal is to have a 4.0, then you need to put in the work. Nothing worth having is easy.
What motivates you?
My motivation is my family. Mostly itās my son because heās watching me. If I set a low bar, then heāll set a low bar for himself. I try to remember someone is watching me, and my actions arenāt my own. I also want to help my family progress in life.
How do you blow off steam?
I love to spend time with my husband and my son. Spending time with them calms me.
Of course, graduating during the pandemic is not what you imagined. Have you found a way to celebrate or a silver lining?
It was very upsetting at first because Iāve been going to school for a very long time. Iām still going to celebrate with my family because itās a huge accomplishment.
Kaitlin Adam
May 2020 Graduate, B.S. in Teaching & Learning
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Iām the oldest of four. I grew up in Cedar Park, Texas, and lived there my whole life. I played a lot of sports in high school: basketball, volleyball and golf. I went to Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, and last year I transferred into
Why did you become a teacher?
I knew I wanted to do something where I could affect kidsā lives. I thought I wanted to be a doctor, but after a full year of premed classes, I wasnāt doing well, wasnāt happy and didnāt want to go to class. I decided to make a difference in kidsā lives another way. Both of my parents teach special ed. Seeing how some of these kids were not getting the education they deserved, I knew I wanted to be a positive influence and that teacher who provided for those kids.
How did faculty and staff help you on your path to becoming a great teacher ?
Irma Nurre, the site coordinator, helped me so much. She was such a huge mentor, super encouraging and still reaches out to me to this day. Dr. Shea Culpepper was always super supportive, answering all my questions and easing my anxieties. Theyāre a huge part of why I am where I am today.
How has prepared you for your dream job?
Honestly, my classes prepared me a lot. Being a first-year teacher is super difficult, but based off that year of student teaching, I feel more prepared. Iāve been lucky and able to teach in person, but due to I could have handled online if I needed to. taught me to always be flexible because you donāt know if youāll receive support from parents or teach at a school with money coming in.
How has teaching been since you graduated?
I currently teach first grade in Lamar Consolidated Independent School District at Bentley Elementary School. Iām self-contained, so I teach all subjects. Itās been crazy with COVID, but Iām learning so much. Itās tough, and itās exhausting, but at the end, itās super rewarding. Seeing something click with a kid make the late nights and early mornings worth it.
What advice do you have for future students who want to maintain high grades?
You have to time manage as much as you possibly can and make school and your grades a priority. I had to work because I needed the money to pay bills, but I made work and school my top priority. Also, ask questions. I learned that, if you want to be successful, you must ask questions and for help. Making friends and relying on them for support helped me maintain high grades. I couldnāt have done this without them because we helped each other.
What motivates you?
My fiancƩ keeps me very motivated. I come home with a huge stack of papers, and he helps me grade them. My students make me want to be better at my job because the better I am the more I can help them and the more successful they can be.
How do you blow off steam?
My favorite way to blow off steam is just hanging out with friends and family. I love hosting people.
Of course, graduating during the pandemic is not what you imagined. Have you found a silver lining or a way to celebrate?
My family threw me a graduation party the weekend after graduation would have been. My fiancĆ© proposed to me in front of my family, his family and friends at the graduation party, which turned into an engagement party. Not having a graduation stunk, but I still have my diploma on the wall. I still got to celebrate with my family. Even though I didnāt get to walk, I still celebrated in a way. The hard work paid off.
Julie Funes
May 2020 Graduate, B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies
Can you tell us a little about your background?
I was born in Galveston, raised in Houston. My parents are both immigrants from Honduras, and they moved here in the early ā90s. My first language is Spanish, but I picked up English quickly because of my older siblings. I am the fourth out of five kids.
Are you the first in your family to attend college?
I am not the first to attend college, but I am the first to graduate.
Why did you become a teacher?
I chose this major because I knew that I wanted to work with people, especially children and families, even though I was not sure what I wanted to work as. During one of my first semesters at , I took a class where we had to choose a place to perform a practicum. I chose the Childrenās Learning Centers on campus and quickly fell in love with teaching and helping little ones work through emotions while learning new skills.
How did faculty and staff help you on your path to becoming a great teacher?
Dr. Jill Storch stood out to me as a helpful professor. I love that she tied class information to experiences she had inside of the classroom when she taught elementary school.
How has teaching been since you graduated?
I work in a nearby district as a first-grade teacher, and the job has been tough. It is not traditional to have your first year as a teacher during a pandemic, and there have been other hardships these first few months that have made the job feel impossible at times. But my students make it worth it. We have quickly established connections, and they make me laugh/smile every day.
What advice do you have for students who want to maintain high grades?
Honestly, just do the work. Apply yourself and make your education a priority.
What motivates you?
My faith in Jesus. Knowing that there is more to life than the things we see every day, because some of the things we see can be very discouraging, and finding value and joy in the small things.
How do you blow off steam?
I sing or āplayā piano. I am not very good, but I can play some chords. Sometimes I will take a few hours to do self-care: take a bath, put on a face mask. Sometimes it helps to just go out for a walk/jog.
Of course, graduating during the pandemic is not what you imagined. Have you found a silver lining or a way to celebrate?
It has been a little difficult finding a silver lining since my family was really looking forward to this moment. My parents came to the U.S. to provide my siblings and I more opportunities and a higher likelihood of receiving an education, and to finally see their sacrifices pay off was a big deal. However, I have found peace in knowing that even though I did not get the traditional celebration, it is still a huge accomplishment for my parents and I to know that I am now a college graduate. To God be the glory!
āBy Lillian Hoang and Jordan Hart
āPhotos courtesy of Brandy Winner, Paula Hernandez, Kaitlin Adam and Julie Funes