Posted Dec. 13, 2024 — Lori Garcia was on track to graduate college at the top of her class until she received news that made her consider dropping out.

“In my last two semesters of college, I found out I was pregnant,” she said. “I had to make the decision on whether I was going to complete college or not. Luckily, I have a lot of wonderful people in my life that were there to encourage me to finish. We came up with a plan to ensure I make it across that stage no matter what.”

The plan worked.

Garcia will cross the stage Friday evening with about 450 other graduates from the University of Houston College of Education. She will be recognized along with five other undergraduates for maintaining a 4.0 grade point average and earning the ceremonial title of banner bearer.

“The journey to graduation is not always easy, but our students show remarkable resilience,” said Tiffany J. Davis, the College’s associate dean for student belonging and success. “Our faculty and staff strive to provide an environment where students can thrive, and we’re grateful to the families, friends and mentors who partner in support. To the newest class of Forever Coogs, we’re so proud of you!”

A first-generation college graduate, Garcia has big plans after graduation: “to be the best mom I can be and to apply for teaching jobs next fall.”

Read more about Garcia and three other banner bearers who rank among the College’s top graduates

Hannah Du

B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences
December 2024 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I was born in Houston and have experienced a lot of transience and upheaval growing up. However, I am happy to be back and graduating in my home state! I am a first-generation college student and second-generation immigrant, and while I learned to love every subject, I took special interest in people.

What drew you to apply to the University of Houston and/or the UH College of Education specifically?

“How can I encourage people to be the best versions of themselves? What makes a healthy relationship, well, healthy?” Questions like these occupied my mind as I searched for a career, which is how I found myself here!

What interested you in your major, and what do you love most about it?

I enjoy making time to discuss more uncomfortable aspects of our lives. To be able to share our vulnerabilities and verbally spar with one another is an important skill, and I hope more people learn to see value in it. I love that I can challenge people lovingly.

How did your classes, professors and advisors at UH prepare you for success after graduation?

My courses have helped me develop a deeper appreciation for not just people’s development and families, but the systems that support them and the languages we learn to learn anything. I thank my professors for pouring so much thought into the material we cover and for generously sharing their knowledge, and I thank my academic advisor, Ms. Jane Sidwell, for meeting me toward the beginning and end of the semester. Transitions are very hard on me, and college courses are no exception!

A special thank you to Dr. Dustine Thomas for helping me confront uncomfortable truths and introducing the concept of giving yourself and others grace; Dr. Erica Jordan for exploring the diaspora of HDFS in class and on the HDFS Careers Podcast; Dr. Michelle Ivey for expanding my understanding of languages and encouraging me to take Vietnamese; Dr. Saira Rab for inspiring me to get familiar with myself and know where I am positioned to make the most of it; Thong Dang for relating his personal stories and providing us many glimpses into Vietnamese culture; and Saran Alderson for sharing her enthusiasm about art, music and movies and many a candid discussion.

Do you mind sharing any significant challenges you’ve faced and how you worked to overcome them?

It can be so difficult to know when you are hurting, especially if you have learned to survive a certain way growing up. I found that my trust in people was shaky and that can come across to others in a hurtful way, whether I intend it to or not. Know that new patterns of thinking are uncomfortable. Give yourself and others grace. Just please, do not be afraid and in pain all by yourself. Give yourself room to express your needs to others, and where people cannot help immediately, they may guide you to where you can receive help. You have people in your community who want you to succeed. Taking care of yourself is a practice, and will help in the long run.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am currently discussing continuing work for my current employer and coming back to help printmaking students taking silkscreen at UH over the weekends. Serigraphy is a challenging but rewarding art process, and I look forward to seeing the designs students print. I will also be studying how to make traditional Chinese paintings with my mother-in-law and how to write and draw my own comics about life.

What advice do you have for future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class? What were the keys to your success?

I am the type of student who treats points on assignments as an afterthought. This has motivated me to do my best regardless of how many points an assignment is worth, but I also put a lot of pressure on myself to do well because I do not look at points until I submit it. Perhaps future students may find a more intentional approach helpful. I do not think many students can follow what I did without experiencing some burnout.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Take care of yourself. HDFS students, ask around for the Human Services internship textbook early on because there is a helpful chapter on how to take care of yourself I wished I had read earlier on in my academic career.

Lori Garcia

B.S. in Teaching and Learning
December 2024 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

Growing up I always enjoyed school, specifically math, and I knew that becoming a teacher was a possibility for me. I have always been pushed to go to college and so that was one of my life goals. I am a first-time generation college graduate and I am proud of my accomplishment.

What drew you to apply to the University of Houston and/or the UH College of Education specifically?

What drew me to apply to the University of Houston was the education program. I heard many great things about it, so when I made my decision to become a teacher, I knew this is where I was meant to be.

What interested you in your major, and what do you love most about it?

I love that I am going to be able to shape the future generation as well as give my students the love and support they need in order to be successful in the classroom.

How did your classes, professors and advisors at UH prepare you for success after graduation?

The program as a whole works really well to prepare you for success after graduation. A lot of the courses that I had to take helped me prepare for my state exams or helped me better understand what is expected of a teacher. I would like to give a huge thank you to professor Celeste Alba for always being there to support and encourage me throughout my time in college. She was a big influence on why I wanted to continue with my degree.

Do you mind sharing any significant challenges you’ve faced and how you worked to overcome them?

In my last two semesters of college, I found out that I was pregnant. I had to make the decision on whether I was going to complete college or not. Luckily, I have a lot of wonderful people in my life that were there to encourage me to finish. We came up with a plan to ensure I make it across that stage no matter what.

What are your plans after graduation?

My plans after graduation are to be the best mom I can be and to apply for teaching jobs next fall.

What advice do you have for future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class? What were the keys to your success?

My advice to future students is to continue to work for what you want and do not lose sight of it. Some of the things I did was stay on top of my work, turn things in early, ask lots questions and find a good support system.

Maria Guadalupe Pizano

B.S. in Teaching and Learning
December 2024 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I grew up as the daughter of immigrants from Mexico. I am a first-generation college student. Although school was challenging, I always enjoyed it, and I love learning. I graduated as the valedictorian of my high school class and am now graduating as one of the highest-ranking students at the College of Education.

What drew you to apply to the University of Houston and/or the UH College of Education specifically?

I applied to the University of Houston because of the diversity and opportunities that it provided me. I applied to the College of Education specifically because I have always believed in the power of education.

What interested you in your major, and what do you love most about it?

I became interested in my major, teaching and learning, because I am extremely passionate about the power of education and the doors it can open for students. I believe that anyone can learn. I have always wanted to be a teacher. What I love most about my major is the fact that it provided me with two semesters of student teaching, which were crucial in helping me learn how to be an excellent mathematics teacher.

How did your classes, professors and advisors at UH prepare you for success after graduation?

My experience in student teaching was extremely helpful in figuring out my identity as a teacher. Working at Aldine ISD helped me out significantly as I was able to learn about classroom management, teaching, and organization strategies hands-on in the field. I feel prepared to take on my classroom soon because of our program. Ms. Toni Wendt, my field supervisor/site coordinator, has been the biggest help, and I always felt supported by her.

Do you mind sharing any significant challenges you’ve faced and how you worked to overcome them?

A challenge I have faced throughout my life has been navigating the education system on my own. As a first-generation American, I have always had to navigate things without the help of others who have already gone through the education system. However, I have worked to overcome this by seeking out help. Help from counselors, peers, teachers and my parents have helped me get to where I am today.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am going to start teaching sixth grade mathematics in Channelview ISD soon. It is where I graduated from, and I am so excited to start influencing the lives of my students. I hope to return to the University of Houston to pursue my M.Ed. in counseling to one day work as a college and career counselor.

What advice do you have for future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class? What were the keys to your success?

My advice to those wanting to reach this goal is to always stay organized. Get a planner and stay ahead. Keep things color-coded, and make sure that you stay passionate about what you are learning. Education is not the easiest, so stay balanced and make sure to make time for yourself. Ask for help when you need it, and never forget what it is that you are passionate about.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I would not be here without the support of my wonderful parents, Reyes and Delia Pizano. Gracias, Mami y Papi. Todo lo que hago es por ustedes.

Jazmin Flores Santiago

B.S. in Teaching and Learning
Summer 2024 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I was born in Mexico and moved to Houston when I was 7 years old. I am a first-generation college student, raised by a single mom who sacrificed so much to give my younger brother and I all the opportunities she did not have. Her love, support and belief that education would take us places we could only dream of is what pushed me to chase my dream of becoming an educator.

What drew you to apply to the University of Houston and/or the UH College of Education specifically?

While working as a paraprofessional, I was told about the UH CTED (Community Teacher Equity Development) program that collaborated with the school district I was working for. The program allowed me to work, complete student teaching and ultimately earn my bachelor’s in teaching and learning. I was very fortunate to have found CTED, which led me to UH, because now I have the opportunity to work as a teacher doing what I love.

What interested you in your major, and what do you love most about it?

As a child I did not want to go to school because I was afraid; I did not speak the language, kids and even teachers were not always very kind. I always knew I wanted to do something that made a difference. While working at an elementary school, I found what I was looking for. I knew I wanted to be the teacher I wish I had when I was a child. I wanted to be that teacher who listened and cared about every child’s education and well-being.

How did your classes, professors and advisors at UH prepare you for success after graduation?

I am very thankful to have learned from so many amazing professors I had the pleasure of meeting at UH. Four professors who I will kindly remember are Dr. Caroline Christensen, Dr. Celeste Alba, Dr. Dustine Thomas and Dr. Miguel Burgess Monroy — the impact their course had on me, but also their personal life experiences they shared to show how perseverance will lead you to success. Not only did I learn about being an educator, I also learned a lot about myself in the process. I would also like to thank all the professors involved with CTED: Dr. Berky Hernandez, advisor Jeylan Yassin, and, of course, Dr. Conra Gist (program director). Thank you all for your support, advice and encouragement. I will not forget your kindness, dedication and willingness to go above and beyond for future educators.

Do you mind sharing any significant challenges you’ve faced and how you worked to overcome them?

As a young adult, I had to choose between college and work; without financial aid I was unable to continue school. It took me a long time to be able to go back to school, not just because of money but also because of the fear of failing. Eventually with the support of my family, I had the courage to go back to school and finish my degree. I wanted to make my mom and my children proud, but I also wanted to prove to myself that it was never too late to follow my dreams. It was not always easy, but it was definitely worth it.

What are your plans after graduation?

I currently work as an elementary school teacher; as a first-year teacher, I plan to be ESL certified. I also plan to pursue my master’s degree in educational counseling, which will lead me to the next step in my career as a school counselor.

What advice do you have for future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class? What were the keys to your success? 

If I could give any advice, it would be to believe in yourself, stop overthinking everything and have faith that everything will work out the way it should. As long as you stay focused, have your priorities in order, and always remember why and who you are doing this, you will be OK.

—By Ericka Mellon

—Photos courtesy of the graduating students