Posted Dec. 13, 2022 — Graduating college is an accomplishment for anyone. For many, it’s a family first, and for those at the top of their class, grit and transformative teachers serve as fuel.

At commencement this week, six students from the University of Houston College of Education will be recognized as top graduates for maintaining 4.0 grade point averages throughout their undergraduate experience.

They will join more than 350 other graduates from the College during the Dec. 16 ceremony.

These standout students, who hold the ceremonial title of banner bearer, overcame challenges with support from faculty and staff and a commitment to staying organized.

“Being a first-generation college student, I didn’t have anyone to rely on to give me answers,” said banner bearer Aurora Bri Goodrum Gundy. “UH is very first-generation friendly.”

All future educators, these top graduates said their courses and internships prepared them well to connect with diverse students.

“The College of Education at UH has some of the best professors I have encountered on my journey to receiving a bachelor’s degree,” said banner bearer Rosita Contreras.

Learn more about the top graduates and their advice for success in the Q&A below.

Aurora Bri Goodrum Gundy

December 2022 graduate, B.S. in Teaching and Learning

Share a little about yourself.

I’m a first-generation college student. I live in Angleton, I commute for an hour, and I love teaching. I was juggling six classes and work while I pursued my bachelor’s.

Why did you decide to specialize in education, and what do you love most about it?

I have always been super passionate about special education. I’m a life skills teacher at Southside Elementary in Cleveland ISD for students with severe disabilities, like hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy. I’m neurodivergent and have ADHD, and I grew up feeling I needed help advocating for my needs. Teachers didn’t always know how to accommodate me. In my teacher preparation program, I saw how much general education teachers didn’t know about special needs students, and I wanted to be an advocate for them.

How did UH prepare you for success in education?

I wanted to go to UH because of its diversity. Being in education, diversity is so important for me because not all my students are going to look like me. It’s important to connect with people who are completely different than me.

As for faculty and staff who have helped me become a great teacher, I think of Dr. Justin Burris and Dr. Hope Rigby-Wills. Dr. Burris is honestly my favorite teacher ever. He’s very good at teaching how to make connections with students and implementing a growth mindset and culturally responsive teaching. Dr. Rigby-Wills was a teacher in my special ed classes. She really prepared me for the data and paperwork that come with special ed.

Any advice for students who want to become top graduates?

If you do not have time management skills, it’s hard to succeed. Find a planner. Find what works for you. I was a mentor in the PEEPS [Personal Early Educational Performance Support] program at the College of Education, and I helped students with disabilities with time management. That really helped me with my own time management, so I overcame what I was struggling with by helping other people.

Rosita Contreras

December 2022 graduate, B.S. in Human Development & Family Sciences with teacher certification

Share a little about yourself.

I was born in Zacatecas, Mexico. My family and I came to Houston when I was about 5 years old. I am a first-generation college student and the youngest out of six. I went to schools in Aldine ISD and decided to do my student teaching there. One obstacle I had to overcome was a lack of guidance, being that I am a first-gen student. I felt as if I had to figure everything out myself. With time, I learned that it is always OK to ask for help.

Why did you decide to specialize in Human Development & Family Sciences, and what do you love most about it?

Although I love teaching, one of my goals is to eventually become a school counselor. I felt majoring in HDFS would broaden my knowledge when helping students and their families. It is fascinating to learn about how we as humans develop, and about different cultures and families from around the world. HDFS and teacher certification, in my opinion, are related because as a future educator, it is important to be open, understanding and accepting of various cultures, backgrounds and ethnicities. 

How did UH prepare you for success in education? 

The diversity at UH drew me to the campus. At UH, there is a place for everyone. I had also heard from friends and coworkers that they believed the teacher education program at the University of Houston was one of the best. The College of Education at UH has some of the best professors I have encountered. Dr. Justin Burris, Dr. Dustine Thomas, Dr. Heather Domjan, Dr. Haley Ford, among others, all have contributed and prepared me for success. Their passion and dedication show through their engaging lessons. 

Any advice for students who want to become top graduates?

Writing a weekly to-do list helped me stay on top of things, and surrounding myself with people who are seeking a common goal was helpful. Set short-term and long-term goals for yourself. Most importantly, put your mental health first, and do it for yourself. 

Tracey Thien Tran

December 2022 graduate, B.S. in Teaching and Learning

Share a little about yourself.

I am a first-generation college student. I was born in Da Nang, Vietnam, and immigrated to the United States when I was 4 years old. The biggest obstacle I have had to overcome was adjusting to a new life without my dad. My mom was a single mother and had to raise her kids on her own. So, our financial situation has always been a challenge. My mom is my role model because, through her, I learned that success is not given. Only when I exude enough effort will I succeed.  

Why did you decide to specialize in education, and what do you love most about it?

Before I switched to teaching and learning, I was a pre-nursing major. After taking several pre-nursing courses, I felt the medical field wasn’t a fit for me, but I realized how much I loved working with children. So, I changed my major to teaching and learning to become an elementary teacher. That was the best decision I’ve made, as I am passionate about teaching and can’t imagine myself doing anything else. Teachers have the power to make a difference, and I want to make a difference in children’s learning lives.

How did UH prepare you for success in education? 

I chose the University of Houston because, for one, it is close to home. Family is everything to me, so I wanted to stay as close to my family as possible. The University of Houston also has great professors. My professors at the College of Education are always supportive and willing to do anything to ensure we have access to the resources we need to become successful educators.

Any advice for students who want to become top graduates? 

Set realistic goals and find a good support system. My support systems are my family and friends. I don’t know what I would do without them. You have the power to overcome hard things if you believe in yourself. Believing in yourself is the first step toward success.

Mikayla Leiendecker

December 2022 graduate, B.S. in Teaching and Learning

Share a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in Houston. It has been a blessing and privilege to graduate with the honor of summa cum laude. In fifth grade, I was diagnosed with a learning disability. I had to learn new ways to succeed in school. When I was a freshman in high school, I had a teacher tell me I was not going to succeed because I was having a difficult time in her class. I chose to do everything in my power to prove her wrong. I am proud of what I have accomplished, despite my obstacles.

Why did you decide to specialize in education?

After I found out I had a learning disability, I had a teacher who dedicated herself to helping me figure out ways to retain the material I was taught. When I think of why I decided to become a teacher, Mrs. Gisi, my fifth-grade teacher who would stop at nothing to help me become successful, was a major influence. I love being able to give those students who struggle the opportunity to succeed by being there for them like Mrs. Gisi was there for me.

How did UH prepare you for success in education?

At UH, I have come to realize just how hard teaching really is, and it’s at those times we need to surround ourselves with people who can support us and make us laugh. Dr. Amber Thompson is one of the people who I can say has made a huge impact on me. She is caring and passionate, and I will forever be grateful for all she has done to help me succeed in not only education, but in life itself.

Any advice for students who want to become top graduates?

It takes hard work and determination and maybe even some tears, but remember, it does not have to be perfect. Sometimes good enough really is good enough.

Katherina Azul Montenegro

Share a little about yourself.

I am a first-generation college student. I was born in Argentina, but we moved to Houston when I was not even a year old, so I definitely have a foot in both worlds. I loved growing up in a city that was so diverse. One of my biggest obstacles has been attending university in general, due to finances. It didn’t seem like a possibility for a long time, and I had to work very hard all four years to make it to graduation. I owe everything to my parents, and this accomplishment is as much theirs as it is mine.

Why did you decide to specialize in education, and what do you love most about it?

I originally started as a nursing student, but I quickly realized that wasn’t my passion. I love working with kids and being able to help them learn more about the world and themselves. I knew I wanted to do something where I could make a difference and knowing the huge impact my teachers had on me, I knew I wanted to make a positive impact on kids as well.

How did UH prepare you for success in education?

Growing up in Houston, UH was always the goal. A lot of my older cousins graduated from UH, so I grew up knowing it was a great school. It’s close to home, which is very convenient to stay close to my family. Every class was full of relevant information that is so useful now that I’m out in the field. We were taught everything you may need to know: the content, how to teach it, how to assess, how to plan lessons, etc. Student teaching prepared me the most. It’s been a rollercoaster, but being in the classroom four days a week with an experienced teacher slowly but surely passing on the reins has done more than anything to prepare me. I had an excellent mentor, Ms. Kalee Kager, and I will forever be grateful to her for welcoming me into her classroom and preparing me to be a great teacher.

Any advice for students who want to become top graduates?

Stay organized and manage your time. Planners are my best friends. At the beginning of each semester, I go through every syllabus for my classes and write down all the major assignments for the whole semester. This allows me to stay on top of due dates and visually see everything that has to be done. It can feel overwhelming at first, but having a game plan will help you in the long run. Set aside time to do your homework and assignments, but also set aside time for yourself.

Samiah Iqbal Maradiya

December 2022 graduate, B.S. in Teaching and Learning

Share a little about yourself.

I am a first-generation college student, born in Austin but raised in Houston, in the Sugar Land/Rosenberg area. Coming from an immigrant family, I had little to no idea on how to navigate through college. Figuring out who to speak with, which classes to take and even how to register for classes was an obstacle for me. Luckily, I surrounded myself with family and great friends and peers from my community to help.

Why did you decide to specialize in education, and what do you love most about it?

I have a passion for sharing knowledge because of my experiences at the religious education center at my place of worship. Growing up, I never had a teacher who looked like me or shared my culture/faith. I can now be that reflection for many of my students and serve as a role model. I love that I am able to connect with my students and find engaging ways for them to learn and enjoy the process. 

How did UH prepare you for success in education? 

UH is near home and my friends and family. I knew I wanted to take a job near my home, so it was an easy transition considering the relationship the College has with surrounding districts. In addition, UH has given me the opportunity to work and learn from the best professors. They have all worked so hard and shaped me to become the educator I am. They have instilled the desire for me to continue growing and learning.

Any advice for students who want to become top graduates?

My advice is to prioritize and organize. To get a 4.0, you will have to give it your all. Invest in a planner that will make you want to use it every day, and mark your due dates two or three days earlier on your calendar so you are prepared. Prioritize your work and your responsibilities so that you can find some down time for yourself. 

— By Lillian Hoang

— Photos courtesy of the graduating students