Posted Dec. 15, 2023 — After graduating high school, Kassandra Quintana had to delay college until she saved up enough money to attend.

“I had many moments in those years of just working where I felt like I was going nowhere and that I should give up,” she said.

But Quintana persisted and, on Friday evening, she’ll graduate as one of the University of Houston College of Education’s top undergraduates.

“I may have taken an irregular path to get to where I am, but now I can officially say, ‘I did it!’” she said.

Quintana, who plans to work as a special education teacher, is one of six undergraduates recognized this fall as College of Education banner bearers for their standout grades. They each faced challenges, from pivoting to online classes amid the pandemic to juggling student-teaching with pregnancy, but they attribute their success to staying organized, relying on strong support systems and asking for help.

The College’s fall 2023 graduating class includes more than 400 undergraduate and graduate students ready to pursue careers in the fields of education and health.

“We are incredibly proud of all of our graduates from the College of Education,” said Tiffany J. Davis, associate dean for student belonging and success. “We know from research that college can present formidable challenges, and it takes a lot of grit, combined with strong support services from faculty and staff, for students to graduate and reach their goals.”

Read more about the College’s banner bearers, including what drew them to UH and their advice to future students, in the following Q&A.

Michelle Chandler

B.S. in Teaching and Learning
December 2023 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I was adopted from Malaysia and lived in Australia for some time, as that is where my family is from. When I was younger, my parents moved me to the U.S. and I have grown up in Houston ever since. If anyone asks, I am from Houston, always and forever!

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

I chose to apply to UH because I wanted to stay close to home while going to college. My aunt had graduated from UH and tons of my friends from high school attended UH as well. I knew it had a great reputation and upon doing research, I realized the COE at UH was a well-respected program. I knew it would be a great choice for me to get my teaching degree.

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

From the time I was 8 playing school with friends, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. That love of teaching became solidified when I interned as a teacher’s aide as a senior in high school. I also nannied throughout high school and college, and my love for working with children grew. The thing I love most about my major is working with people who are so passionate about making that same positive impact on their students. It is that mindset that drives me every day at work to continue, even when society doesn’t always value teaching the same way we do.

How do you think your classes, professors and experiences at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

I think the last year has been the most impactful of all in shaping me for success post-graduation! I have been student teaching in Spring Branch ISD in first and second grade; that experience has fulfilled my heart in so many ways. Also, I would love to thank my professors for the guidance, support and encouragement they have given me. Most notably, Dr. Justin Burris and Dr. Teresa “Sesa” Edgar. Dr. Burris is the kind of teacher I seek to be daily. He cared about me as his student but as a person as well. He supported me through the last year of pregnancy and when I returned to UH after having my daughter. His love for his students and for teaching shines through and makes us all better as students.

Dr. Edgar, while she no longer is at UH, prepared me for my year of student teaching. The material she taught us I still use to this day. She is also the kind of professor that wants to see you succeed in and out of her classroom. She brought such joy, and I looked forward to her class each week! They are my role models for teaching my students each day.

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

The last five years have been no easy feat as I faced multiple challenges — from failing and dropping out of community college to making the decision to return and maintain a 4.0 GPA. I think my biggest challenge, and the one I am most proud of, is the fact I went through my student teaching year while also becoming a mom. I had my daughter, Olivia, in July and then had to return to student teaching in September while also being enrolled in school. There were times where I wasn’t sure the finish line was in sight, but I am so incredibly proud that I worked through the sleepless nights and long work weeks.

I have to acknowledge the people who helped me this semester; without them none of this would have been possible. My mentor teacher, Ms. Mendez, supported me both in and outside the classroom. My friends in my cohort (Kassy, Emely, Jose, Natalie, Kaitlyn and so many more) helped me study and complete assignments and loved on my little girl. And my family – the most important of them all. They sacrificed so much for me so I could get my degree and be one step closer to my dream. I owe this all to them, especially my husband, Anthony. My support system is my greatest accomplishment of it all.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I will be taking off the next semester to stay at home with my daughter! This is something I have been looking forward to the last six months. In addition, I am excited to return to the classroom both professionally and academically in August. My career goal is to become a third, fourth and fifth grade math and science teacher. I will also be applying to UH’s grad school to further my education to gain my master’s degree and obtain my principal certification.

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

Ask for help. Sometimes that professor can seem scary or you don’t want to look dumb in front of a friend, but everybody has to start somewhere. My other advice includes using a calendar and during syllabus week, mark those important dates and create plans. You have to create an equal work, life and school balance. Trust me, it’s possible. And finally, build a support system. It doesn’t have to be made up of 100 people — quality over quantity. People who believe in you are the most powerful thing when you want success; they are the people I do it all for and making them proud is worth more than any award.

Dakota Lyn Domel

B.S. in Teaching and Learning
December 2023 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I grew up in East Bernard, a small rural town outside Houston. I am following in the footsteps of my parents as they both graduated with a teaching degree. I am very close with my family, and we spend a lot of time together. We enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing as well as going to our family’s beach house in Matagorda.

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

I chose the University of Houston at Sugar Land because of the wonderful things I heard about the campus and the teaching program. I also knew I wanted to stay close to home while attending college and continue to live in or near my hometown after graduating, so the University of Houston was perfect for me.

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

I have always loved interacting with kids and being a role model to them. Because of this, all of my work experiences revolve around helping and teaching kids. It started as babysitting, then teaching gymnastics and now teaching in a school setting. I absolutely love seeing the light bulb go off in my students when they learn and understand something new in the classroom. It feels so rewarding to know that I helped my students grow.

How do you think your classes, professors and experiences at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

I am confident going into the teaching profession knowing the University of Houston and my professors in the College of Education have prepared me to handle a classroom and make positive impacts on my students. To pick the most impactful experience, I would have to say that student teaching has prepared me the most. My mentor teacher, Mrs. Alyssa Morales, welcomed me into her classroom and helped me find my teaching style and identity. Mrs. Irma Nurre, my site coordinator, provided feedback that fine-tuned my lessons and classroom management skills.

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

I graduated from East Bernard High School in 2020. I finished high school online and graduated at a later date than we were supposed to because of COVID. Online classes continued into my first year-and-a-half of college. This was definitely a challenge for me as learning online is very different than learning in person. I worked to overcome this challenge by being super organized and on top of my workload.

What are your plans after graduation?

My student teaching was at Carter Elementary, and I have accepted a job there teaching third grade math, science and social studies after graduation. I am so excited to continue at the school I have been at for the past year.

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

My advice to future students who also want to be at the top of their class is to be as organized as you can. Keep a planner of all due dates and stay on top of your workload. Also, don’t be afraid to take some time for yourself when you need it!

Kasey Martinez

B.S. in Teaching and Learning
December 2023 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I’m a first-generation Latina college student. I have two siblings and my sister is a University of Houston alum. My parents immigrated from El Salvador in search of a better life post-war. I am grateful to have the chance to pursue higher education thanks to them. One of the many obstacles I had to overcome during my college years was learning how to navigate through college itself. As a first-generation student, it’s often intimidating. Thankfully, I had my sister to support me. I also owe everything to my parents because they have supported me financially and emotionally throughout my college experience; this accomplishment is as much theirs as it is mine.

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

I decided to apply to the College of Education because I am passionate about helping the young leaders of tomorrow learn and grow. I love learning and, more important, being in a learning environment. I believe that a teacher can also learn from students. UH has a lot of diversity and plenty of support for all students, including first-generation. The campus and staff were always welcoming and accepting of everyone.

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

I have always felt a passion for teaching. In elementary school, I never had a teacher that looked like me. I want for my future students to feel represented and valued. I want to have a positive impact on children’s lives. It is also a way for me to give back to my community that helped me become the person I am today.

How do you think your classes, professors and experiences at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

Every class I attended at UH was extremely helpful regarding teaching and personal life. Thanks to the wonderful professors at UH, such as Dr. Justin Burris, Dr. Carrie Cutler and Dr. Eleanor Tyson, I feel prepared for the teaching world. The professors at UH are so passionate about teaching and learning. My math professors helped change my mindset about elementary math, which I’m grateful for.

What are your plans after graduation?

As a resident of Channelview, I am grateful for the opportunity to have student taught in Channelview ISD. I’ve had such a wonderful experience during my student teaching, forming lifelong relationships with my mentor teacher and administrators. Thanks to Channelview ISD, I will be working for them in January 2024. I really look forward to serving a community that helped shape who I am today.

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

It is crucial to surround yourself with supportive people who will lift you up. My biggest support system is my family members who have been there for me during the great and bad chapters of my life. Equally important, don’t forget to prioritize yourself and your mental health during your college career.

Kole Reagan Matula

B.S. in Teaching and Learning
December 2023 Graduate

Share a little about yourself and your background.

I was born in Houston and raised in the small town of Needville. I graduated from high school at the peak of the COVID outbreak. Most of my basics for college were online, so I began working on a rice farm in my free time. During my senior year at the University of Houston, I was a full-time student, worked as a resident teacher in Lamar CISD and continued farming.

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

I decided to specialize in education because of the passion I have for helping others. I have multiple educators within my family that have helped shape my decision. The thing I love the most is the impact we can have upon our students. There is a sense of gratification and achievement when your teaching facilitates the growth of young minds. I enjoy that every day is different, and there is something new each year.

How do you think your classes, professors and experiences at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

The way the College of Education was designed for future educators has prepared me for success. Each semester, a new cohort of students will spend two years working together to strengthen their knowledge and skills related to education. I spent my final year student teaching with guidance from a mentor teacher and site coordinator. Teachers that go through alternative certification or one semester of student teaching do not receive the same opportunity to refine their instruction. The professors in the math education program and professors like Dr. Dustine Thomas have helped mold me into the educator that I am and will become.

Any advice for students who want to become top graduates?

From my experience, the best advice I can offer is to find a meaningful way to manage your time. Everyone is different, so I cannot tell you what will work for you. However, time is one thing I felt I did not have enough of. Do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it. If you are in the College of Education, then you have a cohort of classmates taking the same courses and sharing similar experiences. The professors are also very supportive if you communicate with them.

Kassandra Quintana

B.S. in Teaching and Learning
December 2023 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I was born and raised here in Houston; however, my family is from Puerto Rico. I am a first-generation college student and I’m so thrilled to be graduating with the honor of summa cum laude. This moment seemed very far-fetched for me a few years ago, and now here I am! I am incredibly proud of myself for my accomplishments and grateful to my amazing family for being so supportive throughout my educational journey.

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

I’ve always been interested in applying to the University of Houston. It’s a great campus full of diversity. Also, the College of Education program is amazing!

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

Teaching has been a passion of mine ever since I was young. I want to make an impact on children, especially those who are struggling academically. This is why I chose to also get my teaching certification in special education. There are so many children that want to learn and grow but have trouble due to their disabilities and it can dishearten them. I want to be that advocate and give them everything they need to be successful because they are capable of it. Seeing their growth is such a rewarding experience.

How do you think your classes, professors and experiences at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

My courses at UH really delved deep into the many layers of teaching. There was so much to learn and at times it felt extremely overwhelming. However, it was at those times where I was grateful to have such wonderful and compassionate professors. My mind goes immediately to Dr. Hope Rigby-Wills and Dr. Justin Burris. They both have tremendous passion in what they do, and I have learned immensely from them. They have truly made an impact on my life. 

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

I didn’t go straight to college after I graduated high school. There were some financial troubles stopping me from continuing my education. I ended up getting a job in the meantime as I saved up money. I would also take a few courses from a community college as I worked. I had many moments in those years of just working where I felt like I was going nowhere and that I should give up. Then the pandemic hit, and my job got impacted. I made the decision to go back to school no matter the cost. My family was incredibly supportive despite any obstacles that were thrown at us. I may have taken an irregular path to get to where I am but now I can officially say, “I did it!”

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan on accepting the position of special education resource teacher at an elementary school in the district I completed my student teaching in, Spring Branch ISD.

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

Organization is key. I had a physical and digital planner with all my assignments and their due dates. My other advice would be to build strong connections with your classmates. Not only will they keep you accountable for your work (and vice versa) but having that relationship will make this experience seem less stressful and overwhelming.

Trinity T. Tran

B.S. in Teaching and Learning
December 2023 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I grew up in Pasadena and League City. My parents had immigrated here from Vietnam about 35 years ago. My parents were never able to attend college themselves, so they encouraged me and my four siblings to go. As a kid, I always played school with my siblings and cousins, so they were not surprised when I told them I wanted to become a teacher. 

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

The University of Houston was my first choice because it is close to home. I have a very close relationship with my parents and siblings, and I knew I was going to need their support throughout college.

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

I had always been interested in the teaching profession, so throughout my high school and college years, I tried to get as much experience as I could. I did mentorships with middle school math teachers. I was a substitute in Pasadena ISD. I was a member and officer of a tutoring organization at UH called PEAC Cougar Tutors. All these experiences made me love teaching even more. The main reason I love teaching is seeing the growth not only in my students’ knowledge but their confidence. 

How do you think your classes, professors and experiences at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

My time at UH has been very eye-opening. I was exposed to new strategies and new concepts. I was challenged, and I’m glad because I appreciate math in a whole new way now. Thank you so much to Dr. Melissa Gallagher, Dr. Jennifer Chauvot, Dr. Carrie Cutler, Mrs. Liz Ortiz and every professor who taught me during my time at UH. I am so grateful to all of my professors from the College of Education because they have deepened my love for this profession.

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

When I started my student teaching placement, it was hard to juggle student teaching for four days and still be a full-time student. I overcame this challenge by making my cousin my study buddy. We both held each other accountable for our assignments and allocated time during the week and weekends to study together. 

What are your plans after graduation?

I am planning to work in Pasadena ISD after I graduate. I grew up in that school district, and it holds a special place in my heart. I also plan to go back for my master’s in two years. I have my cousin keeping me accountable for that as well!

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

My biggest advice is to get it done right the first time. Whenever there was new material to learn or a project to be completed, I would give it 110%. It prevented me from having to do more work to fix my mistakes or cram to study. Although it might seem like a burden, it will save you in the long run. Also, surround yourself with people who want you to succeed and who also want to succeed themselves. That makes all the difference!

— Compiled by Ericka Mellon

— Photos courtesy of the graduates