Posted May 10, 2023 — Growing up in poverty in Pakistan, Saad Nadeem recalls witnessing the “devastating impact” of limited access to health care.

“I remember seeing so many of my relatives pass away because they could not afford to see a doctor or receive necessary medical treatment,” Nadeem said. “The day when my grandmother passed away significantly inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. Her passing was a profound loss for me, but it also helped me recognize the importance of health care and doctors’ critical role in people’s lives.”

Nadeem is one step closer to fulfilling his goal of becoming a doctor. He graduates this Saturday from the University of Houston with a standout academic record — a 4.0 grade point average as a triple major, in health (from the College of Education), human nutrition and foods, and exercise science; he also completed three minors, in biology, business administration, and management and leadership.

He’s one of eight undergraduate students from the College of Education who will be recognized as “banner bearers” at Commencement for their top GPAs. They’ll join roughly 550 students from the College of Education crossing the stage at the Fertitta Center, prepared to work as teachers, school leaders, health care specialists, higher education professionals, counselors, school psychologists, researchers and other change agents in their fields.

“Our banner bearers remind us that academic excellence can and should be inclusive,” said Tiffany J. Davis, associate dean for student belonging and success. “Their shared lessons can serve as guidance to future students and to our faculty and staff for how we can best support holistic student success collegewide.”

Like Nadeem, many of the College’s top graduates are the first in their families to graduate from college. Their challenges included skeptics, social anxiety and overwhelming stress, but they persevered with support from family, friends, professors and advisors, strong organizational skills and some self-care.

Read more about the top students in the following Q&A, edited slightly for clarity.

Allison Abrams

B.S. in Teaching and Learning
May 2023 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

Houston is my hometown, and it’s where I spent my formative years attending schools within the HISD system. I had the incredible opportunity to complete my student teaching experience in the same district. While I was an introverted and reserved student, I am now experiencing quite the opposite of this as a lively, outgoing teacher.

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

As a third-generation college student, I chose to go to the University of Houston, where my family attended. I felt that the prestige the university holds would allow me to achieve my goal of becoming a successful educator. I knew the extensive student teaching program here would ensure my success when maintaining a classroom of my own. 

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

My experience as a babysitter instilled in me a passion for teaching and a joy in witnessing others comprehend new ideas. What I enjoy most about teaching is establishing one-on-one connections with my students and having the privilege of witnessing their growth and development. Playing an essential part in my students’ lives is a significant goal of mine. I aspire to cultivate an inclusive and inviting classroom environment where every student feels accepted and valued.

How do you think your experiences at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

In the College of Education, I had some incredible professors. One professor who influenced me throughout my student teaching experience was Dr. Carrie Cutler. Her enthusiasm and emphasis on maintaining a growth mindset is something I reflect on often as a teacher. My site coordinator during my student teaching experience, Dr. Jocelyn Mouton, has been one of the most helpful resources as I shift from college student to teacher. It is because of her that I have gained the feedback to become the teacher I would have wished to have.

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

One significant challenge I faced was struggling with time management during my senior year. I found myself overwhelmed in managing coursework, student teaching responsibilities and extracurricular activities. I would often feel guilty taking time for myself if I knew I had an assignment coming up. To overcome this, I began organizing and learning to effectively manage my time, setting aside time for myself. It is important to prioritize my well-being and not just focus on work all the time.

What are your plans after graduation?

My career plan is to become an elementary school teacher, and I am actively pursuing this goal by interviewing for teaching positions. I am eager to bring my passion for teaching and my dedication to student success to a classroom of my own. My long-term goal is to become a skilled teacher who inspired students to love learning and to never be afraid of achieving their full potential. 

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?

One of the main keys to my success was to avoid procrastination. Have an end goal in mind! Even if I was dreading completing an assignment, I tried to give myself something to look forward to once I was finished. It’s important to balance school and your personal life, but remembering your prioritizations is crucial. I like to complete my assignments two to three days early to plan in case anything occurs.

Jose Felix

B.S. in Teaching and Learning
May 2023 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I grew up in Longview, Texas, where I lived for 18 years until I left for college. My siblings and I are first-generation college students. My two older sisters studied at Texas A&M, which I also attended before transferring to the University of Houston. While I had a few negative experiences in school, I mostly enjoyed and continue to enjoy school and learning in general.

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

I decided to apply to the University of Houston because I wanted to attend college near my family to save money on housing. What drew me to the College of Education was unexpected. I first attended Texas A&M for electrical engineering but decided it wasn’t the right fit for me. During that time, COVID hit, and I became my nephew’s nanny, which caused me to research developmental milestones a 2-year-old was supposed to reach. I encountered many educational theories and implemented them while teaching my nephew to count and identify letters and their corresponding sounds. I didn’t consider teaching a career choice until a certain walk to the park. On the way, my nephew stopped, pointed at the stop sign and said, “P-O-T-S.” As he said the letters on the stop sign without prompting, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, and at that moment, I knew I wanted to teach.

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

It wasn’t easy teaching myself to teach. I knew a teacher education program would have the appropriate sequence, courses and content necessary for me to become an effective teacher. I have loved all my courses and how different teaching practices are now from when I was an elementary student. I have also enjoyed the student teaching component and how it gradually allowed me to take on more responsibility.

How do you think your experiences at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

My classes, professors and experiences at UH have definitely prepared me for success. Because of my courses at the University of Houston, I feel confident in my ability to plan lessons, teach content, and analyze data to make adjustments to and reflect on my teaching.

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

Social anxiety was one of the most significant challenges I faced. I remember signing up for my social education course with Dr. Dustine Thomas, reading the syllabus and feeling butterflies in my stomach. At the time, I struggled to do something as simple as ordering a pizza over the phone or asking for help finding something at a store. When I saw that we would be discussing controversial topics like racism and sexuality, my stomach sank. However, through respectful conversations with peers, I became comfortable being uncomfortable. After that course, many of the social situations I had feared became trivial, and I was able to break out of my shell.

What are your plans after graduation?

I have accepted a job as a kindergarten bilingual education teacher at Treasure Forest Elementary in Spring Branch ISD. My current student teacher placement is also in a bilingual kindergarten class, so I am glad I can continue working with this grade level as a first-year teacher.

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?

What helped me the most was staying organized by writing down all deadlines and inputting them into a planner. After I place all assignments in a planner, I look at gaps and break time-consuming assignments into manageable chunks so I won’t wait until the day before to do an assignment. Also, so I don’t get burned out, I set study goals and reward myself for completing them by taking a break and watching an episode of something on Netflix or catching up on social media.

Lauren Taylor Lyles

B.A. in Human Development and Family Sciences, B.S. in Psychology
May 2023 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I grew up in the Humble area, just outside of Houston, with my three sisters. As I child, I had a passion for reading and learning about the lives of others. My time at the University of Houston has helped refine and direct this passion. I have also worked with many different organizations, including after school programs, early child education centers and youth summer camps, which have allowed me to practice and apply the knowledge gained through my college career.

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

As a Houstonian, this city has always drawn my interest and love. The University of Houston represents the variety of people, cultures and experiences within the city. As I searched for where I would complete my undergraduate studies, I knew I wanted to be a part of a program that valued this diversity and to be involved in a community of challenging academics.

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

Initially, I started at UH as a psychology major, but I quickly realized the perspective of a human development and family sciences degree would greatly enhance my knowledge for my future career. I love the collaborative nature of the research and practice within this field. I highly recommend HDFS to anybody interested in understanding individuals and meeting their needs within an inclusive environment.

How do you think your experiences at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

The diverse course offerings and practical experiences integrated within this program have greatly prepared me for many future directions. The faculty and staff have also played a major role in my appreciation for this area of work, through both their passion and mentorship. All of the HDFS faculty members have uniquely contributed to my growth, and I am grateful for their support. Through undergraduate research opportunities, Dr. Julie Dunsmore has become a great resource and mentor. Additionally, Dr. Leslie Frankel has provided vital feedback through my research process. 

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

Like many students graduating this year, I experienced the transition to online learning because of the pandemic. In the year following, I was working in a full-time position at a youth camp, which was both rewarding and incredibly challenging. The social support I received from my family, coworkers and professors was instrumental in being able to succeed through this period.

What are your plans after graduation?

Currently, I am planning to take a gap year between completing my undergraduate degree and starting a graduate program. During this time, I will be continuing research with the Social Development Lab, guided by Dr. Julie Dunsmore in the College of Education. I will also be starting as a wilderness field instructor with Trails North Carolina, a therapy camp program in the foothills of the Carolinas. 

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?

Rely on your support systems! Whether it’s your family, roommates, friends, religious community, academic advisors or furry friend, they want to support you and will be your best resources throughout your journey.

Jennifer McKernan

B.S. in Health
Minor in Human Development and Family Sciences
May 2023 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I was born in a small town in Indiana that’s considered part of the Chicago metropolitan area. I moved around a few times before landing in Texas right before my junior year of high school. I took all of my core classes at a junior college, then spent one year at a four-year university before dropping out for several years. I have always loved learning and have had my nose in a book since I learned to read. My mother was a children’s librarian. Since returning to college at the age of 28, I have been working full time in addition to my courses.

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

I was drawn to the University of Houston due to its designation as a research university. Additionally, I loved how much diversity there was among both the faculty and student population.

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

I found my passion for public health after I had dropped out of college and stumbled across the field of epigenetics. I was fascinated that our environment and experiences throughout life could affect our physical health in so many different ways. I love that public health has the ability to reduce or even negate the onset of detrimental health issues through research as well as education. I am a big believer in helping people help themselves, and feel that working in the field of public health will enable me to help the most vulnerable and disadvantaged among our population live healthier, happier lives.  

How do you think your experiences at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

As the field of public health is quite expansive, I was encouraged that I was being set up for success by the wide range of courses I would be taking. Additionally, my internship gave me the chance to gain practical experience from an amazing group of professionals. The College of Education has the most passionate, dedicated faculty I have ever encountered. They genuinely want their students to be happy and successful in all areas of their lives. Dr. Kayce Solari Williams, Dr. Erica Jordan, Dr. Chakema Carmack and Dr. Amirmohsen Behjat, among others, have all contributed to my success and truly inspired me to show up as my best self and help others. My academic advisor, Meggan Gittens, has also been incredibly supportive and always made the time to answer all of my questions and concerns regarding my courses.

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

I have struggled with my mental health from a very young age. After dropping out of college, my mental health deteriorated significantly before I finally reached out and asked for help. Since that time, I have found an incredibly supportive group of close friends I can turn to when I’m struggling. I had to realize that asking for help makes me strong, not weak, and that I am still worthy and capable of living a healthy, happy, successful life no matter what obstacles come my way.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation I will be applying to grad school to obtain a master’s degree in public health with a special focus in epidemiology.

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?

Time management skills and self-care have been the foundation of my success. Writing down all of my weekly assignments and exam dates on a large desk calendar helped me stay focused and kept me from feeling so overwhelmed. It also helped me find the days and times where I could sleep in a little later, spend extra time with friends or stay up a little later to watch my favorite shows. I encourage all students to find the tools that work best for them and to remember to take care of themselves physically, mentally and spiritually. Most importantly, it’s OK to make mistakes and ask for help.

Anything else you’d like to add?

A special thank you to all my family and friends for your love and support. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.

Saad Nadeem

B.S. in Health, B.S. in Human Nutrition and Foods, B.S. in Exercise Science
Minors in Biology, Business Administration, and Management and Leadership
May 2023 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I am a first-generation Muslim Pakistani American who immigrated to Houston in the early 2000s. I was born in Punjab, Pakistan, and spent a part of my early life residing with my grandparents before coming to the United States with my parents with a dream to succeed and excel. Being the oldest among my siblings, I always felt I had the opportunity to pioneer as the first in my family to pursue a college degree, which can be daunting. Still, it was also an opportunity to break barriers and create a path for future generations. Alhamdulillah, I am blessed and privileged to graduate with the honor of being a triple major and summa cum laude, which is something I have always worked tirelessly toward.

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

As a person who values being close to family, I knew the University of Houston was the right place for me. It not only allowed me to grow as a young adult but also helped me come in contact with outstanding professors and peers who became close, like my family. Many of the College of Education professors helped me, as a first-generation college student, navigate the complex educational system, connect with resources and support services, and provide me with guidance and mentorship.

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

As a child, I saw the difference health care could make in people’s lives. I knew I wanted to be a part of that difference, to help alleviate the suffering I had witnessed in my community. I was drawn to the field because I wanted to understand the complex issues that affect health and well-being and to find ways to address them through education, prevention and advocacy. Ultimately, my journey to become a doctor is rooted in my desire to give back to my community and help those in need.

How do you think your experiences at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

Entering the College of Education as a health major was a new challenge. Still, I had support and guidance from many of the faculty and staff I want to recognize, like Dr. Cathy Horn, Dr. Theresa Fedor Amador, Dr. Kayce Solari Williams, Ms. Jeylan Yassin, Ms. Meggan Gittens, among others; all have played a pivotal role in where I am today, and I am very honored to know them.

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

One significant challenge I faced at UH was becoming a triple major and declaring health as my third official major. I met many people who didn’t believe in me. However, I met some amazing faculty who supported my decision and stood by me during the journey. Programs such as academic advising, tutoring services and mentorship opportunities helped me to stay on track and achieve my success.

What are your plans after graduation?

Alhamdulillah, I am pleased to say I was accepted into a top Texas medical school and will start my journey there this fall. I am a step closer to becoming a doctor and helping change the world.

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?

It’s essential to be resilient and never give up, despite challenges and setbacks. Don’t let anyone else define your potential or limit your aspirations. Another key to success is to challenge norms. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, take risks and pursue your passions. Finally, remember that success is not just about achieving academic excellence but also about building meaningful relationships, developing leadership skills and contributing to your community. Make time for extracurricular activities, volunteer work and other opportunities to connect with others and make a positive impact.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I want to express my deepest gratitude for all my mother and father’s sacrifices to ensure that my siblings and I had the opportunities and blessings we have today. My father used to work two jobs to make ends meet. Today, he works as a gas station manager. My mother has been the driving force behind our education and growth. I still remember how she would sit down with us and work on math problems until we understood them. Seeing my parents work hard daily to provide for our family has motivated me to work even harder to achieve my goals. Their sacrifice and dedication have taught me the importance of family, community and helping others.

Brenda Nguyen

B.S. in Teaching and Learning
May 2023 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I was born in Maryland and raised in a big Vietnamese family. I moved to Houston the summer before fifth grade and have been here since. I am a first-generation college student and spent my first year of college learning remotely due to COVID-19. Education has always been emphasized in my family because my parents were not afforded the same opportunities that I have today. Seeing their struggles motivated me to do well for them as well as myself.

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 it was close to home and my older sister attended school there. I was excited to start this new chapter of my life in a place where I already had friends and a community. Some other things that drew me to the school were the diversity and the impressive statistics from the teaching program.

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

I have always loved helping others, and I decided in high school to pursue teaching. I love how teaching is all about connecting with others and helping them to grow. I specifically chose to teach elementary school because I enjoy how curious young minds are and seeing the moment when everything clicks for them. Throughout my educational career, I have had good and bad teachers, all of whom motivated me to become a good teacher.

How do you think your experiences at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

The teaching program at the University of Houston offers great classes with amazing professors who are passionate about what they do and truly want you to succeed. Some professors that specifically helped me on my journey are Dr. Celeste Alba, Dr. Carrie Cutler and Dr. Nancy Reis. They took the time to build relationships with all their students and supported us throughout our journeys.

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

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in school was learning to balance student teaching, college classes, studying for certification exams, volunteering at church and making time for myself. There were many times I felt overwhelmed and wanted to give up, but I did not. I took a step back from everything and took it one day at a time. That, along with the support of family and friends, is what got me through. This last year was a challenging one but also the most rewarding.

What are your plans after graduation?

My plan is to work at the elementary school where I did my student teaching. I was offered a job there to teach third grade language arts.

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?

Succeeding in college takes a lot of discipline, self-motivation, perseverance and time management. It requires a willingness to put in the work even when it gets hard. I recommend using a planner to keep up with all the dates because it can get overwhelming. My advice is to always try your best and be proud of the quality of work you produce.

Kayla Attie Pierson

B.S. in Teaching and Learning
May 2023 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I am a first-generation college student. I put myself through community college at Lone Star College and completed my Associate of Arts before becoming a Houston Cougar. I loved school growing up and always took pride in my work. Since the age of 16, I have worked in a teaching position while also attending classes. Teaching is my passion, and I cannot imagine myself in any other field!

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

I consider myself lucky to have such a prestigious university in the city of Houston. The University of Houston allowed me to stay close to home while receiving a world class education. The student teaching program allowed me to not only to work in a school district I grew up in, but provided an opportunity to apply for a paid student teaching residency. I am so thankful for the wonderful opportunities.

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

The day I knew I wanted to be a teacher is the day I went to the bank. I went with a friend who had to make a withdrawal, and while he was at the teller’s desk, I walked to a corner with children’s books and an activity cube. There was a toddler there, and I showed him how to manipulate the beads on the cube. Once he figured out how the pieces moved, he was so proud of himself. That was the moment. That was the moment I knew I had to work with kids, and not adults. Adults do boring things like “go to the bank” and “make withdrawals.” There’s no more curiosity or wonder, and far less opportunities to be proud of simple accomplishments. I want to be part of everyday moments of pride and learning.

How do you think your experiences at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

My experience at UH gave me lifelong friends. That may be cliché, but I’m extremely grateful for meeting Leilani, Haley and Ariana in my classes at Farish Hall. Our shared experience as humans of a worldwide pandemic really highlighted the importance of having those interactions with like-minded people and anchoring yourself to those friendships in times of high stress (hello, student teaching!).

I’m also incredibly grateful to all my college professors, but in particular Dr. Matthew Campbell and Dr. Celeste Alba. Dr. Campbell highlighted the same question every day in class, “What is your why?” He was passionate that we find our own passion in teaching, and for him it was social studies. He really showed me how important and fun social studies can be. Dr. Alba’s class was by far the most helpful as a teacher in the field. I referenced her textbook and materials nearly every week.

What are your plans after graduation?

My plans are to step into the role of being a second grade teacher in Spring Branch ISD. After a year on my assigned campus, I was offered a job there on the spot. I am so excited and proud of this achievement. I have dedicated nearly seven years at the collegiate level working toward becoming a teacher and am so happy to see this dream come to fruition.

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?

Make friends. Seriously. Student teaching is going to be stressful, and you will find yourself spread very thin trying to accomplish your course assignments and practically being a full-time teacher. The importance of genuine friends that share the same passions was shown to me during my time here at UH. Make sure you make time in your schedule to do things for you. Maybe that’s gaming, painting, running, whatever it is, make sure you do it. It is easy to lose yourself in the workload! 

Marangelly Rangel

B.S. in Health
May 2023 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I am a first-generation student, born and raised in Houston. I attended South Houston High School, where I was enrolled in an early college program, and graduated with my associate degree at the age of 18. After graduating, I decided to attend the University of Houston and major in public health in hopes of one day becoming a health care administrator.

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

During my senior year of high school, I was extremely indecisive about choosing which schools were the best fit for me. However, I had always loved UH’s campus life after taking a small tour and attending a couple of basketball games. After visiting and hearing of the supportive community, educators, fun events, and endless opportunities for growth and success, I knew the University of Houston was the perfect place to continue my education.   

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

When I first applied to the University of Houston, I initially focused my studies on becoming a radiologist, as I was very passionate about the medical field and its impact on health and wellness. Though, I soon realized I loved public health because of the opportunities to build bridges to a healthier world through science-based knowledge and community service. I chose public health as my major because I wanted to be the voice for medically underserved areas and strive to close the inequitable gap among health services.

How do you think your experiences at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

With classes, such as Administration of Health Services and the internship course, achieving success within the health care field is certainly feasible. Foundational knowledge and skills provided by the College of Education prepare students for outstanding careers, and professors, like Dr. Amirmohsen Behjat, serve as excellent mentors who apply real-life experiences to our lecture material. Ultimately, the University of Houston has greatly impacted my professional growth and decision to attend graduate school.

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

During my first year at the University of Houston, I was overly self-critical of my abilities to succeed as a student and future health professional. I became easily stressed and anxious, and I often contemplated whether I was pursuing something that was right for me. Luckily, with my family by my side to uplift and support me, I realized I could accomplish my goals as long as I had a positive mindset and put my best foot forward. 

What are your plans after graduation?

I hope to attend graduate school and receive a master’s degree in health care administration. Additionally, I would love to gain experience at local clinics and hospitals to enhance my professional growth and development. By focusing on acquiring the essential skills needed to manage clinical operations, I can do my part in ensuring the successful delivery of health care services and that there is a beneficial change to patient outcomes.

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?

Practice self-care and find a great support system. Having multiple assignments, exams and projects can be daunting at times, and it may be hard to maintain a positive outlook. However, prioritizing your mental health and being around people who support you makes a meaningful difference.

—By Ericka Mellon

—Photos courtesy of the graduating students