One graduate danced on world tours with Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston before returning to college to become a science teacher. Another went from working as a postpartum doula to balancing classes as a single mother of two, while another found her passion for improving healthcare after witnessing patient suffering as a medical scribe.
Together, they are part of the University of Houston College of Education’s spring 2026 graduating class — a diverse group whose paths to the commencement stage were shaped by immigration, family sacrifice, career pivots, resilience and a shared drive to serve others.
“My educational journey was my saving grace; it was one of the biggest reasons I was able to get through cancer twice,” said Desiree Davis, 47, a former professional dancer who was diagnosed with breast cancer the first semester she re-enrolled to pursue her bachelor’s degree in teaching and learning. “I chose to never give up, even on the days I felt like I would never get through.”
Davis joins about 500 College of Education students marking the milestone of graduation at a ceremony Wednesday evening at the Fertitta Center.
“Our graduates truly represent the best of the best,” said Dean Cathy Horn. “They are smart, talented and committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to thrive. Their journeys to graduation have been unique and sometimes complex; their resilience and belief in themselves stand as a reminder to us all that hard things are worth doing.”
Read more about Davis and seven other standout undergraduates who earned perfect 4.0 GPAs and received the ceremonial title of banner bearer.
Amanda Guadalupe Badillo
B.S. in Teaching & Learning
Spring 2026 Graduate
Please share a little about yourself and your background.
I was born and raised in Houston. I am the proud daughter of parents who immigrated from Mexico City and San Luis Potosí, Mexico, to the United States. I was fortunate enough to attend the University of Houston, as my parents were not given the chance to have this experience, which pushed me to value my education. I worked hard to reach this remarkable milestone to make my parents proud as a first-generation college student.
What drew you to apply to the University of Houston, and what sparked your interest in your major?
When learning about colleges in elementary school, UH immediately caught my interest. I knew from a young age that I wanted to stay close to home. I value home life and my family. What really sealed the deal was the University's outstanding teaching program. The substantial support it provides helps students become successful teachers.
I’ve always had teachers who recognized my potential and inspired me, especially my seventh-grade math teacher, Ms. Olu. She encouraged me to join an upper-level class and supported me with extra resources and advanced tutoring. Her academic and emotional support inspired my passion for helping students in the same way.
How did the College of Education help you feel more confident and prepared for your next chapter?
When I applied to the program, I expected to learn teaching skills. Coming out of the program, I’ve learned far more than that and I’ve never felt more confident in my teaching. The College of Education has amazing professors who provide honest feedback and share their real experiences in the field. Analyzing these stories has helped me apply those strategies during my time as a student teacher. I’ve applied several strategies pertaining to differentiation and classroom management. It has paid off, as my host teacher reflected on my growth, stating that I am ready to run my own classroom!
Can you share how any College of Education professors or advisors made a lasting impact on you?
Every Monday and Wednesday, I always looked forward to stepping foot in Dr. Margaret Hale’s lecture. She created a safe and fun environment. She assigned creative projects for us to express our relationship with literature. As a kid, I always loved to read, but I wouldn’t necessarily expand into different genres. Dr. Hale gave us a range of books to choose from, and I learned to love various genres. Her impact will be reflected in my teaching practices, as I will influence my students to recognize the importance of reading, even in a math classroom!
What stood out most about your program experience, and why would you recommend it to others?
Overall, the close environment that’s built when placed in a cohort allows you to work with your peers to learn from mistakes and uplift each other’s achievements. You don’t feel alone, as there are others working toward the same goal of becoming a successful teacher. Exchanging phone numbers or meeting up after class are warm experiences that come from this program.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m guaranteed a job at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, which will make me a first-year teacher for the 2026-27 school year. I plan to teach math, but I am willing to expand my teaching expertise by taking additional certification exams. I’m pretty versatile when it comes to teaching and I would love to explore different content areas. As I gain more teaching experience, I plan to return to school to earn my master’s degree. As of now, my goal after graduation is to build a classroom where my students feel welcomed and find fun in learning!
What advice would you give future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class? What were the keys to your success?
Stay on top of things! Find time for family and friends while also prioritizing school life. At the beginning of my college journey, I believed I would not be able to balance my schoolwork with my personal life, but I was wrong. I communicated with my peers and even built positive relationships with my professors. Doing this led me to succeed as I worked with those in my school bubble. I know it is often said that students should get a planner, but it truly improved my organizational skills.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! The teaching program has great resources and is willing to provide any assistance needed to lead you to success.
Asiyah Lambay
B.S. in Health
Spring 2026 Graduate
Please share a little about yourself and your background.
My dad immigrated to the United States from India alone in search of a better education and the opportunity to build a better life for himself and his future family. Although I was born and raised in Texas, growing up watching both him and my mother build a life in a new country, away from everything they had ever known, instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude and a responsibility to make the most of the opportunities I’ve been given.
What drew you to apply to the University of Houston, and what sparked your interest in your major?
When my family moved from Dallas to Houston, one of the things we appreciated about Houston was UH, and how it could be a great opportunity for my siblings and me. As the youngest and only girl among three brothers, I naturally followed in their footsteps and watched them graduate from UH before beginning my own journey here.
With that foundation, working as a medical scribe showed me the full spectrum of patient suffering, from emotional cancer diagnoses to end-of-life care. I also witnessed trust in the healthcare system give way to frustration as patients endured painful waits due to double-booked operating rooms or treatment delays caused by inventory shortages. I realized many challenges patients face are systemic, not just clinical. Behind every data point is a person in need, and both providers and systems must deliver care. This led me to shift to public health, where I could learn to build proactive systems that prevent failures at the bedside. Given Houston’s status as a healthcare innovation hub, UH was the ideal place for my education.
How did the College of Education help you feel more confident and prepared for your next chapter?
Looking back on my time at UH, the College of Education challenged me to grow academically and personally, pushing me to think critically about the U.S. healthcare system and how health outcomes differ around the world. Beyond the classroom, I worked on hands-on public health projects that mirrored real-world challenges, including analyzing community health initiatives in Houston and designing interventions to address care gaps. These experiences didn’t just teach me skills; they taught me to see the human side of data, to consider culture, lived experiences, behaviors and to approach health problems with both creativity and empathy.
Can you share how any College of Education professors or advisors made a lasting impact on you?
I’ve appreciated all my professors in the College of Education, but Dr. Ken Ripperger-Suhler made a lasting impact beyond the classroom. He went beyond course material to show what a career in health can look like, bringing in professionals and connecting lessons to real-world applications. What stood out most was his passion for teaching and genuine investment in his students. He made time for us, often staying after class to work with me through assignments. He also supported me during my graduate school application process, sharing lessons from his own experience so I felt more prepared. His mentorship made a lasting difference in my confidence and direction.
What stood out most about your program experience, and why would you recommend it to others?
The practicum component stands out most. It allowed me to go beyond classroom learning and apply concepts in real-world settings. My practicum connected what we discussed in class to actual people, communities and challenges, making the work feel meaningful. I would highly recommend this program because it prepares students for real-world careers in health by guiding us through the process of finding, applying for and interviewing for practicums.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will be attending UT to pursue graduate studies in healthcare management. My goal is to increase my understanding of healthcare from both a systems and human perspective. I believe true progress in healthcare requires both business acumen and health expertise and that building sustainable solutions depends on balancing patient needs with financial and operational sustainability. I hope to use this knowledge to prevent the systemic failures I witnessed that can betray patients’ trust in our healthcare system.
What advice would you give 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 who want to graduate at the top of their class is to take things one step at a time. It can be overwhelming to think about everything that needs to be accomplished over four years of college but just look at the next step in front of you, whether that’s getting out of bed, finishing an assignment or preparing for an exam. By consistently focusing on the next step, rather than the entire journey, I remained grounded and disciplined. Over time, those small steps added up, and before I knew it, I had reached goals that once felt far away.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’m truly grateful for everything I’ve learned during my time at UH. Being part of the College of Education has prepared me for my next chapter and helped me grow into someone who thinks critically, leads with empathy and understands the importance of both people and systems in creating change. I’ll carry these lessons with me as I move forward in my career and future education. Go Coogs!
Brianna Ramirez
B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences
Spring 2026 Graduate
Please share a little about yourself and your background.
I was born and raised in Texas and have lived in the greater Houston area my entire life. I’m a first-generation Mexican American student from a small family, and my dad always encouraged me to work as hard as possible in everything I do. My goal has been to keep learning and make my parents proud. Growing up, I didn’t always feel academically confident, but I loved the school environment because I could see my friends. Now, I see education as an opportunity to grow toward a better future.
What drew you to apply to the University of Houston, and what sparked your interest in your major?
After completing my associate degree in teaching, I knew I wanted to stay in education and help make schools more supportive for students. I chose to attend UH because it was already a familiar, welcoming environment. There, I discovered the Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) program and became interested in learning about family systems and their development. Through my coursework, I developed a passion for applying family sciences to working with students.
How did the College of Education help you feel more confident and prepared for your next chapter?
The College of Education helped me greatly because of the services and community they provide. There are events and celebrations every week that help make the students feel supported. The College of Education challenged me through hands-on volunteer work, practicum placements and internships. Every professor I have taken in the College of Education has been supportive and encouraging, and I felt their coursework helped strengthen my writing and understanding of human development.
Can you share how any College of Education professors or advisors made a lasting impact on you?
I am truly appreciative of all the professors in the PHLS department, as each has the desire and enthusiasm to help students grow in this field. Dr. Hope Rigby-Wills’ classes had a lasting impact on me, helping me understand students in special populations and how to measure and analyze student growth. Her hands-on coursework taught me how to assess students with disabilities and better support their needs.
Dr. Erica Jordan’s classes introduced me to family science and the range of opportunities available for HDFS majors. Her courses focused on professional development and prepared me to be a professional in the field. I’ve taken each professor multiple times, and I feel their classes were challenging but pushed me to work hard and grow both academically and professionally.
What stood out most about your program experience, and why would you recommend it to others?
I absolutely love HDFS and would recommend it to anyone who is unsure what to study. UH’s HDFS program is close-knit, and the professors truly want to help you reach your goals. Whether you’re interested in medicine, nonprofits, business, education or government, the program provides the support needed to enter a wide range of fields. I believe HDFS stands out because its knowledge and skills are highly transferable across different career paths.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to continue working in a school setting, supporting students academically and emotionally. I hope to take a gap year and gain hands-on experience, then apply to graduate school to pursue a Master of Social Work. My career goal is to become a school social worker and to advocate for students facing challenges inside and outside the classroom, while helping bridge the gap between students, families and their communities.
What advice would you give future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class? What were the keys to your success?
Stay consistent and take advantage of the University’s resources. It takes a village to be successful, and you don’t have to do everything on your own. Talk to your professors, advisors and classmates and build a community that supports you. I also believe it is okay to fall behind or make mistakes; it’s all part of the learning process.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I absolutely loved my time at UH! I am so grateful for all the students, professors and staff I have met here. Go Coogs!
Desiree Davis
B.S. in Teaching and Learning
Spring 2026 Graduate
Please share a little about yourself and your background.
I am a native Houstonian, but I have lived in various places around the country. I moved to New York City when I was 19 and pursued a career in professional dancing. I danced on stage with famous artists such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Usher, Missy Elliot, Christina Aguilera and many others. After 20 years of a successful dance career, I finally retired at 39. I have been married to my sweet husband for almost 16 years, and we have five children between us (ages 13, 19, 21, 25, and 27). My family is my everything. I have always loved learning. My mother was an educator for 41 years, and I credit her with this love.
What drew you to apply to the University of Houston, and what sparked your interest in your major?
When my kids were in elementary school, I started them in Cub Scouts and signed up to volunteer as their den leader. I found myself really enjoying designing and teaching the activities to my scouts. I eventually started volunteering more with Cub Scouts as my love for teaching kids grew. I think this is what really sparked my passion to become an educator. I knew many people who had graduated from UH, and its education program is ranked among the best. I knew becoming a Coog was perfect for my educational journey.
How did the College of Education help you feel more confident and prepared for your next chapter?
Throughout my UH coursework, there were several times when I was able to use the strategies and concepts I was learning and apply them in my residency classroom the very next day. It related directly to what I saw and practiced in the classroom. Every time I connected my coursework to my classroom, I felt more confident in the educator I was becoming.
Can you share how any College of Education professors or advisors made a lasting impact on you?
There were definitely a few professors who were not only great teachers, but also great mentors. Dr. Sissy Wong really helped me envision a science curriculum that challenges students and helps them think outside the box. Dr. Jakarda Varnado taught me so much about organizing lesson plans to make them flow logically and achieve the highest level of student engagement and active learning. I loved getting to be a “middle school student” in her class every week. Her activities illustrated what a hands-on science class should look like. And I have to credit Dr. Margaret Hale for my reignited love of reading, even in my content area, science. She taught me that there is a place for reading and stories, even in a science classroom. I can’t wait for my students to enjoy the Science Classroom Library I have created just for them!
What stood out most about your program experience, and why would you recommend it to others?
I really enjoyed the variety of classes available in the education degree plan. Each class had something brand new to teach me. It might have been overwhelming at the beginning of each semester with so much new information, but by the end, we were fully versed and comfortable with coursework. The courses are designed to really get you thinking and learning like a teacher.
What are your plans after graduation?
I have been hired at the campus where I am doing my residency. I was offered a science teacher position at Hamilton Middle School in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and was overjoyed to accept. I can’t wait to start my career as a Hamilton Tiger!
What advice would you give future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class? What were the keys to your success?
My strongest personality trait is my perseverance. My advice is, no matter what life throws at you, good or bad, you have to find a way to keep working towards your goals. It’s OK to fall, but you don’t have to accept defeat. Get back up and try again until you get it right. Working hard and consistently towards your goals is always an investment in you. Also, don’t be afraid to talk to your professors and ask for help or clarity. They are here to help you. If you show that you care and are serious about your education, they will respond with a willingness to help you succeed.
Anything else you’d like to add?
When I went back to school to finish my bachelor’s degree in the fall of 2023, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October. I chose to stay on my path to complete my education while fighting my cancer. I wasn’t going to let it stop me from achieving what I knew I could do. In the next year, I went through a double mastectomy and four other surgeries to become cancer-free.
Just last August, I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time. After another two surgeries and seven weeks of radiation every day after teaching but before my evening college classes, I am again cancer-free. I chose to never give up, even on the days I felt like I would never get through. My educational journey was my saving grace; it was one of the biggest reasons I was able to get through cancer twice.
Jazmine Nguyen
B.S. in Teaching and Learning
Spring 2026 Graduate
Please share a little about yourself and your background.
I grew up moving around to many cities and states in the United States before settling in Houston, when I was 5. I completed my K-12 education in Alief ISD, where I was surrounded by a diverse community. As a first-generation college student, I have always wanted to make my parents proud, which pushed me to do my best in school. Growing up, I never had teachers who made school feel like home, which led me to dislike school as a child. This experience inspired me to become a teacher so that I could create a classroom where students feel comfortable, supported and at home.
What drew you to apply to the University of Houston, and what sparked your interest in your major?
When I was applying to universities, I originally chose psychology as my major because I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to pursue after high school. However, once I began my college journey, I realized that psychology wasn’t my true passion. During that time, my parents, who are both teachers and have always been my biggest role models, encouraged me to be patient and choose a path that genuinely felt right for me. Ultimately, inspired by my parents, I decided to switch to UH’s education program and pursue an education major. Although my journey began with some uncertainty, it has since become much clearer, and I feel like everything truly happens for a reason.
How did the College of Education help you feel more confident and prepared for your next chapter?
The College of Education has helped me a lot to become an educator. While the coursework and student teaching experience can be demanding at times, I am grateful for the opportunity to work in the field, as I have learned a lot in the classroom. I learned many skills that can’t be found in a textbook but instead come from direct classroom involvement. Throughout the program, I have had the opportunity to observe different grade levels and instructional settings. UH helped me feel more prepared and confident to step into a classroom of my own.
Can you share how any College of Education professors or advisors made a lasting impact on you?
I had many wonderful College of Education professors who helped me. I want to give a special shoutout to Professor Jahnette Wilson and Professor Justin Burris, who had the greatest impact on me. They were always pushing me to take risks and grow into a better me, and they always believed in me and encouraged me through the ups and downs of my career path. Their support and genuine belief in me inspired me to impact my future students the same way they have impacted me.
What stood out most about your program experience, and why would you recommend it to others?
What stands out most to me about the program is how supportive it is in preparing future educators. The program really pushes its students to grow by providing real, hands-on field experience. It creates a supportive environment where you feel valued and encouraged throughout the process. The UH program is rooting for your success and wants to help you grow from where you currently are, so don’t be afraid to ask for help and form relationships along the way, as it can make a big difference in your experience.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to begin my career as an elementary teacher in the same district where I completed my resident teaching. I hope to create a classroom environment that inspires and empowers my students to learn, grow and make a lasting impact in the future.
What advice would you give 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 who also want to graduate at the top of their class is to believe in yourself and your professors, who will support you all the way through this journey. Really do the work and learn from the courses you take and the experience you gain in the field. It may not be an easy path but keep doing your best and moving forward. Stay organized and up to date with your assignments and remember that no one is perfect; we are all still learning.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I am grateful for the path I took to get here, even when it felt uncertain, because it prepared me to step into the next chapter of my life with confidence. I hope my story encourages others to trust their own path and the choices they make, even when it looks different from those around them, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity to walk the stage and celebrate how far I’ve come.
Lauren Elizabeth Ordeneuax
B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences
Spring 2026 Graduate
Please share a little about yourself and your background.
I am a single mom of two. My kids are 9 and 11, and they are my motivation to keep working toward my goals every day. I grew up in Cypress, but since then I’ve lived and raised my kids in two countries and three states. I am a transfer student from the University of New Mexico, and I’ve been in Houston for two years. I am a substitute at an early childhood center during the week, and I teach religious school to a class of third graders on the weekends. I am also a first-year Girl Scout leader for a troop of Cadettes.
What drew you to apply to the University of Houston, and what sparked your interest in your major?
I had to move back to Houston unexpectedly due to a family emergency. I am grateful that the University of Houston provided me with the opportunity to continue my degree with minimal interruption. I have always had a strong interest in child development. During my “gap decade,” I worked as a birth and a childbirth educator and a certified lactation counselor. A degree in Human Development and Family Science was a natural choice for me.
How did the College of Education help you feel more confident and prepared for your next chapter?
On paper, it should have been nearly impossible for someone like me to finish a degree after all this time away and with the level of responsibility I have outside of school. Reaching this milestone has taught me that if I can do this, I can do anything.
Can you share how any College of Education professors or advisors made a lasting impact on you?
Dr. Erica Jordan helped me feel comfortable and welcome at the University of Houston, took the time to meet with me outside of class to help me figure out a plan, and was extremely understanding when I needed to bring my daughter to class for a while. I am also grateful for Jane Sidwell. She was the most knowledgeable and helpful advisor I have ever had. She is an absolute gem.
What stood out most about your program experience, and why would you recommend it to others?
I would recommend this program to anyone who is passionate about human development and pursuing a career in a human services profession. Most of the professors and instructors are researchers in the field, and the program is small enough for students to have real conversations with them.
What are your plans after graduation?
I have Plan A, Plan B and Plan C. I’ve learned to never put all my eggs in one basket. My Plan A is to pursue a Master of Education in Special Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
What advice would you give future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class? What were the keys to your success?
I’m not sure how I managed it; it doesn't quite feel real. I’ve been very tired, but I drink more coffee, maybe cry a little, then keep going because I know my kids are watching. I have also learned not to be afraid to ask for help when I need it. Life isn’t meant to be lonely. Community is everything.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I am so grateful to my children, my family, my friends and my students for supporting my kids and me and keeping me motivated. It has been an incredibly difficult few years, and I couldn’t have done it without them. I would also like to thank my professors, instructors and advisors at UH and the University of New Mexico for believing in me.
Quynh Nhu Nguyen 
B.S. in Teaching and Learning
Spring 2026 Graduate
Please share a little about yourself and your background.
I was born and raised in Vietnam; my family and I immigrated to the United States in 2019. I am a first-generation immigrant and the oldest daughter in my family. Because of this, I have always felt a strong sense of responsibility to be a role model for my younger brother and to be someone my parents can rely on. Growing up, my family placed a high value on education. We believe that hard work and dedication can help us achieve any goal and overcome any barriers we may have in life. This mindset has shaped who I am today and continues to motivate me in my academic journey and future career as a teacher.
What drew you to apply to the University of Houston, and what sparked your interest in your major?
I chose the University of Houston for its middle school math teaching and learning program, which aligned with my interests. Living in Houston made UH a convenient choice. Once I began the program, I realized it was one of my best decisions. I found a strong sense of belonging in the College of Education. The professors, faculty and friendships have all been supportive and helped me grow personally and professionally. These experiences make me grateful to be part of this community.
How did the College of Education help you feel more confident and prepared for your next chapter?
Looking back on my time at the University of Houston, the College of Education has helped me feel more confident and prepared for my next chapter by providing many opportunities for early field experience. From the beginning of the program, I was able to observe, reflect and learn from experienced teachers in different school districts across the Houston area. These experiences allowed me to see the diversity of students, classrooms and teaching strategies, which has been very valuable in preparing me for my future teaching career.
Moreover, the strong partnership between the university and school districts helped me secure a paid teacher residency program. This opportunity not only provided financial support but also offered a structured learning experience and valuable career opportunities after graduation.
Can you share how any College of Education professors or advisors made a lasting impact on you?
All of the professors at the University of Houston have been genuinely some of the best teachers I have had. Their dedication, understanding and passion for teaching and students’ learning have made a lasting impact on me. They not only supported me academically but also encouraged me to grow with confidence as a future educator. I would like to give special thanks to Dr. Jennifer Chauvot and Dr. Carrie Cutler, who have made a significant impact on my journey here at UH. Through their teaching and support, I developed a deeper passion for math content knowledge and gained a clearer understanding of what it means to be a dedicated and effective educator.
What stood out most about your program experience, and why would you recommend it to others?
The most significant aspect of my program experience is how real classroom experiences have driven my growth. Learning within an actual school setting directly connects my coursework to the day-to-day work with my students. Support from my host teacher and professors, through their valuable feedback and encouragement, has played a crucial role in my improvement.
I recommend this program because it equips you for the realities of teaching by moving beyond theory. It helps you truly understand your students and how to support them effectively. Ultimately, this program has boosted my confidence and shaped my vision as a teacher.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will begin my teaching career at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, where I am currently completing my teaching residency. I am excited to start making a positive impact in my own classroom and to support my future students’ learning and growth. In addition, I plan to continue my educational journey by pursuing a 7-12 math certification and a master’s degree in educational technology soon, so I can further enhance my teaching practices and integrate technology effectively into my classroom.
What advice would you give future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class? What were the keys to your success?
My biggest advice for future students who want to graduate at the top of their class is to stay consistent with your goals and not be afraid to challenge yourself. I have learned that anything is possible if you set your mind to it and are willing to work hard. In addition, be brave enough to step out of your comfort zone. This means reaching out for help when you need it, building connections with professors and friends, and taking risks by applying for scholarships and internships. These experiences not only support your academic success but also help you grow personally and professionally.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my family, friends, professors at UH and my mentors at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD for their support, especially during my student teaching year. Your patience, guidance and encouragement helped me persevere during moments of self-doubt. You believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself, and that made all the difference.
Soraya Sato 
B.S. in Health
Spring 2026 Graduate
Please share a little about yourself and your background.
I was born in Tokyo, Japan, where I lived for the first eight years of my life before moving to Houston. I come from a multicultural background. My mom is Iranian, and my dad is Japanese and Cuban, which has shaped my perspective and appreciation for diversity. Growing up, my parents always emphasized the importance of education and encouraged me to stay curious and engaged in learning. I’ve always genuinely enjoyed school and have seen education as a key to achieving my goals and making a meaningful impact.
What drew you to apply to the University of Houston, and what sparked your interest in your major?
I knew I wanted to attend a university with a diverse community. While living in Japan, I attended an international school and really valued being surrounded by people from different backgrounds, so UH felt like the perfect fit. I am also very close to my family, and I wanted to stay living at home. I was also drawn to science-related fields, as I’ve always been most interested in those subjects and had the goal of becoming a physician assistant. However, I chose to major in health because of the variety of electives offered, such as social health, wellness and women’s health. These courses allowed me to expand my understanding of healthcare beyond sciences and gave me a more well-rounded perspective.
How did the College of Education help you feel more confident and prepared for your next chapter?
The College of Education helped me grow both academically and personally. Beyond completing my prerequisites, I had the opportunity to explore the social aspects of health, collaborate on group projects and develop my presentation skills. These experiences helped build my confidence in communicating and working with others. I now feel much better prepared to enter physician assistant school and eventually work alongside healthcare professionals while providing compassionate patient care.
Can you share how any College of Education professors or advisors made a lasting impact on you?
Dr. Jennifer Farmer made a lasting impact on my journey. She is an incredibly engaged and caring professor who supported me in pursuing projects and topics that genuinely interested me. Her internship course was truly life-changing for me. Through it, I became an intern at GiGi’s Playhouse, a Down syndrome achievement center. The experience taught me so much, not only about working with this community but also about building meaningful relationships. The friendships I made and the lessons I learned there are something I will always carry with me.
What stood out most about your program experience, and why would you recommend it to others?
The required health internship course stands out the most to me. It gives students the opportunity to choose from a variety of placements and gain real-world experience in an area they are passionate about. That level of flexibility and hands-on learning is incredibly valuable. I would highly recommend the program because it allows you to explore your interests while also preparing you for your future career.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be starting physician assistant school at UT Southwestern on May 18, just four days after graduation. I’ll be moving to Dallas soon, and I’m very excited to begin this next chapter of my journey
What advice would you give future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class? What were the keys to your success?
My biggest advice for future students who want to graduate at the top of their class is to stay consistent with your goals and not be afraid to challenge yourself. I have learned that anything is possible if you set your mind to it and are willing to work hard. In addition, be brave enough to step out of your comfort zone. This means reaching out for help when you need it, building connections with professors and friends, and taking risks by applying for scholarships and internships. These experiences not only support your academic success but also help you grow personally and professionally.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Stay motivated and always remind yourself of your goals, especially during challenging times. Be prepared to work hard. There will definitely be late nights and a lot of studying but also remember that balance is important. Take care of yourself and make time to recharge. Find clubs you like, activities you enjoy and spend time with friends and family. Most importantly, find study habits that work best for you and avoid comparing yourself to others. Everyone’s path is different, and success looks different for each person.
—Compiled by Raúl Rosa Negrón
—Photos courtesy of the graduating students