For some students, finding the right major was easy — they grew up wanting to be teachers because of how much a teacher changed their own lives. For others, that clarity came later in life, pivoting from dental hygiene to education after becoming a mother, for example, or discovering through volunteer experiences that a career in health promotion was the perfect fit.
The fall 2025 graduates from the University of Houston College of Education have turned their passions into purpose, ready to make their mark in the fields of K-12 and higher education, health and wellness, research and beyond.
“I am deeply grateful for my experience at the University of Houston,” said Kasia Tran, who’s graduating with a bachelor’s degree in teaching and learning. “This place not only prepared me academically but helped me grow into a more compassionate, thoughtful and intentional person.”
Tran will be recognized at Commencement this Friday as one of five College of Education undergraduates who earned perfect 4.0 grade point averages at UH and receive the ceremonial title of banner bearer.
Read more below about the College’s top undergraduates, who each took different paths to this milestone moment — some growing up nearby; others moving here from across the globe. Some followed in their family’s footsteps, while others are making history as the first in their families to graduate from college.
“Our students in the College of Education inspire me daily,” said Dean Cathy Horn. “They invest deeply in their own development and at the same time double down on the support they provide each other and the communities they serve. Their impact is truly difference-making.”
Mariam Al-Durra 
B.S. in Teaching & Learning
Fall 2025 Graduate
Please share a little about yourself and your background.
I was born in Iraq and spent my childhood moving and studying in several different countries in the Middle East before coming to the U.S. at 16. Because of that, I’ve experienced a variety of school systems and cultures, and I was always adjusting to something new. After living in Michigan for eight years, I moved to Houston in 2020, and it’s the place that has felt the most like home.
What drew you to apply to the University of Houston, and what sparked your interest in your major?
When I moved to Houston, the University of Houston immediately stood out for its strong reputation in preparing future educators. I originally planned to enter the medical field and had already begun my dental hygiene coursework before moving to Houston, but becoming a mother changed my perspective.
Having moved between countries and experiencing different school systems firsthand, I developed a deep appreciation for the support teachers give their students. After my daughter was born, I found myself wanting to be the kind of teacher I would want her to have — someone patient, culturally aware and genuinely invested in a child’s growth. That realization sparked my shift into education, and UH offered the ideal environment to pursue that calling.
How did the College of Education help you feel more confident and prepared for your next chapter?
The College of Education gave me a strong foundation by combining research-based teaching strategies with meaningful field experiences. As I completed my prerequisites and later my teaching coursework, I saw myself becoming more confident in lesson planning, classroom management and meeting the needs of diverse learners. What I learned didn’t stay in textbooks; I applied many strategies directly with my daughter, who’s now in pre-K4, and saw how effective they were. UH helped me grow from a student into a future teacher who feels ready to step into her own classroom.
Can you share how any College of Education professors or advisors made a lasting impact on you?
All of my professors in the College of Education were truly wonderful. Each one brought a genuine passion for teaching that made their courses meaningful and engaging. Dr. Dustine Thomas and Dr. Justin Burris, in particular, made a significant difference in my journey. Through their teaching, I could feel not only their passion for the profession but also their commitment to making a real, lasting impact on children’s lives. Their guidance and enthusiasm strengthened my confidence and inspired me to become the kind of teacher who can make that same difference for my own students.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, my immediate plan is to take some time to rest and celebrate the holiday season with my family. Once the new year begins, I plan to start substituting in different schools and districts. I want to explore various grade levels, subjects and school environments before committing to a full-time position. I think this experience will be incredibly valuable in helping me become more adaptable and understanding of what works best for me as a new teacher.
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 is to stay patient with yourself; everyone’s journey looks different. For me, consistency played a huge role. Even when progress felt slow due to online classes or adjusting to motherhood, I kept moving forward. Staying organized, communicating with professors, and asking for help when I needed it made a big difference. Most importantly, remember why you started; keeping your long-term goals in mind can help you push through the harder moments.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’m grateful for every step of this journey, from moving across countries to building a new life in Houston. UH has helped me grow not only academically, but personally. I hope my story encourages other students who may feel like their path isn’t traditional.
Melissa Joann Gómez
B.S. in Teaching and Learning
Fall 2025 Graduate
Please share a little about yourself and your background.
I’m a proud first-generation Mexican-American college student. My parents immigrated to the United States from Michoacán, Mexico, hoping for a brighter future. I am the eldest of three siblings whom I love so much. From a young age, I knew I wanted to attend college and make my parents’ sacrifices worthwhile. My dad has been my biggest supporter throughout this journey, and I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without his hard work.
What drew you to apply to the University of Houston, and what sparked your interest in your major?
I chose to go to the University of Houston because of how close it was to home. I was drawn to apply to the College of Education because my aunt graduated from this program, and she loved it. I decided to pursue my degree in education because I wanted to help bilingual students like me. I always knew that if I became a teacher, I would pursue bilingual education.
How did the College of Education help you feel more confident and prepared for your next chapter?
The College of Education is truly a safe space to grow as an educator. My professors were always very kind and willing to help with anything I needed. Everyone in the program wants to see you succeed, which was very motivating for me.
Can you share how any College of Education professors or advisors made a lasting impact on you?
All of my professors in the program were fantastic! I would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Burris — he is amazing! His passion for his students and education is truly inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed his class and learned many valuable math strategies.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to begin my career as an elementary school teacher. Eventually, I do want to get my master’s degree in education.
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 organized! Write everything down to keep track of due dates and assignments. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; your professors want you to succeed. Surround yourself with positive people throughout your academic journey, as they will support you during tough times. Most importantly, believe in yourself! You are capable of achieving great things if you have confidence in your abilities.
Chantel Le
B.S. in Health
Fall 2025 Graduate
Please share a little about yourself and your background.
I am a Vietnamese American college student who was born in Michigan and moved to Texas at the age of 3 or 4 years old. I am also the youngest in my family. When I was growing up, my parents emphasized the importance of education and have always pushed me to follow my dreams. I generally enjoyed school as a kid because I loved being curious, learning new things, and being social with classmates.
What drew you to apply to the University of Houston, and what sparked your interest in your major?
Many things drew me to apply to the University of Houston! One of the main reasons is that my mom, brother and many family members graduated from the University of Houston. Additionally, many of my interests coincided and sparked my interest in my major. I volunteered at a couple of nonprofit organizations to explore the fields of education and health science. I knew that I wanted a career field where I could interact with many people, and I have always had a strong passion for helping people become the healthiest versions of themselves. Therefore, health promotion is the perfect major and field for me!
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 has helped me feel more confident and prepared for my next chapter in many ways. I am truly grateful for the positive social environment within the College, whether that was through collaborative group projects or peer mentorship. Every single professor and classmate I have met throughout my journey has been truly supportive, especially through the challenging coursework.
Can you share how any College of Education professors or advisors made a lasting impact on you?
I have truly appreciated every single professor and the advisors within the University of Houston and especially in the College of Education. A professor who has made a lasting impact on me is Dr. Jen Farmer. Her passion and dedication to the health field truly radiate from her throughout all her classes and lectures. She consistently provides her undivided attention to every single student and has supported and influenced my journey in many ways.
There was a specific semester where I was the most stressed that I had ever been and started to feel lost in college and my personal life. She helped guide me through numerous resources and provided a listening ear and invaluable advice when I needed it most. Her passion in the health field was contagious, which influenced my journey heavily.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be taking a gap semester after graduation to gain professional experience and recharge before I transition back to advanced academics. I intend to attend graduate school soon to further specialize in health promotion.
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?
An important piece of advice for future students who want to graduate at the top of their class is to never compare yourself to others. Everyone is on their unique journey with different battles. Also, never be scared to make friends and trade phone numbers with others in courses. Establishing study buddies helps with motivation and navigating through confusing course materials. Always remember to take breaks, to take care of yourself, and that there are people here for you. The path through college will never be easy and there may be times when you cry or question everything, but I promise in the end it will be worth it. College goes by so fast, so be sure to enjoy your time at UH!
Andrea Adriana Martinez Lozoya
B.S. in Teaching and Learning
Fall 2025 Graduate
Please share a little about yourself and your background.
I was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and moved to Houston with my family when I was eight years old. Adjusting to a new country and learning a new language at a young age shaped my experience growing up. I am a first-generation college student and the first in my family to pursue higher education, which has always motivated me to work hard and make my family proud. My background and experiences as a bilingual student have also played a big role in inspiring me to become an educator.
What drew you to apply to the University of Houston, and what sparked your interest in your major?
I chose to apply to the University of Houston because of its strong reputation in teacher preparation and its commitment to serving diverse communities. As a former bilingual student myself, I developed a passion for education early on. I knew I wanted to give back to the community that supported me and become the kind of teacher who understands her students’ experiences. UH’s education program felt like the perfect place to help me grow into that educator.
How did the College of Education help you feel more confident and prepared for your next chapter?
The College of Education helped me feel confident by giving me strong, hands-on experiences in real classrooms and connecting everything I learned to what teachers actually do every day. I gained practical strategies for supporting diverse learners and learned how to plan meaningful lessons. The support from my professors and mentor teacher makes me feel prepared, not just academically, but personally, to step into my own classroom.
Can you share how any College of Education professors or advisors made a lasting impact on you?
One professor who made a lasting impact on me was Dr. Marédil Leon, my bilingual education professor. Her lectures and class activities helped me truly understand and retain the material, and she always created a supportive and encouraging learning environment. She not only strengthened my knowledge of bilingual education but also inspired me to be the kind of teacher who makes students feel capable and valued.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to go straight into teaching so I can begin applying everything I have learned and start making an impact in the classroom. Later on, I hope to pursue a Ph.D. in bilingual education to continue growing in the field and contribute to improving educational opportunities for multilingual students. My goal is to become a college professor.
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 is to stay consistent and believe in your ability to grow. What helped me the most was staying organized and asking for help when needed. I also learned to balance hard work with self-care so I would not burn out. Surrounding myself with supportive classmates and professors made a huge difference. Success does not come from being perfect; it comes from showing up, staying focused and trusting the process.
Kasia Tran
B.S. in Teaching and Learning
Fall 2025 Graduate
Please share a little about yourself and your background.
I grew up in Houston in a Chinese American family where the value of education was deeply rooted in our everyday life. As the middle child of three, I learned early on how to balance independence with responsibility, and how to care for the people around me. School was always a place I loved, especially math, because it felt like a space where I could challenge myself and discover new ways to think.
My family always encouraged me to do my best, but more importantly, they taught me to be kind, humble and grounded. That combination of academic support and emotional guidance shaped the way I hope to show up for my future students. I want them to feel the same sense of belonging that I was fortunate enough to have growing up.
What drew you to apply to the University of Houston, and what sparked your interest in your major?
My desire to become a teacher goes back to fifth grade, when I failed my first science test and felt completely defeated. My teacher refused to give up on me. She showed me that one low score didn’t define my intelligence or my worth, and with her support, I went from a C on that test to earning a 100 on the MOY (middle of the year) STAAR practice test. That transformation, rooted not in content, but in belief, was the first moment I realized the impact a teacher can have on a child’s confidence.
In eighth grade, I fell in love with algebra because my teacher made math feel alive and purposeful. In high school, I completed my associate degree through dual credit, and I became passionate about access, specifically making sure motivated young students can thrive regardless of their circumstances. That passion is what drew me to math education. The University of Houston had always been on my radar because I knew my philosophy would be nurtured here. UH believes in equity, compassion and quality teaching, and it felt like the perfect community to help me grow into the educator I’ve always hoped to become.
How did the College of Education help you feel more confident and prepared for your next chapter?
Choosing UH was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The College of Education didn’t just teach me how to lesson plan; it taught me how to connect, how to listen, how to respond, and how to teach with purpose. My major in teaching and learning pushed me to think deeply about who I want to be in the classroom and how I can honor every child’s gifts, whether academic, creative or emotional. I learned the importance of creating a classroom culture where students feel free to show their personalities and still engage meaningfully with mathematics.
More than anything, UH surrounded me with educators who truly love their content and deeply care about the future of education. They modeled what it means to be a teacher who leads with empathy and integrity. Because of them, I walk into my next chapter with confidence. UH taught me that being a teacher is about nurturing human beings, not just teaching standards, and that is a lesson I will carry forever.
Can you share how any College of Education professors or advisors made a lasting impact on you?
Dr. Berky Hernandez made a profound impact on my journey as an educator. She has a remarkable ability to make you feel seen and capable, even on days when the work feels overwhelming. I had never realized how intentional teaching truly is until she showed us the depth behind every instructional choice, every question we ask, and every relationship we build. She helped me understand that teaching is both an art and a science.
She continuously pushed me to think beyond tradition and to teach in ways that truly reach students where they are. Because of her, I feel more confident walking into a classroom knowing that I have the mindset and tools to teach with purpose. Dr. Hernandez didn’t just shape my teaching; she shaped the way I understand children, resilience and hope.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will be serving as a campus missionary with the Baptist Student Ministry, a community that has poured into me throughout college and helped shape my leadership, character and faith. I will continue with BSM until June, and after that, I plan to begin my first year of teaching this August. I am beyond excited to finally step into my own classroom and create a space where students feel valued, encouraged and capable of success in math. Teaching is something I have dreamed of since I was little, and knowing that dream is becoming reality fills me with so much gratitude.
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 piece of advice is to truly know yourself. My favorite quote from UH professor Alan Thompson: Who you are is how you lead. I spent a long time trying to imitate the teachers and leaders I admired, only to realize that their methods weren’t mine. Once I understood my own values, strengths and motivations, everything became clearer. I started working with intention rather than pressure, and that shift changed everything for me. When you know why you’re pursuing something, the effort becomes meaningful instead of exhausting. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, hold yourself accountable with kindness, and take pride in the small steps. Excellence isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency rooted in who you are.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I am deeply grateful for my experience at the University of Houston. This place not only prepared me academically but helped me grow into a more compassionate, thoughtful and intentional person. UH taught me to lead with love, to teach with humility, and to believe in the potential of every child I will encounter. I am leaving with a full heart, a strong purpose and so much excitement for the future. If even one student feels seen, supported or inspired because of me, then every step of this journey has been worth it.
—Compiled by Ericka Mellon
—Photos courtesy of the graduating students