Posted May 12, 2021 — While graduation is always a memorable milestone, the class of 2021 will hold a special place in history as students cross the stage, masked and socially distant, to mark the accomplishment amid a global pandemic.

The graduates have shown strength and flexibility as classes went virtual more than a year ago, and the challenges compounded with a historic winter storm that caused power and water outages in February.

“The Class of 2021 has demonstrated remarkable resilience, remaining focused on their education during the toughest of times,” said College of Education Dean Bob McPherson. “Our faculty and staff are so proud of these students and know they will go on to improve educational and health outcomes for children and families in Houston and beyond.”

The College of Education will honor roughly 490 students from the spring graduating class during a May 18 ceremony adhering to health and safety guidelines at TDECU Stadium.

Among the graduates are four undergraduate students who maintained 4.0 grade point averages, earning recognition as banner bearers who would typically lead the commencement processional. Learn more about these teaching, health, and human development and family studies majors in the following Q&A.

Mona Moussa

May 2021 Graduate, B.S. in Teaching and Learning

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My parents were both educated at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon, and they immigrated to the states to pursue their careers. I was born in Connecticut and relocated to Houston when I was very young. I attended River Oaks Elementary and Lanier Middle School, and it was in these schools that I developed my love and passion for learning. I remember so many of my teachers who hold dear places in my heart. I owe them my utmost thanks, gratitude and respect.

What drew you to UH?

During my senior year in high school, I began looking at colleges, all within Houston. I did not look beyond what was local for personal reasons. I needed some more time to grow into being independent and autonomous before leaving home. I applied to the University of Houston-Downtown and to the University of Houston. Initially, I attended UH-Downtown before transferring to UH.

What inspired you to go into teaching?

When I deliberated what I should major in, I considered engineering, history or education. Knowing that I am patient with children and love to be in the classroom setting, I settled for elementary education. As a prospective teacher, I knew I wanted to give back the love I received when I was a student in school.

How did UH faculty and staff help you on your path to becoming a great teacher?

My experiences with my professors were always positive and respectful. Student teaching was very enlightening and preparative. I studied the concepts, theories and teaching strategies and was able to apply what I learned to the actual field. 

What challenges did you face at UH, and how did you overcome them?

I faced some challenges socially. I have always struggled with forming friendships and healthy relationships with my peers. For me, interacting with children is always so much easier than interacting with adults. I am still in the process of overcoming this challenge. 

What motivates you?

I am motivated by producing good work. Simply doing my schoolwork is not enough. I make a conscious effort to be satisfied with the quality of my work. I think that this focus on quality has been a crucial factor toward my success as a student.

What is your advice for students who want to maintain high grades?

Always pay attention in your classes, take notes and maintain respectful relationships with your professors. Ask clarifying questions as needed, keep an agenda with all your due dates and always refer to the syllabus and other course resources. Check over your work and take the time to look back and make needed adjustments so that you turn in a finished product you are proud of. 

How do you blow off steam?

I blow off steam by painting. I minored in studio arts at UH, and in my spare time I paint women. I have exhibited my artwork through the UH Biannual Art Show and through Aspiring Artists of Texas, and I am just as passionate about teaching children as I am about producing art. I plan to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in painting later in my career.

I’m sure graduating during the pandemic is not what you imagined. Have you found a way to celebrate or a silver lining? 

Sometimes we get so caught up in the speed of life and living in the moment that we do not have the chance to really sit with ourselves and meditate on our behaviors and tendencies. During the pandemic, I was able to slow down and think, reflect and improve some of my qualities as a person. For me, that is the positivity that has come out of this disaster.

Grace Lynn Wojan

May 2021 Graduate, B.S. in Teaching and Learning

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’ve lived in Katy my entire life. In my senior year of high school, I interned at Hutsell Elementary School every morning for two class periods. When I graduated from high school in 2016, I decided to attend Lone Star College because I had no idea what I wanted to major in. After dabbling around and almost declaring a major in accounting, I decided to transfer to the University of Houston to pursue a Bachelor of Science in teaching and learning. Next year I will be teaching a first grade class in the district I grew up in.

What drew you to UH?

I heard quite a few positive things about UH from family members that attended. In addition, I wanted to attend a college that allowed me to live at home and commute to school so UH was the perfect option for me. 

What inspired you to go into teaching?

I didn’t fall in love with teaching until I started student teaching. I grew relationships with my students and found out that I wanted to spend my time teaching them how to learn. It also reminded me of the relationships I had with my teachers, and I hope students will have fond memories of me the way I have of my teachers.

How did UH faculty and staff help you on your path to becoming a great teacher? 

Almost all the faculty and staff provided a supportive environment for me. They didn’t back down when I asked them challenging questions about curriculum, instruction and planning. Instead they encouraged me to continue asking questions to help me understand the psychology of students and what it really means to be a teacher. When times became tough and I began to doubt my educational decisions, my instructors and site coordinator were there to lift me up and provide encouragement.

How has your time at UH prepared you to become a teacher?

While I have only been at UH for two years, I was able to learn the theory about teaching from my courses. When I was in student teaching, I learned how to apply that theory and sharpen my teaching skills. The most important thing I have learned is that being a teacher is tough and I will mess up countless times. But after you plan and you do all the behind-the-scenes work, it pays off because you are helping students grow and learn.

What challenges did you face at UH, and how did you overcome them?

I have been hard on myself throughout the past year. At the beginning of student teaching, I would tell myself I didn’t have what it takes to be a teacher. Thankfully I found a great support system consisting of my parents, my sister, my site coordinator, my mentor teacher and some amazing instructors that really helped me see that making mistakes was all part of the process. I began taking the wisdom of those around me and using it to help me grow as an educator and lifelong learner. 

What motivates you?

A lot of things like the people in my life and the students. But, at this moment, finally graduating motivates me to make it through.

How do you blow off steam?

I enjoy spending time in nature. Whether it be hiking, walking, bird watching or watching the clouds in the sky, I have found that spending time outdoors worked wonders for clearing my mind.

I’m sure graduating during the pandemic is not what you imagined. Have you found a way to overcome this challenge during your senior year? 

My preferred mode of courses is face-to-face, so taking a semester and a half of online courses was stressful, especially with a wireless network that was unreliable. I found that having online courses was not all bad. Instead of having to commute to and from school for hours, I was able to go for walks. This helped me maintain my sanity, especially during the pandemic.

What advice do you have for students who want to maintain high grades?

While it can be stressful, take some time to care for yourself. High grades are not worth destroying your mental and emotional health. Surround yourself with supportive people outside and inside class who will help you achieve your goals. Work hard and think more about gathering the knowledge you need to be the best teacher you can for your students instead of focusing on the high grades. Changing your focus makes a world of a difference in the quality of work you do.

Cora Bishop

May 2021 Graduate, B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

As a mother of two boys, my undergraduate degree took me much longer to complete than most. Having my children while attending school has provided me with positive and unique experiences. I have worked in special education, behavior intervention in schools and clinics, and with children facing trauma. This summer I will begin working on my graduate degree in social work with a concentration in schools. 

Are you the first in your family to attend college?

I am the first person in my family to complete their undergraduate degree.

How has your time at UH prepared you for your future career?

Having the opportunity to complete an internship as part of my program provided me with experiences in a field I had not worked in and made a big impact on my graduate school decision and career. 

What challenges did you face at UH, and how did you overcome them?

Being a mom, student and employee — all full time — has been extremely challenging. Taking each semester one week at a time and trying to look at what I had already accomplished versus what I needed to finish has been helpful. 

What motivates you?

My biggest motivation has been showing my children that school is important and hard work pays off. Having my family’s support was crucial to me finishing my undergraduate degree. Knowing that I wanted a career that would require a graduate degree has also been very motivating. 

How do you blow off steam?

I make sure to take time for self-care. Working out has been very important in maintaining good mental health and blowing off steam. I love baking shows and baking treats for family and friends. Having a busy home life means finding a few quiet minutes whenever I can and not feeling guilty about allowing myself time to relax. 

I’m sure graduating during the pandemic is not what you imagined. Have you found a way to overcome this challenge during your senior year? 

Wow, what a year. I have to say that my family and I have been very fortunate in terms of the pandemic. Having myself, my partner, two children, two dogs and two cats at home all day has been a challenge. I have learned to be flexible and go with the flow. Knowing that everyone is going through a hard time has made things more manageable, and all my professors have been extremely accommodating and understanding.  

What advice do you have for students who want to maintain high grades?

Organization! I have had the benefit of having many years to figure out my own study habits and what works for me. Every semester I plan out all my assignments for courses and color coordinate each class. When I have a semester that is heavy in reading, I schedule out my reading time as well. Everything goes into my planner. I write things down old-school style. Breaking larger projects down into steps and scheduling the steps throughout the semester keeps me on track and prevents major procrastination.

Dalia Hatem De Khattar

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am an international student who is married and a mother of two lovely children. I hold double nationality (Syrian and Venezuelan) and was born and raised in Damascus, Syria. I worked as a certified fitness and yoga instructor for over 10 years in Saudi Arabia before I came to Houston to follow my dreams. I am a great believer in the importance of volunteer work and, while I was living and studying in the U.S., I did not leave any chance to volunteer and help others. 

What drew you to UH?

I joined UH to work on my bachelor’s in health, allied track. As a licensed physical therapist assistant, it was important for me to pursue my education and work on getting a bachelor’s degree afterward. I always admired UH pride, activities and diversity on campus. I had great help from the department administration and staff to help me with my choices and degree. 

How has your time at UH prepared you for your future in the job market?

The time at UH prepared me with significant experience for the job market. I worked on research, program planning and many other skills that are essential. It also gave me the chance to work with the Athletics Department as an athletics learning specialist with the football team.

What challenges did you face at UH, and how did you overcome them?

It won’t be a good experience without some challenges. I believe my greatest challenge was to balance being a mother and student at the same time. My husband was my greatest support throughout the journey. He works in the Middle East and comes during vacations to Houston. My children have full activities, from Scouts, soccer, violin and social activities with friends. I always tried my best to be present and drive them around to take part in all activities.

What motivates you?

My family is my number one motivator. My husband, children and family back home are always with me during this journey, either in person or virtually. 

How do you blow off steam?

I love family time and believe it is important to blow off stream sometimes — a call over the phone with family, spending the night playing board games or watching one of the UH football or basketball games. I also ride my bicycle on the weekends, and my biggest getaway is the campout we do as a family with our Scout troop once a month. I also listen to music and write. 

I’m sure graduating during the pandemic is not what you imagined. Have you found a way to overcome this challenge during your senior year? 

At the beginning of the pandemic, even going outdoors was a scary thought! However, the more we knew about the virus, the more we could adjust. I started going for a walk while wearing my mask.

I had to go through major surgery, and it was challenging to keep up with my studies and maintain my perfect GPA, but I started communicating with my professors. They were very understanding and helpful to allow me to work on some assignments either early or after my surgery was done. 

What advice do you have for students who want to maintain high grades?

I believe having good communication skills, especially with professors, is essential. Things happen in life and when a challenge comes, don’t close your door. Reach out to your professors and they will help you accomplish work on time. Be positive, look outside and take a moment to enjoy the sun and good weather when you can.

— By Kathy Patnaude

— Photos courtesy of Mona Moussa, Grace Lynn Wojan, Cora Bishop and Dalia Hatem De Khattar