Yareht Cabrera, Class of 2015

Middle School Teacher at Corsicana Independent School District

I was born in Mexico and my parents brought me to the United States when I was approximately 5 years of age. I have lived in Corsicana since then. I have two beautiful children. My daughter Sophie is 5 years old and my son Jacob Jr. will be 2 years old soon. I have been married for almost 3 years to my best friend Jacob. I wanted to attend Navarro College because of the great Education program located at this institution. The program is very flexible, and I could attend school while still earning a living for my family.

Navarro College made a huge impact on my life due to opportunities I was granted and unforgettable relationships I built with a few professors. I was granted two scholarships to attend post-secondary school. The Opening Doors to Success and the Navarro College Education Foundation aided in my financial security.

I am a shy person when it comes to speaking in front of a huge crowd. One of my favorite memories at Navarro College was in speech class. We had to present a speech over How To Do Something, and it was so much fun. I enjoyed presenting my How To Install a Car Seat to my classmates. I continue to keep in contact with the professors that I previously mentioned. Some relationships are meant forever and those are forever relationships that I treasure dearly.

My life is centered around my family. Navarro College is a great place to begin an education. It provides education at an affordable price and it prepares you for a demanding 4-year university, if you plan on attending. Navarro gives everyone a sense of family because of the close-knit relationships that are easily attained during your course study.

I had some hardships during my time attending Navarro College. I had a hardship where I had to be strong not only for me but for my daughter. It was a situation that taught me my value as a human as well as my worth as a mother. Sometimes things may seem hard and giving up is the first thing we want to do; however, those situations that seem impossible are the ones that shape us as humans. There isn’t anything that you cannot overcome with help and prayer.

Rev. Dairy Johnson, Dr. Stringer, Mrs. Roberstad, Dr. Penque and Mr. Nesmith made a HUGE impact in my education on the Navarro campus. I thank each of them for all their advice and going the extra mile to ensure I completed my education.

Last updated 07/11/2023

Rena Stinedurf, Class of 2004

Mathematics Teacher at Maypearl Independent School District

"Unsure of what I wanted to do with my life, I began my education in developmental math classes. While at Navarro, my confidence in my education came alive. I never dreamed I would find a fulfilling career teaching the very subject I struggled with the most!”

Rena knew she needed to do something since she had a young family and waiting on tables for the rest of her life wasn't a good option which she didn't enjoy anyway.  She decided to come back to school and make a career for herself. Navarro College was a good place to start for her beause that's where her confidence in education came alive.

One thing that kept Rena from going back to school was her fear of math. She wanted to start at Navarro to test the waters and see if she could do pass the course. When she took the first couple of math classes, she realized she was quite good at it and that's what made her want to teach. 

She has become successful in what she does. She eventually earned her Master of Science degree in Mathematics education, teaching the subject that she used to struggle so much. She feels successful in due to the teachers and the whole environment of Navarro College. The school made her feel comfortable enough to go on and obtain her Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in which she graduated with honors (3.9 in Bachelor's and 4.0 in Master's). This was all because of the confidence she gained here at Navarro. 

What advice would you give? 

"My advice is don't be afraid to do it. I think in life the only way to gain reward is to have some risk and it is a risk to go back to college but it's only a risk if you don't commit yourself to it. Everybody has a lot more untapped potential than what they feel like they do and so when you come back to school and especially if you come to some place like Navarro, you understand that it can be a comfortable learning environment you don't have to be intimidated by the rest."

Last updated 07/11/2023

MiKenzi Lowe, Class of 2022

Transfer Student at Texas Tech University

Why did you decide to do an education degree?

I decided to pursue an education degree because I have had a passion for teaching for several years. I was planning on becoming a pastry chef for my career, but once I started the Ready Set Teach program at my high school and stepped in the classroom, I knew instantly that teaching was the career for me.

Why did you choose Navarro College Education/Teaching over other programs?

I chose the Navarro College Education program because it was close to where I lived, and it was also affordable.

What advice would you give to others looking at Navarro College programs?

Some advice I would give to others looking at Navarro College Education programs is that the professors are outstanding. Most of the professors I’ve had have worked with me to make sure I am set up for success. The professors want to see you succeed, so they will give you the tools you need to be successful.

Describe your experience in the program.

My experience in the program has been very good. I am glad I chose Navarro to pursue my associate’s degree.

What was your favorite class and why?

My favorite class in the education program was Professor Das’ class. This was my Introduction to Teaching class, and it felt like a family because everyone in that class was striving towards the same goal. It also helps that Professor Das was an amazing professor to guide us through our teaching.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

My favorite professor was Professor Das. Professor Das has always made sure that her students are set up for success, and always kept us updated with news in the education field so that we were prepared for anything that came our way. She has also motivated me throughout the program and has always been a positive, encouraging professor. She is also one of my role models because she is an efficient, hard worker and works towards her goals.

How did you juggle school, work, family, etc.? Any advice?

I worked full time when pursuing my Associate of Arts in Teaching degree. My advice to those working full time is to have time management. When I worked full time, I would come home and work on homework a little bit each day. It’s important to strive to complete your homework at least a day before it’s due so you won’t be stressed all the time!

What advice would you give to a prospect/new student on how to make the most of the Navarro College Education/Teaching program experience?

Some advice I would give to a new student in the Navarro College Education/Teaching program is to not be afraid to be social and make friends. The peers in your class are pursuing the same degree as you. As Professor Das said, you have people all around you who might be future connections for you in your career. One of my regrets is not opening up to people as much as I should have.

What are your career goals/plans?

My career plans are to graduate from Texas Tech University in May 2024 and start my teaching career the following school semester. There is a teaching shortage at the moment, so I know my value. I will do my research on the best schools around me that provide me benefits I need.

Does your Navarro College Education/Teaching program experience set you apart in the workplace (a particular skill, knowledge, background or experience)? If so, how does it do this?

I believe that by pursuing the Navarro College Education/Teaching program I am somewhat set apart from others because I had amazing professors to guide me and give me helpful tips for my future after Navarro College.

How is your degree going to help you with the next steps in your career?

My degree helps me with the next steps in my career because I am now prepared to earn my bachelor’s degree. Not only am I prepared to earn my bachelor’s degree, I also now have my own tips and tricks that I have picked up along the way from my professors to help me be successful.

What was it like maintaining your career while pursuing your Education/Teaching degree?

It was somewhat difficult maintaining my career while pursuing my Education/Teaching degree because I had to learn effective time management skills. I learned how to balance my schedule and still hang out with friends in a matter of a few weeks.

How has the Navarro College Education/Teaching program helped you in your career? Can you give a specific example of how it helped you get a job/promotion or succeed on a particular project?

The Navarro College Education/Teaching program has helped me in my career by already setting up connections for when I start looking to start my teaching career. I gained connections from the school that I did my observation hours at.

Grace Gallup, Class of 2023

Transfer Student at Texas A&M University-Commerce

Why did you decide to do an education degree?

I chose an education degree as I wanted to become an elementary school teacher.

Why did you choose Navarro College Education/Teaching over other programs?

I chose the Navarro College Education/Teaching program as I felt it was the best way to be one step closer to achieving my career goal, which is to be an elementary school teacher. I chose to pursue this career as I was inspired by my previous teachers, as they had always supported me and pushed me to be not only a better student, but also a better person. The teachers I have worked with throughout my life, both past and present, have supported me and made a difference in my life. Therefore, I desire to work with children and make a difference in their lives as my teachers have for me and so many others.

What advice would you give to others looking at Navarro College programs?

I advise that students who enter programs be prepared to meet any challenges. The best way to meet those challenges is to take care of them one at a time as you go, think critically, and most of all, ask yourself if what career path you’re taking is what you truly want. Ask yourself if you want it enough to deal with all the challenges and burdens that come with it. If you can say “yes” to both of those questions, then you know you are in the right place. Most of all, if you do want the career path you choose, but you have doubts, remember why you want it. Sometimes going in the field can be the best way to do this and answer these questions. This is certainly the case with the Teaching Program as you will have to do observations, which is observing classes and teachers in grade schools. 

Describe your experience in the program.

I feel that it was a great experience overall in the program. I learned the pros and cons of being a teacher, as well as helpful tips on how to be a successful teacher. I also loved learning from Professor Das, as she not only contributed to educating us about being a teacher, but she also made her classes exciting and engaging with her enthusiasm as well as her kindness and care for me and my fellow classmates.

What was your favorite class and why?

I loved all of my classes, and therefore, I do not have a favorite class.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

I loved and enjoyed working with all of my professors, and therefore I do not have a favorite professor.

What was your biggest a-ha moment in the program?

I would say that my biggest a-ha moment was realizing the weight of the responsibility that teachers have to their students. They must do everything in their power to ensure that their students succeed, much like my teachers have before me. To ensure this, I believe that a teacher should never give up on helping their students and should always help them.

What were the advantages to pursuing your degree?

By pursuing education, I was able to learn and have an idea on what it is like to be a teacher, I was able to learn the pros and cons of the teaching field, and I learned how teachers help their students, which made me appreciate and admire teachers more than I already had before. I was also able to pursue this career by not having to leave my home in Blooming Grove since I could learn everything I needed at Navarro College.

How did you juggle school, work, family, etc.? Any advice?

I advise overseeing your assignments, judge which one has the earliest due date, and generally complete the assignments based on that order. If you work on your assignments that way, you will make good grades and do well. Always remember to keep calm and do not overstress yourself. If you remain on top of your assignments, you will do fine, and you will not need to stress.

What advice would you give to a prospect/new student on how to make the most of the Navarro College Education/Teaching program experience?

The best advice I would give would be to listen to the advice your professors and mentor teachers give you, be professional, and do not be afraid for asking for help. If there is something you do not understand or if you need advice, do not hesitate to ask. You will be able to succeed much better when you better understand what you are doing and how to do it.

What are your career goals/plans?

Once I graduate from Texas A&M Commerce, I will be taking the Teacher Certification Exam and then I will begin my career as a teacher. I intend to do my best as a teacher and ensure that I am an asset to my school as well as a source of support and aid to my students.

How is your degree going to help you with the next steps in your career?

Due to my program experience, I have better experience to understand and meet the expectations of my professors at Texas A&M Commerce. Furthermore, I have been able to take less classes at Commerce due to taking most of my Teaching classes at Navarro College. I am also prepared due to this college as I now know what exams I need to take for my career path. Furthermore, I also have been given excellent advice on teaching and class-management strategies to help my students learn when I one day become a teacher myself.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your Navarro College Education/Teaching program experience?

Always remember to be professional, keep calm, and do your best as a student and a future teacher. Do not be afraid to ask for advice or help and take to heart what ideas or pieces of advice that the professors provide you for being a teacher. You will need this to not only do well as a student, but also as a teacher when the time comes.