joy morales the academy for teacher excellence scholarship...

College of Education and Human Development

Fall 2018 - Spring 2019 Scholarship Recipients

Joy Morales – The Academy for Teacher Excellence Scholarship Fall 2018

B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies with Teacher Certification in EC-6 Generalist On what it means to be a teacher: “To me being a teacher means helping our youth and preparing them

with the tools they need to succeed”

Plans for the future: “After receiving my bachelor’s degree, I would like to further my education by

enrolling into a master’s program. I do not want to stop or stay stagnant. I want to continue to reach my

goals and be an example to younger generations of students … that anything is possible if you believe and

never give up.”

Rosario V. Rojo-Taylor – The Academy for Teacher Excellence Scholarship Fall 2018

Senior - B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies with Teacher Certification in EC-6 Bilingual Education

On what it means to be a teacher: “I cannot wait to be a teacher. Since I was little, my sister and I always

pretended to be teachers and students in school. I am very excited and proud for what I have accomplished,

and even more so as I am close to reaching my biggest dream, becoming a bilingual educator and be

available to help my future students and plant the seed of success.

Ana Trevino – Guadalupe Harber and Rodolfo Jacobson BESO Scholarships;

Dr. Arcadia Lopez Endowed Scholarship

Belinda-Villarreal-Nelson Scholarship Senior - B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies with Teacher Certification in EC-6 Bilingual Education

On what it means to be a teacher: “I wanted to be in this program because I want to advocate for

underrepresented students. Examples of those are the bilingual, undocumented, DACAmented students and

so on. I find it important to stand for and with them because students should not be left in the shadows.”

Plans for the future: “I want to continue my education towards a PhD in Education Policy and eventually I

want to serve in the Texas State Board of Education.”

Leslie Alvarez – The Harold T and H. Joyce Cook Annual Scholarship

B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies with Teacher Certification in EC-6 Generalist

On what it means to be a teacher: “I chose the teaching career because I believe that our students are

the future and I want to be the kind of teacher that shapes them into all that they can become.”

Plans for the future: “When it comes to my future educational goals I would like to continue my career

and pursue my master's degree specializing in reading.”

Yara Tanguma - The Dewey D. Davis, Ph.D., First Professor at UTSA Endowed

Scholarship in Secondary Science Teaching, Fall 2018

Senior – B.S. Biology, with Teacher Certification in Secondary (7-12th grade) Science Teaching On what it means to be a teacher: “I chose teaching after my first semester at UTSA, when I learned about a program called Generating Education Excellence in Math and Science (GE2MS). I became a member and, through this program I completed 30 hours in fieldwork at both an elementary school and a middle school; that is when I realized that teaching was what I wanted to do.”

Angela Sanchez - The Dewey D. Davis, Ph.D., First Professor at UTSA Endowed

Scholarship in Secondary Science Teaching, Spring 2019

B.S. Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Teacher Certification in Secondary (7-12th grade) Science Teaching About me: “I have worked in both molecular biology and genetics labs at Harvard, MIT and at UTHSCSA, studying everything from regeneration, aging, Huntington’s disease, and cancer for roughly twelve years prior to enrolling in the post-baccalaureate program teacher certification program here at UTSA. I am seeking certification in the life sciences at the secondary level, and I hope to bring all that I have learned as a research scientist to my classroom in SAISD where I plan to teach.”

Winner Not Pictured

Cindy Cattey - The Carol Fitzgerald Dodge Endowed Scholarship Senior - B.S. in Mathematics, with Teacher Certification in Secondary (7-12th grade) Math Teaching On what it means to be a teacher: “I have always wanted to be a teacher. I cannot wait to have my own classroom and form relationships with my students. I have never wanted anything more in my life.” Plans for the future: “My ultimate goal is to receive a PhD in Mathematics Education and work as an

instructional support specialist to impact the lives of students on a larger scale.”

Lorena Carranco – Dr. Arcadia Lopez Endowed Scholarship


On what it means to be a teacher: “I want to become a great bilingual teacher and a principal one day.

I want to become like the innovative educators that [sic] have inspired me in my life and ultimately

motivated me to become a teacher as well.”

Plans for the future: “I want to continue my education towards a Master’s degree in School

Administration.”

Natalie Del Bosque – Dr. Arcadia Lopez Endowed Scholarship


On what it means to be a teacher: “Attending a Science &Engineering magnet high school lead me to

the realization of wanting to become a bilingual elementary teacher. I want to become like the

innovative educators that [sic] have inspired me in my life and ultimately motivated me to become a

teacher as well.”

Plans for the future: “I want to teach Elementary Bilingual Education at North Independent School

District in San Antonio, Texas.”

Maria Farah – Dr. Arcadia Lopez Endowed Scholarship


On what it means to be a teacher: “I want to become a great bilingual teacher and I look forward to

having my own classroom.”

Plans for the future: “I want to continue my education towards a Master’s degree in School Counselor, in

hopes of becoming a STAN (Student Teacher Assistance Network) Intervention Counselor.”

Elizabeth Hernandez – Dr. Arcadia Lopez Endowed Scholarship


On what it means to be a teacher: “I want to become a great bilingual teacher. I hope to learn the best bilingual

education models and methods in order to apply them in my future classroom.”

Plans for the future: “I want to continue my education towards a Master’s in Bicultural-Bilingual

Education”

Ana Trevino – Dr. Arcadia Lopez Endowed Scholarship

Belinda-Villarreal-Nelson Scholarship


On what it means to be a teacher: “I wanted to be in this program because I want to advocate for

underrepresented students. Examples of those are the bilingual, undocumented, DACAmented students

and so on. I find it important to stand for and with them because students should not be left in the

shadows.”

Plans for the future: “I want to continue my education towards a PhD in Education Policy and

eventually I want to serve in the Texas State Board of Education.”

Evelyn Villafranco – Dr. Arcadia Lopez Endowed Scholarship


On what it means to be a teacher: “My main reason and motivation of wanting to be a teacher is to make society

and the world a better place.”

Plans for the future: “I want to be a bilingual teacher for 2nd and 3rd grade elementary students; then I

want to continue my education towards a Master’s degree program and school administration”

Erika Betancourt Santiago – Dr. Arcadia Lopez Endowed Scholarship

M.A. Bicultural-Bilingual Education

Plans for the future: “I want to become a bilingual/dual language teacher. I would like to gain

experience in this field to apply and contribute to the development of the Bilingual Education in a

leadership position.”

Sarah Fisher – Dr. Arcadia Lopez Endowed Scholarship


On what it means to be a teacher: “My motivation on being a teacher can be summed up with a quote

by Henry Adams: “A Teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”

Plans for the future: “I want to become a certified bilingual/ESL teacher at the elementary school level.

Once I have enough classroom experience, I would like to be an instructional coach or an administrator.”

Winner Not Pictured

Lluvia Poer– Dr. Arcadia Lopez Endowed Scholarship


Plans for the future: “My goal is to receive my M.A. in Bilingual Bicultural Studies and to become a

certified bilingual teacher at the elementary school level. Once I have enough classroom experience, I

would like to be an instructional coach or an administrator.”

Hilda Rodriguez – Dr. Arcadia Lopez Endowed Scholarship

Ph.D. in Culture, Language, and Literacy

Plans for the future: “As a current 4th grade, dual language teacher, my goal is to become principal of an

elementary school, or the head of the bilingual department and assist bilingual teachers with resources

and research to become better educators. I would like to become superintendent of my school district. ”

Marcela Salinas-Hinojosa – Dr. Arcadia Lopez Endowed Scholarship

Ph.D. in Culture, Language, and Literacy

Plans for the future: “I would like to be an advocate for Bilingual education, I would like to research on

the importance of cariño (caring)in the dual language program; I would also lie to be a university

professor, and write or publish on the importance of “cariño (caring) when teaching.”

Winner Not Pictured

Karina Barboza – The Angie Martinez Memorial Scholarship

Junior - B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies with Teacher Certification in EC-6 ESL Generalist

On what it means to be a teacher: “I am going to help those students who are not fluent in English to be

able to become confident in their speech language development.”

Plans for the future: “I would like to work in a school district in San Antonio, Texas. I want to continue

my education by attending seminars, conferences, and workshops that will help me improve my

teaching skills to better serve my students’ education”

Victoria Chavez – The Angie Martinez Memorial Scholarship


On what it means to be a teacher: “I have been drawn to a career in teaching ever since I was young. I

loved to help others learn and I have found a satisfaction in helping others become successful with

their academics and self.”

Plans for the future: “After graduation, my future career goals involve seeking a teaching career in a

low-income school district where I can share the knowledge and skills I have learned while being at

UTSA”

Kaitlyn Laurel – The Angie Martinez Memorial Scholarship


Plans for the future: “My immediate plans following graduation include attending either Georgetown

University and working toward a Master’s in Educational Transformation with a concentration in

Advocacy and Policy; or working toward a Master’s in Educational Policy at George Washington

University”

Rebecca Mercado – The Angie Martinez Memorial Scholarship, Fall 2018 B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies with Teacher Certification in EC-6 Generalist

On what it means to be a teacher: “I am majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies because I believe I can

make a difference in the lives of our future generations who will lead this country one day.”

Plans for the future: “I plan to teach in a low-income school district here in San Antonio One of my

future goals, after a few years of classroom experience, is to obtain my Master’s in Counseling and

become a school counselor.”

Elizabeth Mitchell – The Angie Martinez Memorial Scholarship, Fall 2018

B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies with Teacher Certification in 4-8 Language Arts, Reading, Social Studies

Plans for the future: “After graduation, I plan to move back to Dallas, Texas and teach in a low-

income serving school for at least ten years or until I obtain my master’s degree in Education

Administration. After teaching, I plan to continue help mold and shape the lives of our youth by

becoming a Principal preferably in a low-income school as well.”

Xitlali Flores – The Jodie W. McCarley Scholarship for Future Coaches of Female

Athletes B.S. Kinesiology with Teacher Certification in All Level Physical Education

On what it means to be a teacher: “I feel my purpose in life is to become an elementary teacher. I

plan to affect many young children’s lives in a positive way. I want to be a role model young kids can

look up to. Physical education is very important to me, as it is to live a healthy lifestyle, and teaching

life lessons involving sports and many different activities. I want to be sure [that] every student finds a

hobby or activity that would help him or her change their lives physically and mentally. ”

Beatriz Lopez – The Jodie W. McCarley Scholarship for Future Coaches of Female

Athletes

B.S. Kinesiology with Teacher Certification in All Level Physical Education

Plans for the future: “I plan to pursue a career as soccer and/or swim coach for females upon

graduating from The University of Texas San Antonio. The reason why I decided to pursue this career

dates back to when I was 15 years old and volunteered for my swim team. One of the kids I was

working with called me “Coach” for the first time and when I heard that I felt a sense of “meant to be.”

Sabrina Ramos – The Onderdonk Family Memorial Scholarship, Fall 2018


On what it means to be a teacher: “Throughout my educational career, I have come to feel passion for

becoming a teacher based on the needs of others. I have watched as students struggled through their

studies from lack of teacher support, family/parent involvement, and other circumstances for which

they have little to no control. These are the students with whom I look forward to sharing my love for

education and instilling in their hearts that they have the potential to be anything they want to be.”

Rebecca Mercado – The Onderdonk Family Memorial Scholarship, Spring 2019


On what it means to be a teacher: “I am majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies because I believe I can

make a difference in the lives of our future generations who will lead this country one day.”

Plans for the future: “I plan to teach in a low-income school district here in San Antonio One of my

future goals, after a few years of classroom experience, is to obtain my Master’s in Counseling and

become a school counselor.”

Winner

Not

Pictured

Julissa Vera – The Albar and Englantina Peña Memorial Scholarship

M.A. Bicultural-Bilingual Education with certification in Bilingual Reading Specialist

About me: “As a first-generation college student, attending a university can be a big accomplishment

not only for me, but for my family as well. I was able to complete my bachelor’s degree from UTSA in

three years, and now at only 22 years old, I have completed my first year as a master’s student in the

College of Education and Human Development (COEHD).”

Plans for the future: “I plan to work with a Bilingual Education Elementary school where I can provide

my assistance to help others. I wish to make a positive difference in the lives of my future students.”

Cindy Cattey - The Endowed Pythagoras Scholarship for Math Teachers Senior - B.S. in Mathematics, with Teacher Certification in Secondary (7-12th grade) Math Teaching On what it means to be a teacher: “I have always wanted to be a teacher. I cannot wait to have my own classroom and form relationships with my students. I have never wanted anything more in my life.” Plans for the future: “My ultimate goal is to receive a PhD in Mathematics Education and work as an

instructional support specialist to impact the lives of students on a larger scale.”

Samantha Rodriguez - The Endowed Pythagoras Scholarship for Math Teachers Senior - B.S. in Mathematics, with Teacher Certification in Secondary (7-12th grade) Math Teaching On what it means to be a teacher: “I have been a lover of mathematics ever since I can remember. The subject has the potential to teach people more than just algorithms and basic computation. Mathematics can open a student’s mind and teach them how to think, conjecture, problem-solve, logically prove theories and do so much more. These are just a few versatile skills that prepare students for success in the real world. This is why I chose to be a mathematics major and aspire to be a secondary math teacher.”

Zyler Carter – The Katie N. Reed Endowed Scholarship Junior - B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies with Teacher Certification in 4-8 LangArts/Read/SocStudies

On what it means to be a teacher: “I know that becoming an educator is not an easy job, but I believe

that education is the foundation of success and is a process that we will experience forever, and that

goes far beyond a classroom. I stand firmly on teaching and, I do not believe that there is another

profession that can start from the root and create such an impactful, unforgettable inspiration to a

student’s future.

Plans for the future: “After graduation, I plan to move to Houston, Texas and teach in a low-income

serving school.”

Dyana Garcia – The Katie N. Reed Endowed Scholarship

Senior- B.A. English with Teacher Certification in Secondary (7-12) English Teaching

On what it means to be a teacher: “A as Mexican born student, I understand and can emphasize the

importance of mastering the English language. Having been an English language learner, is one of the

reasons I decide to go into Education.”

Plans for the future: “I hope to continue my education by one day receiving a Master’s degree in

Education and hopefully become a School Principal.”

Sara Klimek – The Katie N. Reed Endowed Scholarship

Senior - B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies with Teacher Certification in EC-6 Generalist

Plans for the future: “My educational goals are to inspire my future students and be the best educator

I can be, whether it is to advocate for my students, or just being there when they need me. I want to be

that teacher who makes an impact on my students’ lives and who is never forgotten.”

Mykah Tate– The Dianna Lynn Tidwell Endowed Scholarship

Senior - B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies with Teacher Certification in All Level Special Education

On what it means to be a teacher: “As an educator, I want to provide individualized instruction and

strategies for students with disabilities. As an undergraduate at the University of Texas at San

Antonio, my coursework and my classroom experiences have further validated my desire to teach. My

commitment to students and their families will be shown through quality education, communication,

and inspiration regardless of disability. Growth for a student with disabilities is the most precious gift

one can receive. I aspire to foster developmental and academic growth for all my students.”

Korrina Cruz – Alio Fitness Club Scholarship

Senior – B.S. Kinesiology, Concentration in Exercise Science

Plans for the future: “I want to continue my education towards a Master’s Program to become an

Occupational Therapist. I want to be able to help families and patients who feet as if their situation is

insufferable. I have utilized many resources at UTSA in order to further my educational experience.

One specific example is the laboratory courses I have taken. These courses have aided me in gaining

further knowledge and experience in my career path.”

Steven Thomas – Alio Fitness Club Scholarship

Senior – B.S. Kinesiology, Concentration in Exercise Physiology

Member of the UTSA Track & Field Division 1 program

About me: “I originally planned to obtain a business degree with the expectations of learning how to

own and manage my very own sports facility successfully. When I arrived at UTSA, I quickly realized

that my passion was in Exercise Science. Therefore, I went with my passion and switched my major to

Kinesiology with a minor in Business Administration. While at UTSA, I was awarded the Conference

USA 2017-18 Commissioner’s Academic Medal and placed top 8 at the Conference USA 2018 Indoor

Track & Field Conference Championships in the Shot Put and Weight Throw events. I am also a

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer.”

Olga Ivshina – The Baptist Health Foundation Scholarship in Nutrition and Dietetics

M.D.S. Dietetics Studies – Coordinated Program in Dietetics

About me: “My goal is to become a Certified Diabetes Educator and to serve Bexar County to treat

and prevent the growing epidemics of diabetes. I made this decision after having community

rotations with the American Diabetes Association and because I like the clinical aspect of the

profession. I had previously completed a Biology degree at UTSA in an attempt to apply to a

medical school, but eventually decided to continue my education with the CPD program. I come

from a family of educators, and by choosing to become a Registered Dietitian (a profession with

mainly a preventative aspect), I realized that I continue my family professional trait.”

Carl Austin Lobitz – The Baptist Health Foundation Scholarship in Nutrition and

Dietetics


About me: “I am pursuing my career as a dietitian as an extension of my own desire to perform at

my best. As the highest level of nutrition professional, a dietitian is the expert in nutrient

metabolism and how to elucidate effective dietary strategies to the lives of the public, whether they

be clinical patients, weight loss clients, or athletes.”

Claudia Martinez – The Baptist Health Foundation Scholarship in Nutrition and

Dietetics


About me: “As a graduate student in the Coordinated Program in Dietetics, I have had the

opportunity to partake in several community events as well the opportunity to gain further

knowledge in a field I have chosen as a future registered dietitian (RD). As Vice President of the

Dietetic and Nutrition Student Association (DANSA), I have had the opportunity to attend several

conferences and meetings that have allowed me to gain a vast amount of knowledge: topics ranging

from nutrition for pediatric patients to short bowel syndrome in adults.”

Shelby Birdwell – The Baptist Health Foundation Scholarship in Nutrition and

Dietetics

B.S. Nutrition and Dietetics – Coordinated Program in Dietetics

About me: “During my time at UTSA, I have had the opportunity to intern with the CHEF (Culinary

Health Education for Families) program, Jubilee Academics, and San Antonio Metropolitan Health

District. These experiences, among many others, have been enriching personally and professionally,

and have confirmed that my passion is helping improve lives through nutrition. Once I receive my

credentials as a Registered Dietitian, I hope to find a job in a clinical setting working with patients in

the intensive care unit.”

Emily Grammer – The Baptist Health Foundation Scholarship in Nutrition and

Dietetics


About me: “I am on track to graduate with my Masters in Dietetic Studies in May of 2019 and have had an

extremely rewarding academic journey thus far. Over the past two years, I have been both an active member

and held an executive position in the Dietetic and Nutrition Student Association, DANSA. My experiences from

my involvement in this organization, as well as academic experiences, have been so beneficial in molding my

sense of leadership and professionalism, which I will take with me throughout my career. After completing my

master’s degree, I plan to take the RD exam in order to become a credentialed practitioner.”

Jessica Tupa – The Baptist Health Foundation Scholarship in Nutrition and

Dietetics

B.S. Nutrition and Dietetics – Coordinated Program in Dietetics

About me: “As a graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Community Health from UTSA, I began

working for CommuniCare immediately. I felt like something was missing, and that I had not yet

fulfilled my career goals. I decided to apply for the Dietetics program, and now I am a student in the

Coordinated Program Dietetics at UTSA, on the path to becoming a registered dietitian. After

graduating, I plan to seek a career in community health, and eventually, I would like to have my own

private practice for consulting with clients’ nutrition practices.”

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