Student and Alumni Stories
Teaching and Child Development Tracks
Teaching and child development majors graduate with a wide variety of opportunities before them.
Graduates of the education and child development programs have taken jobs in teaching, school administration, counseling, speech and language pathology, social work, and clinical psychology, just to name a few.
Learn about how our students' and alumni's experiences at Navarro College have impacted their career objectives.
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.
Updated: July 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 because 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."
Updated: July 2023
MiKenzi Lowe, Class of 2022
Transfer Student at Texas Tech University
From pastries to lesson plans, MiKenzi Lowe’s journey to becoming a teacher took an unexpected—but meaningful—turn. What began as a passion for baking transformed into a calling to teach, once she stepped into a classroom for the first time.
MiKenzi originally planned to become a pastry chef. However, when she joined the Ready Set Teach program at her high school and began working with students, she instantly knew she had found her true career path. “As soon as I walked into that classroom, I realized teaching was what I was meant to do,” she said.
Her passion for education led her to Navarro College, where she began her journey toward becoming an educator. She chose Navarro because it was close to home, affordable, and offered a strong Education/Teaching program that would prepare her for her next steps.
Throughout her time at Navarro College, MiKenzi felt supported and encouraged by her professors. “The professors are outstanding,” she said. “They want to see you succeed, and they’ll give you the tools you need to do it.”
She credits much of her success to Professor Das, who taught her Introduction to Teaching course. “That class felt like a family,” MiKenzi recalled. “Everyone was working toward the same goal, and Professor Das guided us every step of the way. She’s one of my role models because she’s efficient, hardworking, and always positive.”
While pursuing her Associate of Arts in Teaching, MiKenzi worked full-time. Managing both responsibilities required discipline and strong time management skills. Her advice to students in similar situations is to pace yourself and plan ahead.
“When I worked full time, I’d come home and work on homework a little bit each day,” she said. “Try to finish assignments at least a day early so you’re not stressed out all the time.”
She also learned to balance her responsibilities while still making time for friends and personal life—skills she knows will serve her well in her future classroom.
One piece of advice MiKenzi shares with new students is to build relationships with peers and professors. “Don’t be afraid to be social and make friends,” she said. “Your classmates might become your future colleagues or professional connections. I wish I had opened up more because those connections really matter in education.”
Her experience at Navarro also allowed her to build professional relationships through observation hours in local schools—connections that she plans to use when she begins her teaching career.
By completing the Navarro College Education/Teaching program, MiKenzi feels confident and well-prepared for the next phase of her education at Texas Tech University, where she plans to graduate in May 2024.
“The program helped me develop strong teaching strategies and gave me real-world tips from experienced professors,” she explained. “Those lessons are things I’ll carry with me throughout my career.”
She also recognizes that her education at Navarro sets her apart in the workplace. “I had amazing professors who gave me practical advice and helped me build a foundation for success,” she said.
MiKenzi’s career goal is to become a classroom teacher as soon as she graduates from Texas Tech. With teacher shortages across the country, she knows the importance of her role and is eager to contribute. “I know my value,” she said. “I plan to research schools that not only fit my goals but also provide the resources and benefits teachers need to thrive.”
Her degree has already prepared her for what comes next—earning her certification and starting her teaching career. The time management, communication, and classroom skills she learned at Navarro will continue to guide her as she steps into her own classroom.
Looking back on her journey, MiKenzi is grateful for her time at Navarro College. “Choosing Navarro was one of the best decisions I made,” she said. “The professors genuinely care, the classes prepare you for real-world teaching, and the experience helps you grow—not just as a student, but as a future educator.”
Grace Gallup, Class of 2023
Transfer Student at Texas A&M University-Commerce
Grace Gallup always knew she wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. Inspired by her own teachers, she decided to pursue a degree in education so she could one day become an elementary school teacher. Her journey began at Navarro College, where she joined the Education/Teaching program—a decision that set her on the path toward her dream career.
Grace’s teachers had always supported her, pushing her to grow both as a student and
as a person. Their encouragement inspired her to follow in their footsteps. She chose
Navarro College because it offered the right foundation for her teaching career while
allowing her to stay close to home in Blooming Grove.
“The teachers I’ve had made such a difference in my life,” Grace shared. “I want to
make that same kind of difference for my future students.”
During her time in the Education/Teaching program, Grace discovered both the challenges and the joys of the teaching profession. She learned valuable strategies, such as classroom management and lesson planning, and gained insight into the responsibilities that teachers carry every day. Her favorite part of the experience was learning from Professor Das, whose enthusiasm and care made every class engaging and meaningful. “Professor Das always made her classes exciting and encouraged us to think deeply about what it means to be a good teacher,” Grace said.
Balancing college, work, and personal life was not always easy. Grace learned to manage her time by prioritizing assignments based on due dates and staying organized. Her advice to other students is simple but powerful: “Stay calm, stay on top of your work, and don’t overstress. If you keep organized, you’ll do fine.”
Grace encourages new students in the Education/Teaching program to take full advantage of the knowledge and support their professors and mentors offer. “Always be professional and never be afraid to ask for help,” she said. “If there’s something you don’t understand, ask questions. Understanding what you’re doing and why will make you a better student—and a better teacher.”
She also advises future educators to remember their motivation during tough times. “Ask yourself why you chose this career. If you can truly say you want to make a difference, you’re in the right place.”
One of Grace’s most significant realizations was understanding just how much responsibility teachers have toward their students. “Teachers should never give up on their students,” she said. “They have the power to make a lasting impact, just as my teachers did for me.”
After graduating from Navarro College, Grace transferred to Texas A&M University-Commerce to continue her education. She feels confident and well-prepared for the next steps in her journey. “Navarro College helped me understand what to expect from my professors and my future career,” she said. “I’ve already completed many of my teaching courses, so I was able to focus on advanced classes at A&M. The program also gave me practical advice and strategies that I’ll carry into my classroom one day.”
Her next goal is to pass the Teacher Certification Exam and begin her career as a full-time elementary school teacher. Grace hopes to be a source of support and encouragement to her students, just as her teachers were for her.
Reflecting on her experience, Grace offered one last piece of advice for future teachers: “Always stay professional, calm, and open to learning. Take your professors’ advice to heart—it will help you both as a student and as a future teacher.”
Through hard work, dedication, and the support of her Navarro College instructors, Grace Gallup is ready to take on the next chapter of her teaching journey—one classroom at a time.
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