Student and Alumni Stories
Protective / Human Services Track
The Protective/Human Services track is comprised of a group of students, professors, and social service agencies committed to personal growth and justice.
Learn about how our students' and alumni's experiences at Navarro College have impacted their career objectives.
Kala Arevalo, Class of 2009
Associate Attorney at Cruz Law Group, PC
“I was 18-19 years old and knew I wanted to work in the legal field. I began taking classes and then decided I wanted to work in the legal field while I was taking classes. I wanted some experience before I committed to the timely and expensive process that is law school. My professor took the time outside of class to teach additional information and tools I needed to land a job. Thanks to her (Damara Watkins, former NC Paralegal Studies Program Coordinator), I was able to get a job starting as a legal assistant at a Law Office in Dallas, Texas. I continued my coursework through Navarro and graduated from the paralegal program. I was able to become a paralegal and secure my job for over ten years, all while completing undergraduate, then law school, and working at the same time.
I am currently a lawyer with Cruz Law Group, P.C. in downtown Dallas, although I practice all over the metroplex (including Navarro and Ellis counties.)
I regularly keep in contact with the coordinator of the paralegal department from when I attended, Damara Watkins, as well as another professor, Susan Hale. Their advice and mentorship has been invaluable. I also keep in contact with a few of my classmates.
As a young college student, everyone experiences hardships. The affordability of Navarro combined with the quality education I received afforded me the opportunity to change my financial circumstances and become independent at a young age.”
Kala graduated from University of Texas at Arlington with a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and continued her journey in the legal profession by applying to law school. She attended Texas A&M University School of Law in the night program so that she could continue to work simultaneously. During her last year of law school, she obtained a provisional license that allowed her to practice law under supervision. She handled various cases from temporary orders hearings, divorce final trials, custody trials, and protective order hearings during this time frame. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M.
Kala became a licensed attorney in the State of Texas in 2018. She has continued to work in family law, assisting families with divorce, visitation, child support, termination, and adoption. In addition to her work as a paralegal, law clerk, and now an attorney, she is also a qualified mediator. She completed the required courses for civil mediation, family mediation, and CPS mediation in 2010. She has mediated several cases involving various family law issues.
Updated July 2023
Alan Eddins, Class of 1997
Navarro College Police Academy Coordinator
“Navarro College has enabled me to come full circle on my path in law enforcement. I remember sitting in the Police Academy under Dan Williams and thinking that one day I’d like to come back and teach here. It is often a surreal feeling when I think about those thoughts and what I am doing today."
Alan grew up in Corsicana and graduated from Corsicana High School in 1988. He attended Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas for one year after high school and then returned to Corsicana to attend Navarro College. During his time at Navarro, he was involved with the Choir Program, doing all the technical things like running sound and lights and building sets for productions. After Navarro, he spent some time at East Texas State University and then graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in December of 1994.
He married former Navarro College Alumni and cheerleader, Shannon Schumacher in December of 1994. After graduation from college, he pursued a career in Youth Ministry and served as Youth Minister in three churches from 1995 to 2006. Along the way, an interest in Law Enforcement developed and in January of 1997, he enrolled in the Basic Peace Officer Course at Navarro College. He graduated from the Police Academy program in October of 1997.
Alan has worked for the Navarro College Department of Public Safety, Navarro County Sheriff’s Office, Ennis ISD Police Department, and Ennis Police Department. In 2013, while serving the City of Ennis, he was promoted to Patrol Sergeant and remained in that position until August of 2016 when I took the Police Academy Coordinator position at Navarro College.”
In 2020, Alan and his wife, Shannon participated in the Navarro College Dancing For Our Stars fundraiser event that helps the Navarro College Foundation give scholarships to deserving students, make improvements to classrooms and award instructors grant money to enhance the work they do.
Updated: July 2023
Stephen Buchanan, Class of 2014
Navarro College Fire Science Protection Technology Coordinator
“While having a successful career in the corporate world, I longed for a career where I could make a difference in people’s lives. Navarro afforded me the opportunity to make that dream a reality by going to school at night while working during the day.”
Stephen always wanted to be a fireman but when he was younger there wasn't an opportunity to become one like at Navarro College. The job he had before he became a fireman, he supervised a lot of employees within six offices at one time. At the end of the day, he didn't feel like he accomplished anything but manage a business and it was a business about dollars. He knew he wanted to make a difference for himself. He took the opportunity to enroll in the Navarro College Fire Academy program when his children were in elementary school. Now, he has returned to Navarro College as the Fire Science Protection Technology Coordinator.
Updated: July 2023
Amanda Atkeisson, Class of 2002
Criminal & DUI/DWI Paralegal at The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford
“I feel the decision to come to the Paralegal program has been beneficial for me. I wanted to go back to school so I could further my education.”
Updated: July 2023
Brittny Garcia, Class of 2016
Cosmetologist
“Once my child started school, I was able to enroll in school full-time. I chose Navarro College because I wanted to be in a really good program. While school does take time and dedication, it will be well worth it in the long run. I hope to own a salon one day.”
Updated: July 2023
Liza Rodriquez, Class of 2015
Paramedic
“I wanted to show my kids that achieving your dreams is possible, at any age. Regardless of the avenue you take to get there, your dream can be realized in the end.“
Updated: July 2023
Rudy Kludy, Class of 2010
Police Officer, Corsicana Police Department
“After my place of employment of 17 years closed, I saw it as an opportunity to become a Police Officer, something I have dreamed of doing since high school. I am now proud to be a police officer for the Corsicana Police Department.“
Updated: July 2023
Laurie Schick, , Class of 2016
Cosmetologist
“Choosing Navarro was a great decision. From excellent instructors to a family-oriented environment, someone is always willing to help the students succeed. I plan to continue with the instructor program so I can become a teacher as well.”
Updated: July 2023
Submit a story: If you are a graduate of Navarro College, we want to hear about your life after Navarro. Let us know what you're doing and how Navarro College helped you get there. Share your details on this Story Submission Form for a chance to be included on our website. We will follow up with you individually to develop a story that can be shared with students and other alumni.