Posted May 9, 2024 — The daughter of immigrants from El Salvador, Leslie Zuleith Benavidez started school at age 3 while her parents worked two jobs to pay the bills.

“School has always been something I found very challenging, but I thoroughly enjoyed it,” she said.

Nearly two decades later, Benavidez becomes a first-generation college graduate, ranking at the top of her class with a 4.0 GPA. She joins about 500 students in the spring 2024 graduating class from the University of Houston College of Education.

Benavidez and 10 other undergraduates from the College earned the ceremonial designation of banner bearer for their high grades and will be recognized at the commencement ceremony Thursday evening.

In addition to staying organized with class assignments, Benavidez said, the key to success is choosing the right field.

“Your major is something you must be passionate about, because without that passion, there is no resilience, and when there is no resilience, there is no success,” she said.

Benavidez plans to continue her education, pursuing a master’s degree with a focus on epidemiology at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health. Ultimately, she hopes to earn a Ph.D. in biostatistics and become a health minister in El Salvador, where her parents grew up.

Learn more about the College’s top undergraduates and their advice for success in the Q&A below.

Media Abbaszadeh Kenari

B.S. in Health
May 2024 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I am a first-generation college student and an only child. I was born and raised in Iran and moved to Houston my sophomore year of high school.

What drew you to apply to the University of Houston and/or the UH College of Education specifically?

UH was the first school I ever visited when I moved here. I decided to apply because I believe that the University of Houston is an incredible institution with remarkable educators and great diversity.

What interested you in your major, and what do you love most about it?

My passion for health began after talking to a relative who pursued health as her undergrad major. I learned about the long journey ahead in improving the overall health of society and that fueled my desire to be a small part of it. I love my major because I see health care and public health not just as a profession but as a calling to serve and uplift communities, striving for a future where everyone has access to quality care and the opportunity to live fulfilling and flourishing lives.

How do you think your classes at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

Each class and professor taught me a lesson I will carry with me forever. The diverse range of classes allowed me to develop a well-rounded set of skills. Using this knowledge and skills during my internship class also allowed me to get a glimpse of the real world. Overall, I was able to grow both personally and professionally, which has prepared me for success after graduation.

Do you mind sharing any significant challenges you’ve faced and how you worked to overcome them?

A challenge I faced in my life was moving to the United States. As I navigated a new language, customs and educational system, the transition was exhilarating but also incredibly challenging. Despite the adjustments, the experience opened doors to new opportunities, and it made me who I am today.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I am planning to spend the summer with family and friends. I will continue to work at my current job and eventually pursue a graduate degree.

What advice do you have for future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class?

Create relationships with your classmates and professors. They are the ones who can guide you through difficult times and grant you incredible opportunities. It can be helpful to plan your day the night before to avoid missing important deadlines. College can be overwhelming at times, which is why it’s crucial to prioritize taking care of yourself both mentally and physically. Always remember, no matter how difficult the journey is, the reward of reaching the end is worth it.

Emely Aleman-Reyes

B.A. in Human Development and Family Sciences
May 2024 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I was born in the beautiful state of Virginia but moved to Houston when I was about 7 years old. Since I was a little girl, school was never fun for me. I was very shy, so I struggled to make friends and ask questions when I did not understand things. It was not until my first year of college that I decided to fight against shyness, insecurity and anxiety to make the best out of my college experience. I am grateful to God that I was able to do that because here I am graduating as a first-generation college student!

What drew you to apply to the University of Houston and/or the UH College of Education specifically?

I chose the University of Houston because of its proximity to home. The 40-minute commute often felt long, especially when traffic made the drive nearly an hour, but I still had the opportunity to live at home and be with my family. I chose the UH College of Education because I have always felt drawn to working with children. My mom was a teacher and continues to work with children now. She has inspired me through her work.

What interested you in your major, and what do you love most about it?

What interested me about HDFS was how it would prepare me to work with people throughout all stages of life. As a professional, I want to be able to help children and their families. This major also gives me the tools necessary for different career opportunities in the event I want to transition to a different line of work, still serving children and families, of course.

How do you think your classes at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

My professors at UH have been wonderful. I could tell when they took the time to prepare their classes in a way that would genuinely prepare students for graduation and their future careers. Two of the professors who made the most impact are Dr. Erica Jordan and Dr. Toya Conston. I took several classes with each of them, and their classes always had useful lectures and assignments. Their classes required me to put in effort, but I always finished the semester feeling more capable in my area of study.

Do you mind sharing any significant challenges you’ve faced and how you worked to overcome them?

One of my most significant challenges was when I was faced with the decision to take a year off from school when my dad needed shoulder surgery. I did not want to graduate late, but I knew I had to choose my father’s health first. My family has always believed in not graduating with loans, so I knew time off would be the best decision as we weighed the cost of tuition, books, parking and medical bills. I knew that if it was the Lord’s will, I would receive my degree in His perfect timing.

What are your plans after graduation?

I was just offered a full-time contract as a lead teacher where I work. I also plan on saving up and beginning graduate school applications toward the end of this year and the beginning of next year.

What advice do you have for future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class?

My advice is to stay organized. Invest in a nice planner and take time at the beginning of the semester to go through your syllabuses and class schedules. Mark down all weekly due dates and highlight all major due dates. If you can, print all your class/course schedules, keep them in a planner or on a clipboard (that’s what I did), and look at them every day. This will help ensure you are on top of your assignments and do not miss anything. I also suggest marking off assignments as you complete them so you know what you need to do next and, when school is getting rough, you can look back and see how much you have already accomplished. And do not forget to prioritize time with your family and friends. You are going to need a safe place to vent and rest!

Leslie Zuleith Benavidez

B.S. in Health, Minor in Business Administration
May 2024 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I was born in Galveston. Both of my parents immigrated from El Salvador 24 years ago. I am a first-generation college student and the oldest of three daughters. I started school at 3 years old, due to my parents needing to leave me in a safe place to be able to work two jobs for the financial stability of the family. School has always been something I found very challenging, but thoroughly enjoyed it because it was a tool that expanded my knowledge.

What drew you to apply to the University of Houston and/or the UH College of Education specifically?

I applied to the University of Houston because it was affordable and close to my home. As a bonus, the University of Houston was one of the few U.S. universities that offered the major I was passionately interested in, a Bachelor of Science in Health with a public health track.

What interested you in your major, and what do you love most about it?

Health, with a public health track, is a major that goes in-depth as to why the conditions where people live, work, play, grow and learn play a huge part in overall health outcomes. We as public health officials acknowledge that other factors come into play that affect the lives of people, communities and the world as a whole. As public health officials, we must protect and inform the public of any risks or issues that can prevent further health complications, improve quality of life, and increase life expectancies for people of today and for future generations.

How do you think your classes at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

Professors Jennifer Farmer, Virmarie Correa-Fernández, Kelli Drenner and Kristin Bennett solidified my preparedness for being a public health official. There are so many things that one might not consider as having a harmful effect, and there are several solutions that one might not consider; having this knowledge taught by these four wonderful individuals has allowed me to be an asset for the improvement of primary prevention in many communities.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be attending UTHealth Houston School of Public Health as an MPH (Master of Public Health) student in epidemiology. I would like to work as a public health analyst, in which I would support the health of the general public by using data to suggest policies to the appropriate legislative entities, communicate these findings with communities and so much more. Additionally, I would like to complete a Ph.D. in biostatistics and become a health minister for my home country, El Salvador.

What advice do you have for future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class?

Have a planner. Make little notes when things are due, keep everything organized and make it color-coded. Your major is something you must be passionate about as well, because without that passion, there is no resilience, and when there is no resilience, there is no success.

Elise Dalrymple

B.S. in Teaching & Learning
May 2024 Graduate

Nathalie Matute

B.S. in Teaching and Learning
May 2024 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I am a first-generation college student. I have lived in Houston all my life and grew a passion for teaching. With the help and support of my family, I was able to make this accomplishment possible.

What interested you in your major?

I had so many good teachers and professors throughout my education, and I wanted to become a teacher that my students could rely on and feel comfortable with just like I had growing up.

How do you think your classes at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

Dr. Justin Burris was one of my biggest support systems throughout my UH experience. He was one of those professors that makes you feel cared for. He made me feel like I was capable of anything and is truly the perfect person to educate future teachers because he showed me the qualities and expectations that an effective teacher can have.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am so grateful to have been offered a job opportunity at my student teaching placement. I will be a bilingual third grade math/science teacher for Alief ISD.

What advice do you have for future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class?

It takes a lot of perseverance, organization and determination. Planning your assignments and when you are going to complete them will help you stay ahead of the game. Having a support system and reminding yourself why you got into teaching in the first place will constantly give you a sense of purpose and internal motivation.

Christina Nguyen

B.S. in Health
May 2024 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

Born in Houston, I was fortunate enough to grow up with a large support system. Although my four sisters and I had drastically different passions and outlooks on life, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I learned to appreciate multiple perspectives and embrace different ways of thinking. Thus, my passion for advocating for others grew. I think that’s why I chose a career in occupational therapy since it borders on the same family dynamics of teamwork and advocacy.

What drew you to apply to the University of Houston and/or the UH College of Education specifically?

I was initially drawn to UH’s diversity and school spirit. I wanted to make the most of my college experience by meeting new people and making more connections. I have met so many of my close friends while attending the different events at the Student Center!

What interested you in your major, and what do you love most about it?

I decided to major in health because of its role in prevention and mitigation. The field takes an investigative approach to medicine, striving to identify risk factors, prevent the spread of disease, and promote better health care and outcomes. As a future provider, it is important that we learn how to both prevent and manage to make a long-lasting impact in health care.

How do you think your experiences at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

In my last year, I worked as a research assistant for the UH Psychology of Addiction Collaborative. From that experience, I unexpectedly found another mentor, Dr. Marcel de Dios. Although he was an advisor for psychology doctoral students, he truly helped me as an undergraduate. I had expressed my worries about graduate school, and in return, he offered amazing advice for applications and interviews. The PAC team was my second family! One piece of advice I received while preparing for interviews was “Don’t be afraid. The interviewers just want to know you and after all, you should know you.”

Do you mind sharing any significant challenges you’ve faced and how you worked to overcome them?

I started undergrad at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although I was learning from the comfort of my home, I quickly realized its limitations. For many of my professors, they had to navigate a new online learning platform for asynchronous learning. I still remember fighting for the last spot in a Zoom class and praying that a class could go by without mic interruptions! However, these challenges only made me a stronger learner. Attending class virtually meant it was more convenient to ask for clarity in the lecture notes. Don’t be afraid to meet with your professor and TAs during office hours. They only want you to succeed, and meeting with them before each exam helped me score higher than the last.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will pursue a doctoral degree in occupational therapy at Texas Woman’s University. With my profession, I hope to change the narrative of how society views vulnerable populations. We shouldn’t be defined by our limitations or others’ expectations. I aim to be the support system that rebuilds their resilience and independence.

What advice do you have for future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class?

Plan, plan, plan! Before the semester begins, I like to thoroughly read each syllabus to understand the course expectations for assignments and exams. Also, make sure to invest in a good planner. I use different pen colors to note which assignments to prioritize first (e.g., red for exams, green for essays, and blue for weekly assignments). Although it’s dreadful, tackle the most time-consuming tasks first.

Alexis O’Dwyer

B.S. in Health, Minor in Human Development and Family Sciences  
May 2024 Graduate   

Amy Lizeth Penaloza

B.S. in Teaching and Learning
May 2024 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I was born and raised in Houston, but my parents are Mexican immigrants. I have the honor of being a first-generation college student. I owe this achievement mainly to my parents, who from a very young age instilled in me the value of education. Without the unconditional support and sacrifices of my parents, I don’t think I would have the joy of celebrating this achievement.

What drew you to apply to the University of Houston and/or the UH College of Education specifically?

Growing up I always heard about the University of Houston. I also wanted to stay close to home. Once I decided on my major, I knew I was going to be a part of the College of Education. I am grateful for all the experiences and support I received throughout my three years spent at the University of Houston.

What interested you in your major, and what do you love most about it?

Since I was a child, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I enjoy being a part of students’ learning and seeing how excited they get when they understand something new. Watching students grow both academically and personally has been one of my favorite parts during my year of student teaching.

How do you think your classes at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

I believe that all my classes have helped me in one way or another to feel more prepared for my first year of teaching. I thank each of my professors, who always gave advice and made us feel more confident about ourselves and our abilities as teachers.

Do you mind sharing any significant challenges you’ve faced and how you worked to overcome them?

I could say a challenge I faced while attending UH was getting used to a busy schedule and still making time for myself this past year. The idea of student teaching while still having to attend UH classes was overwhelming at the beginning. I worked on being organized and completing assignments on time, and soon I was able to manage my work-life-school balance.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to start working in Fort Bend as a third grade bilingual teacher. I have been blessed with being able to teach the same grade and content I’m student teaching in. This is also the school district I attended growing up!

What advice do you have for future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class?

It can be very easy to procrastinate, but completing assignments as soon as possible is best to prevent any stress that comes from having limited time to complete assignments. Also, maintain a positive mindset. There will possibly be at least one time in which you feel like you’re not meant to do what you’re doing or that you will never be good at what you’re doing, and that is OK. That is just part of the process. Always remember your why!

Taris Milagros Serrato

B.S. in Teaching and Learning
May 2024 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I am a first-generation college student raised by immigrant parents. I am the youngest of two. I grew up in Cy-Fair ISD, where I also got the opportunity to complete my student teaching. Growing up, I enjoyed school, but I struggled to learn English because Spanish is my native language. I was surrounded by a community of teachers who helped me feel comfortable in an intimidating environment. This experience helped pave my career path.

What drew you to apply to the University of Houston and/or the UH College of Education specifically?

Learning about the different colleges in this city I came across the College of Education at the University of Houston. As I did further research, I realized their mission and values aligned with mine: transforming lives and communities through education, which I aspire to do throughout my career.

What interested you in your major, and what do you love most about it?

I’ve always been passionate about helping others, and as a student whose native language was Spanish, I had to overcome many challenges. When learning English, I received the support I needed to grow intellectually and as a person. The same guidance I received as a child inspired me to become a bilingual teacher. The impact my teacher had on me is the same impact I strive to have on my students.

How do you think your classes at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

My supportive instructors and advisors helped guide me on the path to success. Professors Miguel Burgess Monroy and Celeste Alba have been the most helpful in helping me learn and prepare for my bilingual profession. Their warmth and support motivated me throughout my semesters at UH. I couldn’t have done it without them.

Do you mind sharing any significant challenges you’ve faced and how you worked to overcome them?

My lack of confidence in the field was one of the challenges I faced while completing my student teaching. The encouragement and feedback of my mentor and instructional coordinator helped me recognize my potential and establish my confidence in the teaching profession.

What are your plans after graduation?

My plan after graduation is to pursue my profession as a bilingual teacher in primary education. Furthermore, I do plan on coming back to the University of Houston to pursue my master’s in education. Once a Cougar always a Cougar!

What advice do you have for future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class?

I feel it is important to make connections with your peers to help each other out. Keep each other accountable. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and utilize all the resources available. It may be a hard journey, but it is worth it in the end. Èchale ganas — you got this!

Carolina Velazquez

B.S. in Teaching & Learning
May 2024 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I'm originally from Mexico and when I was 16, I immigrated to the United States seeking better life opportunities. It was undoubtedly the greatest sacrifice I have ever made: leaving behind my home, friends and family, especially my parents. However, it wasn’t all sadness, as this step allowed me to reunite after years apart with my two brothers, who shared the same dream.

What drew you to apply to the University of Houston and/or the UH College of Education specifically?

The most important thing was arriving in the United States; the “where” to study and “what” took a back seat. I decided to begin my studies at Houston Community College, where the opportunity arose and the idea of teaching, especially bilingual education, was instilled in my mind. For this reason, my first choice when transferring was the University of Houston, known for offering one of the best teacher education programs.

What interested you in your major, and what do you love most about it?

What attracted me to this career was the opportunity to interact and engage with children. It’s truly fulfilling to realize I can positively influence the lives of children and leave a lasting, positive impact on them. What I am most passionate about in this career is the possibility of teaching them skills and experiences they will carry with them for a lifetime.

How do you think your classes at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

I am infinitely grateful for Professor Miguel Burguess Monroy, as he was a teacher with whom I felt comfortable sharing my experiences inside the classroom. Creating an atmosphere of trust and openness allowed me to express myself freely and be seen as a student. I am deeply thankful for his positive impact on my life and educational experience. Professor Monroy taught me what true passion for teaching and the pursuit of inclusion for all students mean.

I also extend my gratitude to Professor Carrie Cutler, who helped me understand why I hated mathematics as a child and how to prevent passing on this trauma to future generations. Thanks to her understanding and attentiveness, she made this journey more manageable. Thank you for teaching me that if you are not good at something, just do it more!

Do you mind sharing any significant challenges you’ve faced and how you worked to overcome them?

Immigrating to a new country with a completely different culture, customs and traditions has been one of the greatest challenges I have faced. Adapting to this new reality was a difficult task, and at times, I felt an overwhelming need to give up and go back. Finding support and understanding from those who comprehend my experience has been deeply comforting and uplifting. Furthermore, having the unconditional support of my family and friends has been fundamental in keeping me steadfast in my purpose.

What are your plans after graduation?

One of my other dreams has always been to explore the world; teaching abroad could open up this possibility. Teaching abroad would not only offer me the chance to experience new cultures, customs and ways of life, but it would also allow me to share my passion for teaching with students from different parts of the world and engage in a rich cultural exchange. Another one of my goals would be to volunteer in various parts of the world to contribute in some way to the well-being of less privileged communities.

What advice do you have for future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class?

What I’ve always done is not think about the grades I’ll get; I even restricted myself from checking my grades during the semester to avoid feeling this pressure until the end. I gave my best effort in every assignment and project, always going the extra mile. Don’t seek approval from anyone other than yourself; the most beautiful approval as a student is not from the teacher but from oneself. Of course, I wouldn’t have achieved it without the incredible support system of my teachers, classmates and friends.

Maria Liliana Villa

B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences  
May 2024 Graduate

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I grew up in the rural areas of Montgomery, Texas. I’m the oldest of three daughters and a first-generation student. My mom worked hard in the home taking care of me and my younger sisters, while my dad worked hard outside the home. He worked two jobs for over a decade to keep our family sustained. My entire elementary education was taught in Spanish and in the middle of first grade when I moved, I was introduced to English in ESL. It didn’t take long for me to catch on to the language and soon I was making friends with everyone in my class. I excelled in school and I always loved learning. In high school, I had to learn how to get into college. All my hard work paid off! I wouldn’t have been able to dedicate myself to going to college if it wasn’t for the support of my parents and my husband.

What drew you to apply to the University of Houston and/or the UH College of Education specifically?

I was interested in parent-child relationships for a couple of years and I was coming to the end of my associate degree. Once I learned that UH had a degree to study Human Development and Family Sciences, I couldn’t think of a better place to go to school.

What interested you in your major, and what do you love most about it?

I was interested in how the decisions one makes, the reactions one has to feelings/emotions, and how one gets along with others are based on the interactions between them and their parents and childhood experiences.

How do you think your classes at UH prepared you for success after graduation?

Dr. Erica Jordan made it so obvious that she cares about our future just by having a class about careers in Human Development and Family Sciences. My professors (Dr. Toya Conston, Dr. Leslie Frankel, Dr. Erica Jordan and Dr. Kimberly Schoger) tie the content we are learning about in class to professions or areas of study that go beyond our college years.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am currently job-seeking in many different career fields.

What advice do you have for future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class?

Make sure you know your priorities, work hard and be organized. It will take time, many late-night and early-morning hours, lots of coffee shop study sessions and continually checking yourself to gauge if this path is right for you. Never compare yourself to the person next to you. We all have struggles and joys that you won’t always know about. Just work hard on bettering yourself to be the best you can be.

—By Ericka Mellon

—Photos courtesy of the graduating students