Posted Dec. 16, 2021 — Their road to graduation from the University of Houston began in Vietnam, Pakistan and Mexico. They are the first in their families to graduate from college, and on Saturday, they will be recognized as the top undergraduates from the College of Education’s class of 2021.

Bao T. Tran, Sehar Sohail and Brenda Cisneros, all teaching and learning majors, maintained 4.0 GPAs amid a challenging college journey defined by the COVID-19 pandemic and punctuated by an unprecedented winter freeze in February.

They will join around 360 students from the College in crossing the stage at the Fertitta Center, marking a milestone on their path to transform lives and communities for the better.

“I am immensely proud of the accomplishments of the class of 2021,” said College of Education Dean Bob McPherson. “Our students have displayed remarkable resilience amid the pandemic in pursuit of their goals to become educators, health care professionals and other leaders in their fields.”

Learn more about the College’s top 2021 graduates in the Q&A below.

Bao T. Tran

December 2021 Graduate, B.S. in Teaching and Learning

Can you share a little about yourself?

I am a first-generation Vietnamese American college student. Nobody in my family went to college. I was born in Vietnam, but I came here at age 3, so I basically grew up in Houston. I went to school in Alief ISD from elementary all the way to high school. I also did student teaching in Alief, so it’s kind of fun to be back where I grew up.

What drew you to UH?

It was close to home. I also heard it had a really great education program. I’ve made a lot of great friends. I’ve learned a lot since I’ve come to UH.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I started off as a nursing major for about two years, but that wasn’t my passion. I was working part time in an after-school daycare. It was just a job to get money on the side, but I started to really like teaching. I got to plan what I would teach in my own class, make all the worksheets, all the games. It was really fun to see the kids grow up and have that “aha moment.” The daycare really changed my life.

What do you love most about teaching?

One of my educational philosophies is to build a relationship with the students. I had one student who is really shy. We had spirit week, and our trait word was courage. He decided to choose me as a courageous person in his life. That made me think, “Oh, this is why I want to do what I do.”

Which UH faculty and staff helped you become a great teacher?

I love all of my professors, but I think the one that really made a difference is my math professor, Dr. Carrie Cutler. I’m a really shy person, but she helped me be more confident in teaching. In her class, I always tried to participate. She really helped me develop a sense of, “I shouldn’t be afraid of math, and I also shouldn’t be afraid to teach math to my future kids.” She made a really big difference in my journey as a teacher.

What challenges did you face at UH, and how did you overcome?

Starting off in nursing made me take a short detour in life, so I was a little behind compared to some of my classmates. But a lot of our classes were hands-on and project-based, rather than flipping through a textbook, and I think that really helped me.

Any advice for students who want to become top graduating students?

Find a support group, have good time management, don’t procrastinate. I write everything down in a planner, and I use that religiously.

How do you relax?

I chill at home, watch Netflix, make time to catch up with friends outside and not think about work or school.

What is an interesting fact about yourself no one knows?

I recently got interested in digital arts, so I have been working on making stickers. I started selling them at a convention and did pretty well, so hopefully once I have more time after graduation, I can get back to that.

I’m sure graduating during the pandemic is not what you imagined. Have you found a way to celebrate or a silver lining?

Hopefully I’ll have a small get together with family and close friends. I don’t think we’ll be doing anything big. As long as you have important people in your life, that’s all that matters.

Sehar Sohail

December 2021 Graduate, B.S. in Teaching and Learning

Can you share a little about yourself?

I am Pakistani American. Culture and identity are everything. I want to make sure I create an affirming learning environment where my students and their parents feel safe, welcomed and celebrated. I would like to dedicate this degree to my parents, sister and loving grandma.

What drew you to UH?

The exceptional representation. It’s a home away from home. There’s a place for everyone.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

The lack of representation. I needed to see someone like me in that role when I was in grade school. Hopefully, I can make one more child feel like they belong.

Which UH faculty and staff helped you become a great teacher?

Student Success Coach Ms. Laura Lee changed my life. Advisor Ms. Anitra Wright stuck by me every step of the way. Commencement Ceremony Coordinator Ms. Paula Canada guided me through the process. Dr. Nancy Reis was an influential professor who told me I should get my master’s. Dr. Justin Burris trained us to work as if we were already seasoned teachers. And Dr. Dustine Thomas poured her energy into every class, inspiring us to grow.

How has UH influenced your commitment to diversity?

UH’s pedagogy taught me to make sure that children and their religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and so forth are represented everywhere, whether it’s a morning math problem or a project.

What motivates you?

Change, seeing incremental progress in the world. “The Daily Show” hosted by Trevor Noah — his news reports wrapped in humor got me through my student teaching internships, even on the toughest days. Oh, and hugs from my students. Those get me every time. 

What is your advice for students who want to maintain high grades?

Acknowledge limits, build boundaries and value yourself. Of course, self-care in the form of vitamin gummies, hair masks and living your life as if you’re already at the position you want to be.

I’m sure graduating during the pandemic is not what you imagined. Have you found a way to celebrate or a silver lining? 

We got through this school year, so what can’t we get through? It’s made us more skilled in helping students utilize technology in creative pathways, be more aware of hygienic practices and most of all, through reflection and meditation, I was able to foster a deeper sense of connection with myself. Ultimately, my sincerest prayers go out to all the families healing from and going through loss. Slowly yet surely, we will get through this together.

Brenda Cisneros

December 2021 Graduate, B.S. in Teaching and Learning

Can you share a little about yourself? 

I was born in Mexico and came to the U.S when I was 5 years old. I have lived in Houston ever since. I am married and have two teenage sons in high school. I’m 36 years old, so this journey has been both exciting and overwhelming. I am the first one in my family to attend college.

What drew you to UH?

UH was a better decision for me because it is close to home. It was convenient for me to take care of my family while attending school.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? 

I never thought of becoming a teacher until I started volunteering at my sons’ school when they were small. I liked helping the teachers and the students. I felt like teaching was something I could do to contribute to my community and make a difference in a child’s life.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe every child has a right to an equitable education. I will do everything I can to create a safe, positive and engaging learning environment for all my students.

What do you love most about teaching? 

My passion is teaching special education. As a parent of a child with special needs, I understand the importance of having a passionate teacher that loves what she does and truly cares about the education of her students.

What challenges did you face at UH, and how did you overcome them? 

Student teaching was definitely a challenge. Completing courses assignments and still doing the responsibilities of being a mom was hard. But I had the support of my family who helped me in every way they could.

What inspires you? 

My family. Everything I do is for them. I hope I have made them proud.

Any advice for students who want to become top graduating students?

Stay focused on your goals and learning. Stay organized with a planner and notes. Manage your time, especially if you have children. Always communicate with your professor about assignments or anything that you may be facing.

How do you relax?

I loved spending time with my sons. We enjoy watching Marvel movies and series. I also enjoy watching true-crime TV.

What is an interesting fact about yourself no one knows?

I like collecting crystals. I believe crystals promote good positive energy. My favorite crystal is the amethyst.

I’m sure graduating during the pandemic is not what you imagined. Have you found a way to celebrate or a silver lining? 

I learned to appreciate little things like spending time with family and friends or going to the movie theater.

—By Lillian Hoang

—Photos courtesy of Bao T. Tran, Sehar Sohail and Brenda Cisneros