Alumni Spotlights
Alumni Spotlight: Manuel Castruita
UTEP Degree: B.S. Ed. 1988, English and History; M.Ed. 1992, Counseling
Current Title: Assistant Director – Secondary Instruction Radford School
Why did you decide to pursue a career as an assistant director?
Let me begin by saying that it is a privilege to serve as the Assistant Director of Secondary Instruction at Radford School. This position is a second career for me. I completed 35 years of service in the public school system as a classroom teacher, middle and high school counselor, counselor coordinator, professional development trainer and, lastly, counseling director. After taking a semester off during retirement, I had the opportunity to visit and meet the students at Radford School in Summer of 2022. I was immediately drawn to them. I remember asking them if I joined the staff, what would they want from me. Unequivocally, they responded that they wanted someone to listen to and understand them. My approach to education has been student-centered in academics as well as social emotional learning arenas.
What's the most rewarding aspect of this profession?
There are many rewarding aspects to being an educator. However, I rank student individualized success at the top. I have always felt strongly that if I wanted and expected the very best from my students as a teacher and counselor, then I also needed to approach education with a growth mindset. Seeing your students achieve their own personal goals in life brings immense joy. You realize you had an opportunity to make an impact not only as teacher but a mentor, role model, cheerleader, etc.
What have you learned from your students?
Throughout my career, my students have always reminded me of the joie de vie (joy of life). They have kept me young at heart. Their passion and conviction for learning is a motivator as an educator. You want to be at the top of your game and give them your very best. They remind me of George Leonard’s words, “The atom's soul is nothing but energy. Spirit blazes in the dullest of clay. The life of every woman and man, the heart of it, is pure and holy joy.”
What are challenges you've overcome in your career?
Upon reflection, I have to say that there were two types of challenges I faced throughout my career. The first is challenging a student’s closed mindset and working with them to see they are capable of much more. I would push my students to see themselves living a different life than the ones they had. Many of my students felt that they could not achieve success because of their socio-economic, ethnic or linguistic backgrounds. I came to realize that as long as students have one caring adult in their lives, they are able to push through many barriers. That is where we as educators play key roles in mentorship and relationship building.
The second challenge that I and many educators face is balancing whole child education with legislative mandates. Children are more than a test score. That is why social-emotional learning is important, especially after the pandemic. The school is, in many cases, the child’s main hub of support.
What is a key lesson you learned as a UTEP student that you still use in your career?
I am very proud to be a UTEP Miner! Apart from strong and professional preparation, I am forever grateful to all my UTEP professors and mentors for amplifying a strong sense of gratitude. As a first-generation college student, I remain ever thankful for their support over the years, even post-graduation. This lesson has instilled in me a strong sense of service to others as a way of thanks for the many blessings in my life. I remain committed to passing it forward. As such, I am reminded of President John F. Kennedy’s words, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
What advice do you have for current UTEP students?
Be Miner proud! Every time I walk about campus, I am inspired by the enormity of all the potential inherent in our students. Our borderland students (public school and college) represent a vast collection of talent, skills, heritage, culture, language, determination and passion. Build upon all that makes you singular. Never deter from sharing your talents andskills and equally important, letting your voice be heard.
Why is it important for you to be involved in the UTEP Alumni Association?
I became involved with the UTEP Alumni Association because I wanted to give back to the University that had given me much personally and professionally. I was overjoyed to do so when I began to work with the ÀÇÓÑÊÓƵ Student Alumni Association and share in mentorship experiences. As Alumni Association president, I, along with the Alumni Association Board, want to pursue opportunities, programming and activities that promote and enhance the UTEP student experience. Therefore, we dedicate much of our efforts into fundraising for scholarships and other student services. I encourage all Miners to remain connected with UTEP and support future generations of Miners in whatever ways they can. Being a part of the Alumni Association helps us live out our motto: Miner Forever. Stronger Together.
Alumni Spotlight: Jazmine Silva
Mental Health Counselor at Counseling of El Paso, PLLC
UTEP Degree: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
Graduation Year: May 2018
Current Title: Mental Health Counselor
Why did you decide to pursue a career in mental health counseling and play therapy?
I was inspired to pursue a career in mental health counseling because of all the people who have helped me throughout my life. I believe I’ve had an abundance of caring adults who have made a positive impact in my life trajectory, despite barriers I have faced. I first learned about play therapy credentials in my Introduction to college course at El Paso Community College with Dr. Blanca Campa who would encourage students to explore and discover their full potential. However, when I first learned about a RPT-Registered Play Therapist being a career option, I initially thought, “that could never be me.” This was a reflection on some of the barriers and belief I held about my life possibilities then. Fast forward to the master’s program at UTEP, Dr. Sang Min Shin encouraged me to pursue the RPT credentialing path. Of course, that little voice visited once more, however, Dr. Shin’s belief in me inspired me to believe in my own self. I have borrowed throughout my life efficacy, agency, and resilience that I might not otherwise ever imagined.
What's the most rewarding aspect of this profession?
My clients are the most rewarding part of my profession. They are my best teachers. I truly and genuinely find the work I do meaningful, rewarding, and valuable. When I open the door to my office, every morning I repeat to myself, “vengo a ofrecer mi corazón.” These are the words from a beautiful song by Mercedes Sosa who reminds us of the importance of hope, compassion, and love. My client’s stories and resilience inspire me, and their progress and ability to change are truly remarkable journeys to be a witness of. I’m honored to be of service to each individual I serve. I truly believe I have the best job in the world. Like Dr. Yalom said in one of his books to aspiring therapists, this is a career that will not go without meaning and purpose. In addition, my colleagues and peers at Counseling of El Paso are truly an important and rewarding part of my work. Due to the nature and context of our work, mental health professionals can have the tendency to isolate ourselves in ways that can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. I feel very fortunate to work with some of the most stellar and amazing professionals who inspire me to remain a lifelong learner, to lead with a service mindset and live wholeheartedly.
What have you learned from your students and/or clients?
I have learned to believe in the best of people. When we experience hurt and pain it’s tempting to focus on the negative aspects of life. Whenever this happens it can skew our worldview lenses of ourselves and others. However, in therapy I have learned how important it is to keep sight of the north star or guiding lights that helped us get through adversity. This reminds me Mr. Rogers words, who as a child received his mother’s guidance whenever he would see things that were scary, “my mother would say to me, ‘look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To do so, I have learned to remain curious, compassionate, and humane.
What are challenges you've overcome in your career?
The first challenge that I had to overcome was to believe in myself. When it comes to mental health counseling, we help address various life span issues from transitions in life to different forms of human suffering. I cannot say I have experienced everything to be able to say that I understand how my clients feel. However, I had to learn to believe in my role, the therapeutic interventions, and in my clients. To do this, I needed guidance, supervision, and regular consultation with veteran professionals who helped instill efficacy in my own abilities. I sought professionals who had different professional backgrounds and theoretical modalities from person centered, play therapy, traumatology, EMDR to couples and so on. For this, I’m forever grateful for my supervisors, mentors, colleagues, professional communities, and trainers, who have supported this growth.
What is a key lesson you learned as a UTEP student that you still use in your career?
The key lesson that I have learned as a UTEP student that I will continue to use in my career is how important to stay connected to the community. As a graduate student, I had decided to focus on my studies, internship, and trying my best, overlooking community involvement. However, it wasn’t until a very good friend invited me to join Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling Honors Society at UTEP, that I realized how important it is stay connected with others. This organization encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and grow in ways that I had not realized were possible. I engaged in volunteer opportunities and developed genuine and caring relationships that remain to this day. In this experience I learned that connection can be both a professional and personal reward that nourishes our overall wellbeing.
What advice do you have for current UTEP students?
The best advice I can provide is the one that I received from a dear mentor, “Enjoy the journey.” I realize sharing this can be difficult for individuals who are making sacrifices to attend school and have various responsibilities other than academic pursuits. However, I do invite and encourage to find those windows or moments of joy in this journey. It may mean savoring those “Aha!” or lightbulb moments or being appreciative of a peer’s small act of kindness. I look back now and can wholeheartedly say that I embraced it all.
What led you to becoming a leader in the Association for Play Therapy Far West Texas Chapter?
What inspired me to become a leader for the Association for Play Therapy Far West Texas Chapter was my cultural identity. I had an opportunity to visit various Play Therapy Communities both in Denton and Dallas Texas and noticed that there was limited cultural representation and noticed that there were few professionals of color who were part of the professional community. This made me reflect on my own self and question, how can I engage and participate in increase representation in the play therapy community for cultural diversity. Then I realized, any change starts with us.
Alumni Spotlight: Marisa E. Pierce
Marisa Pierce, Ed.D., earned her doctorate from the College of Education in 2015 and has moved on to become an impactful leader in higher education as an administrator at Dallas College in Dallas, Texas. Read about her journey and the advice she has for current students.
UTEP Degree: Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership and Administration
Graduation Year: 2015
Current Title: Associate Vice Chancellor, Enrollment Management at Dallas College, Dallas, Texas
Why did you decide to pursue a career in education?
I’m the oldest of 5 siblings and I always served as a role model for my brothers and sister. It started with me being able to provide them with guidance and advice in school and life. This also carried over into the lives of my sons – to this day, I try to support them all in their education and career aspirations as best as possible.
Yet, the truest testament to my love for education started when I was a permanent substitute teacher very early in my career. I really enjoyed supporting my students and their families in their academic aspirations, although, I must admit that I had trouble being confined in a classroom all day. I needed to move around and be open to visit and speak with people freely. I wanted to be an advocate for education, but the initial approach I took was not the right fit.
I entered higher education under the guidance of one of my best UTEP professors, Dr. Jorge Descamps. It was the greatest thing I ever did. I began my higher education career in the Office of Admissions and Recruitment at UTEP. Broadly engaging students, families, communities and our partner schools was the most amazing part of my work. The on-campus recruitment events, school visits and campus tours were always a welcome challenge – we were opening the doors to a world of opportunities in those days. I worked with many team members in Admissions and Recruitment and that made the work fun. To this day, almost 20 years later, some of us remain very close friends.
What's the most rewarding aspect of this profession?
The most rewarding aspect of my work is changing lives. In my years in higher education, I often reflect back on my service to a program called GEAR UP. I was very fortunate to serve as the Project Director for the GEAR UP Program at El Paso Community College. The program was a federally funded pre-college outreach program and grant intended to serve a cohort of secondary students in the rural areas of El Paso County, specifically in the Anthony, Canutillo, Clint, Fabens and Tornillo school districts.
I spent seven of the best years of my life working with GEAR UP. To support our students and their families (many of these families were immigrants from Mexico) was incredibly rewarding. I say this because I am a product of a binational, bicultural upbringing. I was educated in both the City of Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico and the City of El Paso. I have a very special place in my heart relating to my educational experiences in Juárez.
More importantly, my lived experiences helped me understand what life was like for my GEAR UP students, their siblings and parents. I knew their hopes and wishes, and I was empathetic to what were often their silent challenges. Our teams worked with a growth mindset of supporting our schools, allowing us to take each of these participating school districts from single digit college-going rates in the beginning of our service to double digit college-going rates by the end of the grant. Again, to make a difference in their lives was truly a priceless gift.
What have you learned from your students?
People teach us so much if we are willing to listen. I think the most important thing I’ve learned from students is that we all have a story – and that I am simply part of a path that is crossed in their personal journeys. Because of this, I have learned to be mindful of how I serve as a support system for our students and their families. As a community college leader, there are many lives I touch, from young, school-aged children who are aspiring to come to college, to older adult learners who are looking to reinvent themselves to improve their lives and the lives of their children. I would not change a thing about the road that I have traveled with the students that I have been blessed to support and guide along the way.
What are challenges you've overcome in your career?
I believe myself to be a person who always enjoys helping others. As a leader, I have generally been the type of individual who will go out of their way to give you the very best of me. I have consistently aspired to deliver my work with a high level of integrity and with the utmost positive attitude, although this can sometimes come with its challenges. There comes a time in our life where we need to understand our own limitations and giving every ounce of yourself may not be always the right approach. We need to understand the importance of boundaries between the personal and professional. While I have tried to remain strong on that mantra; it has not always been well received by others. I sometimes have felt that, despite the fact that I am a strong leader in my own way, my desire to set clear boundaries is sometimes given the opinion that I am opposed to going above and beyond. This is never the case. As I get older, I just simply understand how important it is to have space between your personal and professional life – we only get to do this life once.
What is a key lesson you learned as a UTEP student that you still use in your career?
The value of mentorship. There is nothing quite like having people in life help, support and guide you through your own lived experiences. Mentors are people who see you for who you are, they foster growth from deep within and challenge us to be better than we ever were before. More importantly, the uniqueness of a mentor/mentee relationship often comes with the benefit of lifelong partnerships and friendships. I continue to be mentored in my career up to this very day. I have also had the opportunity to serve as mentor for several colleagues in the profession. Some of the relationships have been fostered through national organizations while others have just shown up through simply natural connections. Either way, as a mentor, I’m hopeful that I can help people find their shine – what makes them authentically the person that they are. I want them to embrace it as much as I do. More importantly, as a mentor I have made a lifelong commitment to learn as much from them as they can learn from me.
What advice do you have for current UTEP students?
When I reflect on my educational and career aspirations, so many things go through my mind. One thing stands out more than most: the act of perseverance. I had so many instances when I felt like giving up, but I never did. I would encourage everyone to keep going. Our journeys will take us on paths with unexpected twists and turns. This is alright, it is only just another step in growing and learning from our lived experiences.
What does it mean to you to be recognized as a leader by national organizations, such as the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship program?
I am eternally grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded through my participation in fellowships like the National Community College Hispanic Council (NCCHC), HACU and Aspen. I am blessed and fortunate that our college has found value in investing in me. Each of these programs has played an important role in my learning and growth as a leader. Each opportunity has presented a chance to meet new friends and extended family, fostering a remarkable network of colleagues and peers who have taught me so much. One of the most treasured aspects of being part of these organizations is the ability to learn from the wisdom of seasoned leaders who came before us. Their nuggets of truth and reality are some of the greatest gifts one can receive as we aspire to be the humble and passionate leaders that they were or still are of our times. I can only hope to give back to my students what all these experiences have imparted on me.
Alumni Spotlight: Amy Martinez Perez
UTEP Degree: Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in EC-6 Bilingual Education
Graduation Year: 2018
Current Title: Fifth Grade Dual Language Teacher at Don Haskins PK-8 School and El Paso Independent School District’s 2021-22 Elementary Teacher of the Year
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
When I was in first grade, I decided I would become a teacher. I wanted to make an impact the way the teachers in my life at that point had made in me. While I was only six at the time, I knew my options were endless. But as I continued with my academic journey, the decision to become a teacher was only further strengthened. I deeply admired the teachers that would get to know their students and made the class feel like a home away from home. I aspired to be the teacher who would share their time with their students and respect every student in their class. I aspired to ensure that every single student in my class knew they mattered while helping students find their passion for learning. I wanted to be a teacher who was understanding, adaptable, compassionate and resilient. I had seen the positive impact teachers made and how they were able to spark the love for learning in students, as the teachers in my life had done for me.
What's the most rewarding aspect of this profession?
The most rewarding aspect of being in education is being able to make a difference with the students. As a teacher, you get to share your knowledge and watch your students grow. You get to see your students become curious learners by asking questions and eventually guiding the students to become involved in their own learning and empowering them to take ownership of their learning. You have the ability to plant the seed and watch it grow throughout the students’ academic journeys. You get to make lifelong positive relationships with your students and guide them into becoming the best versions of themselves.
What have you learned from your students?
While there have been many lessons that I have learned from my students, the one that will always stick with me is that our students don’t need a perfect, textbook teacher. Just as every student brings their personality into the classroom, teachers can do so, too. I have come to learn that the students need an understanding, compassionate and personable teacher whom they can connect with. By being an understanding teacher, the students will know that it’s okay to make mistakes through the process of learning from them. By being a compassionate teacher, the students know the relationships you build as a class are genuine and will want to participate and have a greater presence in their learning. By being a personable teacher, you are able to better connect with the students through the lessons, which, in turn, allow for the opportunity to have powerful, impactful and fun lessons. My students have taught me that just as learning isn’t linear, teachers don’t have to be either; teachers can be innovative with their teaching.
What are challenges you've overcome in your career?
Upon becoming a teacher, the greatest challenge that I have overcome has been to remember to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. With the transition to virtual teaching, I got lost throughout the year, hyper-focusing on the smallest details which led to feeling overwhelmed. It felt as if I wasn’t teaching to my fullest potential. I had to take a step back and remind myself of how much fun it was to celebrate my students’ successes and growth; how we all could learn so much from trying new things and making mistakes along the way, always learning from where we went wrong and how we could better the situation or task at hand. I reminded myself that as a teacher, I didn’t need to be a playing block, consistently remaining the same figure. Rather, I needed to be Play-Doh, having the ability to consistently be remolded.
What is a key lesson you learned as a UTEP student that you still use in your career?
A key lesson I learned as a UTEP student was to be adaptable and creative. Throughout my time at UTEP I had the privilege of working on campus as a Peer Career Advisor with the University Career Center. During this time, I would present workshops to diverse groups of students, allowing me to adapt to what was needed from each group. Being a teacher means you need to be able to meet the needs of all your students. While you may have planned out everything down to the last dot, there may be parts of the day that will be unpredictable. As a student at UTEP, my professors taught me to be creative and think outside the box. This has become an incredibly useful skill in being able to come up with solutions to everyday problems, such as finding ways to connect with your students or incorporating creative lessons on the daily. By being adaptable and creative, you are able to renavigate the students onto the right course while not losing sight of the end goal.
What advice do you have for current UTEP students?
The advice that I have for current UTEP students is to try something new every week. While you won’t be successful every time, you will learn to learn from what worked and what didn’t. Remaining curious will allow you to maintain the love for what you do. You will be able to challenge yourself with new tasks to be able to achieve what you may have thought to be unachievable. By doing so, you are empowering yourself to become a lifelong learner.
What does it mean to you to be named EPISD's Elementary Teacher of the Year?
Being named as El Paso ISD’s Elementary Teacher of the Year has been a great honor. Having gone through my educational journey with El Paso ISD, I was able to meet incredible educators and continue to do so. Some of them are now mentors and friends. Every educator I interacted with has left a positive impact in my life. Now being on the other side of that role, no longer as a student but as a teacher, I have been able to give back to the community. While I have had the privilege to be inspired by amazing educators in the district during my time as a student, I am now able to inspire the students of the district. I think back to when I was six years old and had decided to be a teacher. I think of how proud that 6-year-old would be of me now. I hope to one day see one (or many) of my students – who have the same dream as I did at six years old – have the privilege to be El Paso ISD’s Teacher of the Year.