Dallas College Newsroom

Kristen Bradford describes her journey leading to Dallas College. She hopes to empower others and make a difference through her nonprofit 4TheGirls Social.

Ngai Ning's journey took him from Myanmar to Malaysia and eventually to Dallas as a refugee, where he overcame language and barriers and cultural differences with the support of his family and teachers. After enrolling at Dallas College, he switched from engineering to business and discovered a passion for photography and videography, leading to freelance work and an internship with FC Dallas.

Carmesia Washington started her educational journey at Dallas College in 1998, attending classes at the Mountain View Campus. However, she started a family and had a successful career working in IT, which put college on the back burner. Then, one day her high school-aged daughter pushed Washington to pursue her dreams of becoming a teacher.

Tometra Williams discovered her calling to a career in occupational therapy through helping to care for her grandmother.

Mountain View had become known for its mariachi ensemble over the years, but the group faded away during the COVID-19 pandemic with live performances being put on hold. However, the group has been revitalized by Manuel Chavez, one of the first Leones, who is now an adjunct faculty member.

Tiffiya Samuel moved from India to the United States as a middle school student and had to go through language and cultural obstacles before coming to Dallas College. Through the Student Government Association, Tiffiya found mentorship, became vice president, and developed a passion for helping other students succeed. Tiffiya is pursuing a nursing degree from her desire of wanting to serve others and to meet a promise with her grandfather, working to break barriers across campus.

Jaime Resendez overcame economic hardship and military service in Iraq to build a successful career, crediting Dallas College with giving him the confidence and foundation to pursue higher education. He earned degrees from Dallas College, UNT Dallas, and the University of Texas, eventually becoming an attorney and Dallas City Council Member. Resendez now advocates for greater education access and encourages students to stay persistent, work hard, and keep opportunities open through education.

Dr. Meagan Pollock knows what it feels like to be the only woman in the classroom, or the conference room. She lived it as one of a handful of women, at the time, who pursued a career in computer science and engineering. That’s why Pollock has pivoted from her engineering career to become an educator and advocate for all, including women and people of color, to pursue STEM careers.

Dallas College music professor Victor Soto has taken the role of a piano restoration technician, using his background as a concert pianist and advanced training from piano manufacturers across the world. He recently completed the restoration of an 1865 C. Bechstein piano and now operates a piano restoration business while teaching.

Tairan Lockett describes his journey leading to the culinary arts program at Dallas College. He showcases his passion for learning the "why" in food and how Dallas College gave him the support, guidance, and knowledge to help him grow his skills.

Gerald Davis was a 14-year-old dual credit student when he started at Dallas College. He earned an associate degree from the Eastfield Campus by age 17 and, because he took a few classes from Paul Quinn College while attending Dallas College, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Paul Quinn a year later at age 18 in 2005. Davis' experiences at Dallas College gave him the tools and knowledge to succeed in his journey to becoming a renowned dentist.

Dallas College counselor Nykesha White, who's own positive experience with therapy inspired a career in counseling, is a member of the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) team at Mountain View Campus. White provides free mental health support to students facing personal, emotional, and academic challenges. She highlights the importances of counseling during the transition to college and encourages students to take advantage of the resources available to them.

Antoine Silvers Jr. moved from Virginia to Texas with his family in search of better opportunities and a more stable environment, eventually enrolling at Dallas College and becoming a first-generation college student. He credits his grandmother's resilience and the support of mentors for helping him overcome challenges and stay focused on his goals. While studying accounting and business, Silvers hopes to play professional basketball and build a legacy as a mentor, businessman and role model.

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience for students as they explore and immerse themselves in different countries and cultures. Zoe Phillips experienced those benefits as she works toward a bachelor’s degree at Kansai Gaidai University in Hirakata, Japan.

Skyler Campbell grew up playing the violin, but always wondered what it would be like to play the cello. That wonder went away at Dallas College when she was given the opportunity to play the cello at the Richland Campus.