Misty Olivares
Student Success Specialist
"You can't succeed without experiencing failure.”
As a Student Success Specialist, my hope is to support Texas Tech students by giving
them access to resources, tips, and information that will push them to be an advocate
for their education. I hope to help them in whatever way I can to help them be successful
and take pride in their learning.
I am a Lubbock native, and I started my journey at Texas Tech by earning my bachelor's
degree in Multidisciplinary Studies. After earning my degree, I have worked in elementary
education for the past 10 years. There are many experiences I've had that translate
to my new role in Higher Education. As a dual language teacher, I taught many different
grades and served as a leader on my campus and district in many areas from content
to language and mentoring. I am passionate about bilingualism and whole-heartedly
believe that it opens so many doors for people and builds pride, character and self-worth.
Most days while not at work, I am busy attending my kiddos events, watching their
mariachi gigs, soccer games or even just taking a walk with them in my neighborhood.
When time permits, I enjoy binge-watching my favorite shows or watching movies. I
love to rewatch true crime docuseries or my favorite show at the moment, Game of Thrones.
My absolute favorite thing to do is actually go to the movies, not just watch my phone.
I love to go to the theater, buy popcorn and snacks, and just sit and enjoy a movie,
even if I have already seen it before!
Stats
.5
Years in Higher Ed.5
Years at TTU
Ask me about:
The best piece of advice I've ever received.
If it's not hard or challenging, you are not growing. Stop doing the easy and start growing!
My secret talent.
My secret talent is that I really love organizing things. Sometimes my everyday life doesn't reflect this, but I do enjoy putting new organizational systems in place when I have the time.
A TTU resource that helped me.
When I was a student, I took advantage of the Career Center. I was a stay-at-home mom when I finished undergrad, and I needed help constructing a resume and interviewing for teaching positions. I set up appointments with the Career Center staff, and they helped me even have mock interviews specifically for the teaching position I was hoping to get!
The most inspiring part of my job
I believe that the most inspiring thing about my job is that I can carry on my desire to teach people about life, whatever their age. I love the fact that I am able to help connect students to find what they need here for classes or even in Lubbock. It is inspiring to see someone actually remember and use something that you have showed to them or even just helped them with in life.
My Academic Journey
When I graduated high school, I really did not know what I wanted to do with my life. I married my husband a few months after graduation and we began to start our family. I did not really believe that I was ever going to seek out a degree or a career. Ten years later after my kids were off to school, my husband pushed me to return to earn my degree. I immediately knew that I wanted to be an educator.
I attended South Plains College and received an Associate of Arts in Teaching degree and soon transferred to Texas Tech. I was so unsure of so many things that I wish I would have had someone to help me through that process. I was quickly immersed into the TechTeach program as a pilot cohort and was on the fast track to my bachelor's in Multidisciplinary Studies with a Bilingual emphasis. I have been an elementary bilingual teacher for the past 10 years, and I loved being able to be a leader for my campus, as well as a mentor to other students who wanted to become teachers.
My Background
Was a student-parent.
Took time off during degree.
Am bilingual.
Skills
Drinking CoffeeStudent Engagement
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Address
Drane Hall 1st Floor, Box 45020, Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.5928 -
Email
studentengagement@ttu.edu