At the Regional Sites

TTU Highland Lakes Student Excels in TechTeach Program

By Leslie Cranford, Section Manager

Cecy Contreras is a first-generation college student who believed for a while there were too many odds against her to finish college.

Born and raised in Burnet, Texas, she enrolled at Sam Houston State University immediately following high school in 2005. During her junior year in 2008, she became pregnant and moved back home. Cecy took classes now and then at Central Texas College (CTC) in Marble Falls.

In 2016 she started working as a Life Skills Paraprofessional for Marble Falls ISD (MFISD). She realized she wanted to finish her degree, so she finished the classes she needed at CTC to get accepted to the TechTeach program at Texas Tech University at Highland Lakes.

"One thing that kept holding me back to continue my education for so many years was that I thought that I was too old and not smart enough," Cecy admitted. "I have proved myself wrong time and time again during these last few months. I have learned so much about myself during these transitions. I have learned that I can do anything that I set my mind and heart to do."

Cecy says she chose TTU Highland Lakes because it is in Marble Falls. For her it was the best option to stay in the area, since both her children attend MFISD and it is where she works.

"The benefits of attending TTU Highland Lakes has been the opportunity that MFISD and TTU have come together to allow me to work and continue my education at the same time," Cecy said. "If this program was not offered, I know that I would not have been able to pursue and finish my degree."

She says her favorite course is Foundations of Inclusion and Differentiation for Special Populations and that she's been very interested in this class since day one.

"I have learned so much about all different types of learners and levels of learners. I know this course will definitely support me in the future when I teach my own class."

COVID-19 has, of course, impacted her learning in that they have not been able to experience face-to face-learning, something Cecy was looking forward to. That's not to say she hasn't learned other life lessons in the process.

"Overall, this experience has taught me so much about myself personally, emotionally, and educationally. I am so grateful that I took this final step to finally finish what I started so many years ago. I am proud of myself and proud to be a Texas Tech student. The values and high expectations TTU sets are preparing me to aim higher than I ever thought possible."

Cecy emphasized that her master's degree is next. With a 12-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son, she is determined to finish this program for them, for a better future for the three of them.

"I want to make a difference in my family life but also in the lives of the Hispanic community that MFISD serves," she said. "I have the passion and the heart to help and serve others. Getting my master's would allow me to develop and better educate myself so I can help others along the way."

Perhaps the biggest lesson for Cecy? "Follow your dreams and don't settle."

"All the hard work will pay off in the end. You will not regret transferring or attending Texas Tech University. Set your mind on what life you want to live. Don't stop until you achieve what you're after. Chase your dreams!"