We are proud to spotlight our hardworking teachers who are recent and soon to be Blinn College Graduates. Congratulations to Christy Widener, Zulieka Rodriguez, and Erika Rodriguez! Read below to hear each of their stories on the motivation behind earning their degree. 

Christy graduated in Spring of 2022 with her Associates in Child Development.

“I will walk the stage in December. It was a long and hard battle for me, but my family and children were my inspiration to complete this big accomplishment. I also earned a director’s certificate and a Montessori certification in the process. One of the things I love most about teaching is watching the children grow and accomplish new milestones. I am a former assistant director of a local Montessori school and I hope to work my way back into the childcare administration field soon.”

Zulieka will be graduating in Fall of 2022 with her Associates in Child Development.

“This opportunity was given to me a few years ago, but as a single mom working two jobs, and being a student it was a rough road, taking longer than expected. I’m glad to say we’re almost to the finish line. The main reason I decided to go back to school was to show my boys that you can accomplish anything you want in life no matter the obstacles life throws at you, also that’s it’s never too late to go back to school.  I am very thankful for the people that have supported me throughout this journey. Especially administration  here at Becky Gates. They have worked with me with and supported me throughout the semesters.”

Erika will be graduating in Fall of 2023 with her Associates in Early Childhood Education.

“I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with and teach little hearts and minds for 19 years now. A few years ago I was presented with a scholarship opportunity to go back to school and I jumped on it. I mean why not advance my education in a field that I love! What drives me to finish school are my children, my husband, and all the little ones that I taught along the way and all children that are still to come!”

We are so happy to have each of these ladies apart of our BGCC staff and are excited to celebrate this accomplishment and support them along the way! BGCC also has seven other staff members receiving Texas Workforce Commission scholarships to attend Blinn College to work toward a degree in early childhood education.