The AlumNow series showcases former students’ post-graduation successes.
We recently caught up with Crystal Alanis who is a P-TECH Teacher Assistant for Dallas ISD. Read about her educational journey at Dallas ISD and how her teachers impacted her to give back to her community.
What high school did you graduate from and what year did you graduate?
Moisés E. Molina High School in 2015.
What are your responsibilities as a P-TECH Teacher Assistant?
P-TECH stands for Pathways in Technology Early College High School. Dallas ISD has 18 designated P-TECH campuses, where students can choose a career pathway and take courses that provide academic, technical, and workplace skills that are attractive to employers. As an assistant I monitor student success in dual credit classes and ensure that students are well equipped for success.
What are some career or personal highlights/accomplishments?
Being able to help students graduate with an associate’s degree and a high school diploma is rewarding. I will be completing my BS in Sociology in December 2023 and hope to get certified to become a teacher and make a bigger impact as a teacher.
What made your Dallas ISD education unique?
As a student I had an abundance of teachers, directors, and coaches that genuinely cared about student success. The impact they had on me is the reason I would like to give back to my community and make a positive impact on future generations.
Who was your favorite Dallas ISD teacher or what was your favorite course, and why?
It’s hard to just pick one!
- Mr. Parker, my high school Band Director at Molina High school was like a second dad to me. He understood my home situation and often checked up on me while pushing me to my limits.
- Mrs. Turner-Creel, my high school Choir Director, was an inspiration to keep working hard.
- Ms. Vera, my dance teacher, always pushed me to do my best.
- Ms. Weems, my middle school cheer coach at Stockard MS also pushed me to be my best. I will always thank her for staying with me after school until my dad was able to pick me up.
- Ms. Melios, my AP English teacher for helping me improve my writing skills.
- Mr. Sepúlveda, my AP Calculus teacher for always being available to talk when I needed the trust of an adult.
To all my teachers, thank you!
What advice, if any, would you offer to students who are interested in your career field?
The advice I would offer students is that if you are interested in working in education, just give it a try! If you want to make a difference in their community, a great way to start is by being with the students.
