The AlumNow series showcases former students’ post-graduation successes.
We recently caught up with Rhodes Victoria, who is now a speech therapist assistant. Read about her educational journey at Dallas ISD and how his teachers impacted him to give back to his community.
What high school did you graduate from and what year did you graduate?
Moisés E. Molina High School in 2002.
What is your current occupation?
I’m a speech therapist assistant at Felix G. Botello Elementary School.
What are your responsibilities?
As a speech therapist assistant, my responsibilities are conducting individual and group therapy sessions while focusing on areas such as articulation, fluency, and language.
What are some career or personal highlights/accomplishments?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my career is witnessing the small, daily improvements that often go unnoticed by others, the subtle “aha” moments when a student begins to grasp a new concept or sound. These incremental steps, though small, are incredibly meaningful and build toward lasting progress. I’ve had the privilege of building strong bonds with my students, celebrating the hard-earned milestones such as when a child finally masters the “r” sound and confidently graduates from the speech program.
One highlight I’m especially proud of is initiating and creating a GoFundMe campaign to provide communication boards for playgrounds at several of my former campuses. These boards offer non-verbal students a means to express themselves and engage with their peers during play, promoting inclusion and social interaction. By encouraging all students to model and use the boards, we foster a culture of communication and empathy that extends beyond the classroom.
What made your Dallas ISD education unique?
What made my Dallas ISD education unique is that l attended one of the best high schools in the district, Molina High School. It came full circle when I had the opportunity to start my career in the very same building where I once walked the halls as a student. It was definitely a surreal experience. More than anything, attending Molina gave me the foundation and inspiration to give back to the community that raised me. I feel incredibly blessed to serve the same neighborhoods that shaped me. I carry that sense of pride and purpose with me in everything I do.
Who was your favorite Dallas ISD teacher or what was your favorite course? and why?
It’s hard to choose just one favorite teacher because I had several who made a lasting impact throughout my time in Dallas ISD. At Lenore Kirk Hall Elementary School, (now Hall Personalized Learning Academy at Oak Cliff), my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Curtis was incredibly kind and patient. She helped set the tone for my love of learning. At T.W. Browne Middle School, I had Mr. Johnson – he made a strong impression as well. Funny enough, I ran into him years later when he was substituting at a campus I was visiting, it brought back fond memories of being in his class.
Molina was full of great teachers, but my all-time favorite was Mr. Sparks. He made learning fun and memorable. I also have to mention Mrs. Kimm, our principal at the time. She genuinely cared about us. She was a constant presence in the hallways and never missed a football game. Her dedication and visibility made us feel seen and supported.
What advice, if any, would you offer to students who are interested in your career field?
If you’re considering a career in speech-language pathology, know that you’re stepping into a field where your impact will be felt in the most meaningful ways. You won’t just be helping students say their sounds correctly; you’ll be helping them find their voice, build confidence, and connect with the world around them.
This is a career full of small victories that lead to life-changing moments. From the first time a non-verbal child uses a communication board to express a need, to the joy on a student’s face when they finally master a difficult sound, these are the moments that make it all worth it. My advice: stay curious, be patient, and lead with empathy. The journey isn’t always easy, but it is powerful. You’ll become not just a therapist, but an advocate, a cheerleader, and sometimes even a lifelong inspiration to your students.
