AlumNow: Health alum urges others to reach for the stars

The time spent in high school participating in her favorite club hugely influenced Krystal Esparza’s career choice. As a member of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), Esparza learned to apply what she learned in the classroom in real life situations. Today, this 2010 graduate of the School of Health Professions at the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center works as an athletic trainer in sports medicine helping patients recover from orthopedic injuries.

AlumNow, The Hub feature that profiles district alumni, recently checked in with Esparza for an update on what she’s been up to since graduating high school.

What are you doing now?

As an athletic trainer at Texas Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Group- Texas Sports Rehab, I administer rehab protocols for orthopedic injuries (post-op and non-operative).

Briefly list a few of your career and/or personal highlights.

• Graduated from Texas Aamp;M University- Commerce with a B.S. in athletic training
• Earned my M.S. in athletic administration
• Awarded a number of honors at Texas Aamp;M University-Commerce, including:
• The Lone Star Conference Athletic Training Student Academic Award
• Athletic Director's Academic Award
• Ingram Majors Award
• Graduated magna cum laude
• Member of Kappa Delta Sorority

What was your favorite subject or activity/involvement in high school?

During high school, HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) was my favorite club because we had the opportunity to apply the knowledge we learned while in the classroom and compete with schools within our district when it came to careers within the health care profession.

Who was your favorite teacher?

Ms. Witherspoon was my favorite teacher because she taught me how to use the skills I learned in the classroom and apply them to everyday situations.

What lesson did you learn in high school or beyond that has served you well through the years?

I have learned that in order for you to succeed, you must experience some sort of failure. Whether it's in the classroom or in real life, you learn from your mistakes and learn how to better yourself. As we age, we will continue to learn and we must take the opportunity to expand our knowledge.

What advice, if any, would you offer to high school students today?

Try to be involved as much as you can whether it's in the school setting or within your community. Also, high school is just one step, so continue to reach for the stars.

College/University:

B.A., Texas Aamp;M University-Commerce, 2012 and M.S, 2016

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