School of Law and Public Service Student Experiences
No matter where these current or former students are in the process of reaching their goals, we salute them. They have dared to turn dreams into reality through education in the School of Law and Public Service. Could you be next?
Jermaine Lewis
Fire Protection Technology student
“During career day in elementary school, the fire chief said something that I’ve never forgotten: ‘When people call you, they’re at their worst, so you have to be at your best.’ That hit me hard. That’s the kind of strength I want to have. Being a firefighter isn’t about money; it’s about courage and heart.”
Fire Protection Technology
Maggie Brosowske, EMT-P, FF
Firefighter/Paramedic
McKinney Fire Department
“The skills that I learned in the classroom, I use in the workplace all of the time. I’m the only female on my shift and one of only three female firefighter/paramedics in McKinney, but as long as I can pull my own weight, I’m fine.”
Fire Protection Technology
Rodolfo (Rudy) Salas
Hopeful future firefighter
“In my Fire Protection classes, I’ve learned a lot about how fire administration works — the chain of command — and it’s really exciting. I’m earning my associate degree because I think it will help me get my foot in the door and move toward my dream career as a firefighter.”
Fire Protection Technology
Roland Tay, M.D.
Special Education Teacher, Naaman Forest High School, Garland
Adjunct Faculty, Eastfield
“I was already working on a master’s degree in alternative dispute resolution at SMU when I learned about El Centro’s program, where I earned a certificate in Family Mediation. I was thrilled to find out about their program because it was convenient and affordable. The program was well-designed, and the quality of instruction was excellent.”
Conflict Management
Lt. Kathy Mack
Campus Police Officer, Cedar Valley
“Going back to school with work and a family isn’t easy, but it’s attainable. There were a few times when I wanted to give up, but then I’d get encouragement and keep going. You’re going to have obstacles but you have to fight for your goals.”
Criminal Justice
Rosa M. Berdeja
Paralegal, Locke Lord Bissell and Liddell
Texas Wesleyan University Law School student
“My paralegal classes really gave me the fundamental foundation of what it means to be a paralegal. I had always been the only paralegal in a small law firm and I got a much better understanding of how paralegals are utilized in much larger firms.”
Paralegal
Nilka (Nicki) Rios
Dallas College student and hopeful future criminal justice teacher
“I’ve got to say, I always wanted to be in criminal justice but I wasn’t sure in what capacity: FBI, SWAT team, what? Being in Bill Drake’s class is the best! He’s the best teacher and he inspires me to think about career possibilities, beyond what I was originally thinking.”
Criminal Justice
Michael Becerra, Ph.D., CRC
Contract Rehabilitation Counseling Services Provider
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
Adjunct Faculty
UNT Dallas
“My advice to prospective students in this field is to always keep your mind open to new possibilities and to new ideas. That’s the most challenging and rewarding part of my job.”
Social Work
Val Gonzales, Ph.D., LCDC, LPC
Ordained Southern Baptist Minister
“I’m glad that I’m in a profession where I can both help people and teach others how to help people too.”
Social Work
Viridiana Almanza
Dallas College student and hopeful future FBI agent
“My experience in the program has been great. We just started the Criminal Justice Club and I’m the vice president. We’re going to focus on helping each other, tutoring, looking for jobs and visiting universities with transfer programs.”
Criminal Justice
Yolanda Lara
Director of Inmate Programs
Dallas County Sheriff’s Department
“My Criminal Justice instructors were just so awesome. One in particular, Len Larsen, was a former police officer who provided such a reality check in our classes. He had information and experience that came from the street, not from a book, and that has helped me all through my career in probation.”
Criminal Justice
Luz Perez Demes
Social Work
“Beyond academic growth, Ascender has been instrumental in developing my leadership, networking, and relationship-building skills—both professionally and personally. Being part of this program has not only expanded my opportunities but has also allowed me to become part of a community that goes beyond academics, turning into a true family.”
Social Work
Lamontry Lott
Driver/Paramedic
Dallas Fire-Rescue
“I’ve always had a passion for social services and work in the community. I’m a people person; I love to talk and help people. Now I’m working toward my associate degree in Fire Protection Technology, which will help with rank promotions within the fire department. It helps to maintain my knowledge on the job and makes me better at the job I already do.”
Fire Protection Technology
Sedrick King
Assistant Manager
Criminal Division Dallas County Clerk
“If you want to become a paralegal professional, any advantage you can use against your competition in the workplace is fair game. Having Dallas College behind you and that degree on the wall is a wonderful way to start your career.”
Paralegal
LaTasha Maston
Correctional Officer
Hutchins State Jail
“And my advice for working and going back to school If you’re going to work full-time and go back to school, always have a good support system in place – it makes it all easier. When you have a dream or a goal, press for it. Don’t just put it on the back burner.”
Criminal Justice
Karen Kenebrew
Writer and mediator
“The program not only fulfilled my CE requirements but also motivated me to seek postgraduate degrees in alternative dispute resolution/conflict resolution. The instructors have a wealth of experience and are passionate about the industry, which translates well in the classroom and adds to the learning experience.”
Conflict Management
Joyce Jones
Assistant Executive Director
Dispute Mediation Services
“My experience at community college taught me baby steps, which led to giant steps. Not everybody can succeed at first in a four-year university. My best advice is to stay focused. Anybody can get off track, but try to find your way back. I did.”
Criminal Justice
John Tinsley
Patrol Officer
Rockwall Police Department
“It was a good experience to have officers with experience tell us how it was going to be on the street. I loved my time at the police academy. Sometimes my friends and I joke that if they told us we had to be back at the academy tomorrow, we’d all show up at 8 a.m. and be happy to be there.”
Criminal Justice
Giovanna Salazar
Dallas College student and hopeful future border patrol officer
“I like that my professors don’t just have academic knowledge but have a working background in all different fields. It brings more interest to our classes and we get to have a much better idea of what we’ll be up against in the future in our careers.”
Criminal Justice
Gerrye Anderson
Campus Police Officer
Eastfield
“If you’re interested in police work, I’d recommend the Criminal Justice Training Center and Criminal Justice degree program. They’re going to make sure you’ve got the background to go out and get a good job.”
Criminal Justice
Shape the Future. Serve Your Community. Start at Dallas College.
The School of Law and Public Service at Dallas College is where passion meets purpose.
Whether you're driven to uphold justice, advocate for others, or lead in public service, our programs are designed to prepare you for meaningful careers in criminal justice, paralegal studies, public administration and social work.
At Dallas College, you’ll gain hands-on experience, learn from industry professionals, and build the skills for a rewarding career. With flexible learning options, affordable tuition, and strong transfer pathways, we make it easier than ever to start or advance your career.