Skip to Main Content Open Alternative Formats of This Page

Itza V. Murguia

“I grew up in California most of my life, but between the ages of 14 and 18, my family lived in Michoacan, Mexico. I didn’t finish high school there, so I had to get my GED when I came back to the U.S. I have always been interested in law, but when I first came back to Texas, I let my husband and father talk me out of it because they thought I needed to focus on my children. 

“Later, when I got divorced, I knew that I had to do something better for my kids. I love all aspects of the law. My goals for the near future are to earn my associate degree, become a Dallas police officer, then earn my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Bill Drake’s classes opened up my eyes to how the justice system and courts work; he lets you know how things really are and is a fantastic instructor. 

“I’d like to become a police officer and work in the narcotics unit. I have three children of my own, I want to help educate kids on the dangers of drugs. I would like to demonstrate to my kids that it doesn’t matter how old you are, you can accomplish your dreams. My kids keep me motivated and keep me going. Now, they are seeing first-hand that you can achieve your goals and dreams no matter how old you are. I want my three daughters to know they can support themselves without depending on anyone else.” 

Itza Murguia is working towards an associate degree in Criminal Justice and plans to transfer to the University of Texas at Arlington to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She is bilingual in Spanish and English.


Read More

Jermaine Lewis in front of a fire truck

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

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
Rudy Salas

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

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
Itza Murguia
Itza V. Murguia
Dallas College student and hopeful future police officer

Criminal Justice
School of Law and Public Service
Updated November 25, 2025