Discover Our Students’ Experiences Through Their Own Words: Linda Perez Yater

“I attended Dallas College for my first year of college, then transferred to North Texas State University (now UNT) to complete my bachelor’s degree in vocational home economics.

“As the first woman in my family to attend college, Dallas College was a natural choice for me. It was in my neighborhood, the tuition and fees were very reasonable and I was able to continue to live at home. These factors contributed to my being able to begin my college education. Additionally, I had an opportunity to adjust to the differences between my secondary and postsecondary educational settings within a smaller learning community.

“My experiences at Dallas College made the transition to a university away from home much easier. At Dallas College, I learned how to manage my time, how to develop and use effective study habits, how to begin to plan my degree program and how to meet and interact with students of all ages, interests, backgrounds and accomplishments. In other words, I was able to experience freshman ‘college culture shock’ in a very supportive environment. This experience served me well throughout the remainder of my college years.

“After I graduated from UNT, I taught home economics, completed a master’s degree and became an administrator of various student services programs, including the supervision of counseling services. Currently, as the assistant superintendent of student services for the Dallas Independent School District, my departments have great partnerships with Dallas College, and we strongly encourage our students to apply for Rising Star scholarships.

“Because of my experience at Dallas College, I would recommend community college for any student who has a desire to attend college. I would especially recommend it for first-generation college students, those with limited financial resources, those seeking certificate or associate degree programs or those with responsibilities that interfere with full-time college attendance. Our community college system makes it possible for almost anyone, regardless of financial circumstances, who is willing to commit time and effort, to obtain a postsecondary education that will expand both personal and career options and opportunities.”

Linda Perez Yater attended Dallas College before transferring to NTSU (now UNT) to earn a bachelor’s degree. Professional awards include being named as 2005-2006 Counselor Advocate of the Year by the Texas School Counselors’ Association and 2006 Friend of School-Based Health by the Texas Association of School-Based Health Centers.

A student with a red jacket poses for a photo in a downtown setting

Stephanie Gutierrez

Culinary Student

“At El Centro’s Culinary and Hospitality Institute, I’m learning how to plan a menu and use time management in the kitchen. Now with SkillsUSA, it’s teaching me to get where I want to go.”

Culinary and Pastry Arts

Albert Pantoja III

Senior Accountant American Home Mortgage Servicing

“My experience was really good; I learned a lot about different types of loans, underwriting and loan origination. The program gave us a broad overview from the get-go. I didn’t have any previous experience in mortgage banking at all, so it really helped me to prepare for changing jobs into the industry.”

Banking and Finance

Tammy White

Project Manager Verizon Telecom

“The most important thing I learned in my education was a sense of accomplishment and purpose, and that nothing is impossible as long as I am willing to expend the effort to reach my goals. I have been promoted a number of times in recent years, into positions of more and more responsibility as a direct result of my education.”

Business, Business and Management