Dallas College

Student Experience: Luz Perez Demes

My experience with Ascender has profoundly transformed my life. Initially, my return to school after 25 years had a single purpose: to learn English. However, being part of Ascender completely changed my perspective and academic aspirations. What started as a goal to earn a certificate evolved significantly thanks to the support and network of professionals within the program. Over time, this experience led me to obtain an associate degree from Dallas College, and I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s in social work at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA).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.


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Vera L. Jones

Verna L. Jones, M.S.W.

Executive Director Under 1 Roof
“The most important things I learned in Eastfield’s Social Work program was integrity and making sure that you have good follow-through as well as the importance of the social work code of ethics — you rely on these ethics as a social worker.”
Sociology
Veronica Alejandro

Veronica Alejandro

Dallas College student and hopeful future police officer
“I want every day to be a new challenge and I want to help people – but not from behind a desk. My criminology classes have all been good and I like the life experience my professors bring to the classroom.”
Criminal Justice
Kristine Farmer

S. Kristine Farmer

Employment Litigation Case Manager Fish and Richardson, PC
“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. I got a lot of practical information, particularly in legal research and writing, on how to write persuasively. The overall quality of instruction was really just exceptional.”
Paralegal
Sheila Grace (Isom)

Sheila Grace, M.S., LPCI

Counselor Gateway Foundation In-Prison Treatment Center Brownwood
“How did I get to Eastfield’s Substance Abuse program? To be honest, I was in recovery myself. When I got to Eastfield, I did not even know what a semester hour was — I just knew I wanted to do something that would help someone else escape the horrors of addiction.”
Social Work
Luz-Perez-Demes
Luz Perez Demes
Social Work
Social Work
School of Law and Public Service
Updated July 28, 2026