Discover Our Students’ Experiences Through Their Own Words: Martha Merkson

“The most important thing I learned in my Dallas College education is how to build the foundation for becoming successful in the real estate industry as a salesperson, broker and an advocate for prospective buyers/sellers. Additionally, as an owner of real estate investment property, it is critical for me to understand taxation, homestead exemptions and my rights as a consumer as it relates to the real estate industry.

“The best part of my Dallas College experience was having the opportunity to be taught by Theda Redwine. Her wealth of knowledge, years of experience and her ability to engage students was very interesting. She taught students in layman's terms related to all parties involved in real estate transactions, real estate law and other aspects of the real estate industry. This played an intricate part in my decision to obtain my real estate license.

“As a certified mortgage banker (CMB), the Real Estate program prepared me for real-life work in the following areas: real estate law; the distinction between broker/salespersons, buyers/sellers and their roles; how to read and interpret contracts as well as review and understand the content of appraisals."

A senior audit officer at Citigroup, Martha Merkson reviews contracts for accuracy and validates documents for all parties to real estate transactions. As an investment property owner, she needs to understand and follow laws regarding evictions and tenant rights.

Merkson graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Business from Northwood University. She is also a graduate of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Graduate School of Mortgage Banking.

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