Discover Our Students’ Experiences Through Their Own Words: Terrel Taplin Blair

“I enrolled in the BOSS program because I have always had a passion for technology and wanted to expand my knowledge in this area. My experience was instrumental in my growth personally as well as professionally by providing me the skills and confidence I needed to thrive in my current career choices.

“The Office Technology program has allowed me to develop my communication, interpersonal, organizational and management skills. In my challenging and rewarding jobs as senior analyst and also as adjunct faculty, I am continuously applying the knowledge that I acquired in the classroom as well as in my current profession.

“My family members were my No. 1 supporters by always encouraging me to continue my educational goals. My mentors, Doris Wilson and Bette Plog, and my high school typing teacher, Ms. Blackburn, were all inspirational in helping me develop strong leadership skills and a powerful work ethic. The program has given me a competitive edge by obtaining the tools necessary to succeed in today’s workforce.”

Terrel Taplin Blair earned two associate degrees in Office Technology, Office Information System Specialist and Administrative Assistant. Her job responsibilities as a senior analyst with the DISD including ensuring that each school is in compliance with the Texas Education Agency, school board policies and legal requirements for reporting student discipline data. Her duties include managing, analyzing, reporting and monitoring student discipline data for DISD schools.

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