Dallas College

Student Experience: Tondelaya Cannon

"I’m in my second year of taking online classes through El Centro College. I love the convenience of being able to do the work anytime it’s convenient to me. I can just jump online anytime I want to go to school. Between working full time and being with my family, running my sons around to football, basketball and track practice, I don’t have a lot of free time.

"I work full time for AT&T Communications. I have been working for the company since the late ’90s and recently decided that I want more than just a job; I want a career. I decided to go back to school and get a degree in Business Administration, and I knew online classes was the best option for me.

"Taking online classes has been a tremendous help to me in achieving my educational goals. I already had a full plate, but with online classes I am able to work on my assignments any time of the day. It gives me the freedom I need to be able to maintain my family life and my academic endeavors.

"Someday I’d like to have my own business — contracting out as a virtual administrative assistant, providing support services to small businesses. Getting my degree will take time, but I’m not going to give up."

Tondelaya Cannon, who has two teenage sons, is earning an associate degree in Business Administration through online learning.


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Isaac Juarez

Isaac Juarez

Ascender student
“Ascender has helped me come out of my shell, be more active on campus, and step outside my comfort zone. It has also allowed me to build meaningful connections and find inspiration. Through this journey, I have come to see my friends as my family.”
Business
Icela Robles

Icela Robles

Realtor Sandyland Estates Home Builders
“In the classes, I learned basically everything I needed to know to work in the real estate business: ethics, laws, guidelines, about the Texas Real Estate Commission — really, all that the business entails — through the Real Estate program.”
Real Estate
Gina Becerra

Gina Becerra

Program Services Assistant Workforce Training
“I was nervous when I first started, but I soon felt comfortable and more confident in myself thanks to the instructors and staff in the BOSS program. They inspired me to try harder and to believe in myself. I feel prepared and ready for what comes my way, and I also know that there are people out there who truly care about me and others like me who want to get ahead in life.”
Business
Gilberto Tellez

Gilberto Tellez

Manager Fernando’s Mexican Cuisine
“The best and most important thing is the knowledge I learned in Richland’s program. I’ve learned things that I know I will use someday in my career. I’ve learned a lot of things that I’ll be able to put into practice.”
International Business and Trade
Tondelaya Cannon
Tondelaya Cannon
Facility Specialist AT&T Communications Inc.
Business and Management
School of Business, Hospitality and Global Trade
Updated September 4, 2026