Posted inEducation

Thania Robles: She Can

Alexandra C by Alexandra C

Thania Robles has been an educator for the past __ years. From studying at UTRGV and at Lamar University, Mrs.Robles has accomplished great things throughout her career.
“I studied at UTRGV for my masters degree and at Lamar University for my bachelors degree,” Robles said.

The most common reason that I have heard people become teachers is because they want to help expand the knowledge of the students. Although this is one of the main reasons Mrs.Robles became an educator, she also wanted to change
“Everyday is something different and unexpected, it is fun,” Robles said.

As of this school year, Robles has started to teach college level courses along with the regular high school level classes. “It can be difficult to change style and mode for the classes but so far it’s been fun,” says Robles. Other than the assignments and material, teaching a college course is very different from a regular class, especially the students there. “Some students are more mature and they don’t have to rely on her to remind them about the classes,” said Robles.

Above all of this, she is also the team leader for the junior class. Being team leader consists of working with others to set strategies and make activities for students.
“It’s great being team leader but it also depends on your team. I am grateful to have a team that is so cooperative and helpful.”

When asked if it brought more stress into her work life, she responded with “Yes but it is a part of the job.”

Posted inEducation, Community, Events

Connecting the Justice Path a Patch at a Time

Roberto by Roberto

In the criminal justice system, officers and officials receive patches to demonstrate their pride, dedication and membership to their careers. These memorabilia from service, law enforcement agencies have created “Patch Walls,” to show the honor and dedication of other law enforcement agencies.
Criminal Justice teacher Gilberto Salinas has started his own Patch Wall project in his class with the intention of networking his students with police department patches throughout the U.S.
“I am just doing this project as a way for students to network with different agencies and just kind of see that law enforcement is way bigger than just the valley and this school,” Salinas said. “It is just kind of extending the hand and thanking them for what they have done.”
Currently, Salinas has received patches from local and interstate departments such as Utah, Wyoming and from the U.S. capital thanks to his students who sent handwritten letters to those departments.
“I have heard about the patch walls before, and I think it is something important for students to see as they go to Jimmy Carter,” Salinas said. “It is a good way to demonstrate what we are doing, and I am taking pictures of them as they are getting patches and opening them.”
Salinas said this project is a good way to set up a legacy for future students coming through the Criminal Justice program. Freshman and La Joya I.S.D Campus Crime Stoppers member, Luz Morado, shares her reflections on the project.
“The patch wall is a new and inviting experience for me and my classmates,” Morado said. “It is exciting to go to class every day and check to see if anyone responded back. Each story inspires me more to continue my work in the criminal justice field.”
Morado was initially hesitant to write a letter to a police department, however, Salinas talked her through it; she is thrilled to see the patch wall grow as students sent more letters.

Posted inCommunity, Education

Continuing A Legacy of Excellence

Yankarlo M by Yankarlo M

Each and every student forms a legacy for their communities. Students at Jimmy Carter Early College High School exemplify a legacy of excellence. Since the 2010-2011 academic school year, students graduating from JCECHS leave ready to continue a legacy past secondary education.
One such student, Carlos Rodriguez, earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He currently works as a mechanical engineer for LyondellBasell in Houston, Texas. Throughout his years as a student, he remembers his experience in JCECHS.
“There were some robotics teams, when I was in Jimmy Carter. I was able to express my love towards engineering,” Rodriguez said. “Along with all the teachers, right, the teachers had a great influence on my career as well.”
Rodriguez actually graduated from JCECHS back in 2015, after the high school had earned the early college distinction. He took the opportunity to earn a college degree at the flagship Early College High School of La Joya ISD, the only early college in the district at the time.
“I was able to get a glimpse of what college was and that helped me once I got to college,” Rodriguez said. “It was giving us the opportunity to get an associates right out of high school, so I felt that was a great opportunity for me.”
Rodriguez, being among the second class of students to graduate from JCECHS, benefited from the financially accommodating education at JCECHS. And once in college, he did not need to complete additional basic courses as he had already taken them during high school.
“I didn’t want to worry about not being able to pay for college,” Rodriguez said. “I guess I was looking at it more financially.”
Born in Mexico but raised in the valley; his family immigrated when he was just three years old. Rodriguez remained in the valley until he moved to Corpus Christi shortly before settling in Houston to work for LyondellBasell. His formative years at JCECHS were cornerstones of his social life and career.
“It was great because, well at least in my experience, I was able to socialize with everyone,” Rodriguez said. “Everyone had a different interest.”
Rodriguez fostered his interests during his years at JCECHS, even trying to persuade others into them. He knew from an early age what he wanted to do, and by the end of high school he had earned an associate in mathematics.
“My dad would do a lot of mechanic work and I always enjoyed doing it too,” Rodriguez said. “So I pursued mechanical engineering (…) one thing led to another.”
Now, Rodriguez continues the legacy he has started. Recognizing JCECHS as a crucial stepping stone in his life.
“It definitely shaped who I am now,” Rodriguez said. “As a mechanical engineer, as a father.”
Jimmy Carter Early College High School students continue to better their communities and their legacy.