Meet Lillean Salazar

Hometown: Amarillo, TX
Major/certification area and anticipated graduation year: ESL EC-6, 2029

Why did you choose to attend UT Arlington?

- The peace yet business of campus drew me in and it just felt right to be here.

What is your favorite thing about the College of Education at UT Arlington?

- I love that everyone is as passionate about teaching as I am!

Who is your favorite professor or staff member? Why?

- Currently my favorite professor is Dr. Raines, he teaches my American Drama English class. He has been so inclusive and made the semester SO fun! He knows I love broadway so we’ve debriefed about all the shows I’ve seen and what he’s performed or wants to see!

What class have you enjoyed the most?

- My English course! I love English anyways, but drama and theater is my love language!

What activities or hobbies do you participate in outside of class?

- I am the Education Senator in Student Government and I’m a part of the Christian fellowship group F.O.C.U.S. on campus!

What are your plans after graduation? When you think about your future career in education, what excites you the most?

- My plan is to be working at Arlington ISD as a 2nd grade teacher! I’m excited to be able to pour into kids in the way I see fit. I’ve done internships through high school and have seen the dos and don’ts so I’m excited to operate how I want, but in the most fitting way for my kiddos!

What is the one thing you think a prospective Education student needs to know?

- Don’t get discouraged because the road is not what you want. Education is non-linear and you may have the best days that make you remember why you chose this and days where you wonder why you didn’t choose another major!

Have you overcome any challenges that you feel would help inspire other Education majors?

- Yes! I’ve learned that every other person is experiencing the same feelings you are, at the same time or not. Also, Education is a middle of the road major where someone will go “Wow you’re so inspiring to choose that!” and the next person will say “Oh.. good luck going into education.” Just stand firm in what you know and love and the rest will follow!