Skip to Main Content Open Alternative Formats of This Page
Dallas College

Nilka (Nicki) Rios

“My mom has watched TV programs about law and order since I can remember and most of my family is in corrections. I dropped out of high school five months before graduation because I was pregnant and I tried to get back into school three different times but I just couldn’t finish. I finally got my GED and started classes at Dallas College. 

“I’ve got to say, I always wanted to be in criminal justice but I wasn’t sure in what capacity: FBI, SWAT team, what? Being in Bill Drake’s class is the best! He’s the best teacher and he inspires me to think about career possibilities, beyond what I was originally thinking. 

“I’m a single mom with three kids, but there are no excuses for not going to college because there are so many programs to take advantage of. I have assistance with food and child care, but I’m not going to be dependent on those forever. I’ve been out of the house since I was 16; I was too independent for my own good. I come from a good and stable family, but I was hanging out with the wrong people and doing things the wrong way. But I want my kids to have a good life.  

“Yes, I messed up by not finishing high school, but I’m fixing my past mistakes. I’m earning a college degree and I want to be a criminal justice teacher.”

Nicki Rios is earning an associate degree in Criminal Justice. She also volunteers at Atwell Middle School and Law Center as an assistant English teacher and soccer coach. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.


Read More

Maggie Brosowske

Maggie Brosowske, EMT-P, FF

Firefighter/Paramedic McKinney Fire Department
“The skills that I learned in the classroom, I use in the workplace all of the time. I’m the only female on my shift and one of only three female firefighter/paramedics in McKinney, but as long as I can pull my own weight, I’m fine.”
Fire Protection Technology
Rudy Salas

Rodolfo (Rudy) Salas

Hopeful future firefighter
“In my Fire Protection classes, I’ve learned a lot about how fire administration works — the chain of command — and it’s really exciting. I’m earning my associate degree because I think it will help me get my foot in the door and move toward my dream career as a firefighter.”
Fire Protection Technology
Roland Tay

Roland Tay, M.D.

Special Education Teacher, Naaman Forest High School, Garland Adjunct Faculty, Eastfield
“I was already working on a master’s degree in alternative dispute resolution at SMU when I learned about El Centro’s program, where I earned a certificate in Family Mediation. I was thrilled to find out about their program because it was convenient and affordable. The program was well-designed, and the quality of instruction was excellent.”
Conflict Management
Kathy Mack

Lt. Kathy Mack

Campus Police Officer, Cedar Valley
“Going back to school with work and a family isn’t easy, but it’s attainable. There were a few times when I wanted to give up, but then I’d get encouragement and keep going. You’re going to have obstacles but you have to fight for your goals.”
Criminal Justice
NickiRios
Nilka (Nicki) Rios
Dallas College student and hopeful future criminal justice teacher
Criminal Justice
School of Law and Public Service
Updated September 16, 2025