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Viridiana Almanza

“Ever since I was nine, I wanted to be involved with the law. I’d heard good things about Dallas College's Criminal Justice programs and about Bill Drake as one of the best instructors. I took two classes and liked the way they were taught. I think he’s one of the best and I like the way that everything just makes sense in his class. In fact, I just love him! 

“I work more than 50 hours a week in a candy factory, but school motivates me because I love it – and I don’t ever miss a class. After I finish at Dallas College, I want to transfer to Sam Houston State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. I dream of becoming an FBI agent or U.S. marshal. I want to handle federal cases and hunt down drug dealers. 

“My experience in the program has been great. We just started the Criminal Justice Club and I’m the vice president. We’re going to focus on helping each other, tutoring, looking for jobs and visiting universities with transfer programs.

“Sure, it’s hard to work full-time and go to school full-time too. But who said that life was going to be easy? My friends at work sometimes ask me how I do it; I’m not rich and to be honest, it’s hard to earn a living and go to school. But I’ve been working since I was 15 and I bought my first car by myself at 16. 

“I have a poster on my wall that I see every morning, about how much earning power every degree gives you, starting with a high school diploma at about $17,000. I don’t to be working for minimum wage the rest of my life. When people ask me why I go to school, I tell them it’s because I want a better life.”

Viri Almanza is working towards an associate degree in Criminal Justice. She is bilingual in Spanish and English.


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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
Viridiana Almanza
Viridiana Almanza
Dallas College student and hopeful future FBI agent
Criminal Justice
School of Law and Public Service
Updated September 16, 2025