05/13/2026
As they move from students to graduates, their stories prove the power of tenacity — from a former professional dancer who persevered through two cancer diagnoses to first-generation students honoring their families' dreams by leading their own classrooms.
We're spotlighting our teaching and learning majors who earned 4.0 GPAs and the ceremonial title of banner bearer.🐾🍎
🎓Desiree Davis, who danced on tours with icons like Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, retired from the stage at 39 and decided to pursue a career in education like her mom. But after returning to school for her bachelor's degree, she learned she had breast cancer. Between surgeries and radiation treatments, she continued her teaching residency during the day and her coursework at night. "My educational journey was my saving grace," she said. "It was one of the biggest reasons I was able to get through cancer twice." She will soon begin her career as a science teacher in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.
🎓Amanda Guadalupe Badillo, a first-generation college student, sees her education as a tribute to her parents, who immigrated from Mexico and were not afforded the same opportunities. Inspired by her seventh-grade math teacher, Ms. Olu, who saw her potential and provided extra support, Badillo developed a passion for aiding students both academically and emotionally. "I worked hard to reach this remarkable milestone in my life, making my parents proud," she shared. She is now ready to lead her own classroom in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.
🎓Jazmin Nguyen’s motivation to teach stems from her own childhood experience disliking school. Encouraged by her parents — both educators and her biggest role models — she switched her major to education to ensure future students would never feel the same disconnect she did. "This experience inspired me to become a teacher so I could create a classroom where students feel comfortable, supported and at home," she said. She looks forward to empowering young learners in the same district where she completed her teaching residency.
🎓Moving from Vietnam to the U.S. in 2019, Quynh Nhu Nguyen said she felt a responsibility as the oldest daughter to be a role model for her younger brother. "Growing up, my family placed a high value on education. We believe that hard work and dedication can help us achieve any goal and overcome any barriers. This mindset has shaped who I am today and continues to motivate me in my academic journey and future career as a teacher," said Nguyen, who will begin her teaching career in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD with plans to pursue a master’s in educational technology.
We look forward to seeing the positive impact these Forever Coogs will make in their classrooms!🐾
