Last updated on May 12, 2025
Over six ceremonies May 15-17, Dallas College will celebrate the achievements of 11,001 graduates heading off to four-year universities and new careers or returning to jobs with elevated skills.
Seven students have been selected to represent their fellow graduates as ceremony speakers and share their stories of perseverance, achievement and transformation. They embody the diverse backgrounds and resilient spirits that define the Dallas College Class of 2025.
Ariana Dewberry
Ariana suddenly lost her eyesight in 2018 while attending Sam Houston State University. After a five-year hiatus developing adaptive skills, she started at Dallas College’s Cedar Valley campus in 2024, motivated by the loss of one of her young sons and lifelong academic aspirations.
She will earn as Associate of Science degree and has applied to the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Mountain View. She runs Blind Intelligence, a business that educates about living with vision loss through her public appearances under the name Professor Blindie.
“Life can throw you so many curveballs, but just know it is still possible to make a home run,” she said.
She credits her success to her extensive “village” of supporters — family members, friends and numerous Dallas College staff who provide accommodations, academic assistance and emotional encouragement.
Jersey Glass
Jersey grew up in tiny Delta Junction, Alaska, where her high school graduating class numbered fewer than 30. Seeking a warmer climate and new opportunities, she discovered Dallas College’s Richland Campus through volleyball recruitment.
While moving away from her tight-knit family was challenging, their unwavering support continues to motivate her academic and athletic achievements, including First Team All-Dallas Athletic Conference volleyball recognition and a perfect academic record.
“Dallas College has presented opportunities that I would not have experienced anywhere else,” she said. “Being surrounded by a place where people other than myself care about my success only motivated me more.”
Jersey is transferring to Union Commonwealth University in Kentucky for a double major in accounting and marketing while continuing volleyball.
“Don’t allow any obstacle to keep you from a bigger prize,” she said.
Sheree Peart
Sheree’s journey began in Saint Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, and took her through Florida’s foster care system at age 13 and periods of homelessness at 18. At 28, she left everything behind, arriving in Texas with just two suitcases to start anew.
At Dallas College Brookhaven Campus, she found a transformative community that provided comprehensive support addressing her undiagnosed autism and ADHD.
“All the growing and nurturing I should have had from my parents, I received from the community at Dallas College,” Sheree said, “It indeed was a village raising the rejected 12-year-old me who didn’t have a voice and had no real hope. They helped mold me into a woman who is driven for success.”
While earning an Associate of Applied Science in business marketing, she launched graphic design startup Simone Haus and published a book “7 Reasons to Ask.” She is also working on a memoir about forgiveness and her journey of healing.
Beckett Potter
At just 13 years old, Beckett represents an extraordinary educational journey. After leaving traditional schooling following fifth grade at age 11, Beckett spent summer 2023 completing the curriculum to begin high school that August.
He enrolled at Dallas College in March 2024 as a dual credit student and is graduating less than a year later with an Associate of Science degree.
“Dallas College has helped me accomplish my educational goals by providing me with valuable resources and the necessary support to help me succeed in my accelerated academic curriculum,” he said.
Beckett has appeared in Dallas Opera productions, won recognition at the American Youth Film Festival and sails, surfs, indoor skydives and scuba dives. He wants to transfer to Southern Methodist University’s Lyle School of Engineering for mechanical engineering with an aerospace focus.
Aranza Ortega Vargas
Aranza was born in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and her family relocated to Dallas-Fort Worth in 2022. The Dallas Promise scholarship made college financially accessible, while high school teachers validated community college as a worthy path.
Now earning an Associate of Arts in business, hospitality and global trade, Aranza plans to transfer to SMU, the University of Texas at Dallas or the University of North Texas at Dallas to study business marketing. She envisions eventually returning to Dallas College for additional credentials.
Through involvement in organizations like Phi Theta Kappa, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and Student Ambassadors, Aranza said she has developed confidence, leadership skills and a deep appreciation for education.
“Take up space even in places where you don’t feel accepted,” she said. “Step out of your comfort zone and pursue every opportunity without hesitation. Apply for positions you think are out of reach; take on challenges that scare you. And do everything with integrity.”
Erika Ramirez
During COVID, Erika realized she wanted to restart her education. She came to Dallas College as a first-generation student raising three children — Lilianna, 10, Luis, 6, and 3-year-old Austin, who has a rare genetic disorder.
She leaves with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a job offer. She credits her husband, mother, sisters and three children for practical and emotional support.
“Life will throw obstacles our way, whether it’s financial struggles, family responsibilities or self-doubt,” she said. “But what defines us is how we push forward despite them. We cannot do everything alone, and that is OK.”
Erika completed her student teaching in Garland schools, where she attended high school. The district has offered her an elementary teaching position, and she also plans to pursue a master’s degree.
Rapeeporn “Yuka” Saekow
Yuka arrived in Dallas from Thailand in summer 2023, initially finding cultural adjustment challenging 9,000 miles from home.
During her first semester at Dallas College, Yuka met a mentor who believed in her abilities and potential. This mentorship, combined with the college’s emphasis on innovation and practical experience, convinced her she had found the right place to develop her talents.
Yuka worked as a facilitator for the Advanced Research Instruction with STEM Experiences (ARISE) program, led robotics workshops across seven campuses, founded the Programming Club and joined the Student Government Association.
“This role pushed me beyond my comfort zone and gave me the platform to advocate for students and contribute to campus initiatives,” she said.
She also maintained a 4.0 GPA while conducting independent research. She plans to transfer to a four-year university to study computer engineering, electrical engineering or computer science
“If there’s one lesson I’ve learned at Dallas College, it’s this: never limit yourself,” she said.