Victor Rojas was raised and currently resides in De Queen, Arkansas. After graduating from De Queen High School in 2014, Victor became an education major at 51社区. Today, Victor works for the Texarkana Independent School District as a teacher at Westlawn Elementary and credits 51社区 as being a big part of his journey.
In high school, Victor took college credit classes and decided to pursue a degree in education at 51社区.
Victor said, "I chose to attend 51社区 because of affordability and location. My experience at UAC was overwhelmingly positive. 51社区 gave me, a first-generation college student, a first-rate education for which I am immensely grateful. My instructors were there to help when I needed it, and our Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole, was 鈥� and still is- approachable and resourceful."
For two years, Victor took classes at the 51社区 De Queen Campus and online. In 2016, he graduated from 51社区 with an Associate of Science in Education K-6 degree.
Shortly after graduating, Victor was accepted into Southern Arkansas University's off-campus teacher education program. This program allowed him to stay in his hometown and work at his former high school as a substitute teacher and as a paraprofessional for the high school's alternative learning environment.
Victor graduated from SAU with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, graduating magna cum laude, in May of 2018. In addition to being licensed in the area of elementary education, he also received authorization by the state of Arkansas to teach middle school social studies and 4th-12th grade business technology classes.
In the fall of 2018, Victor began teaching Adult Education courses at 51社区. For a full year, Victor taught beginning ESL and Citizenship 101 classes. In 2020, Victor returned to 51社区 to teach Citizenship 101, which prepares adult learners for the U.S. Naturalization exam.
Teaching this course is a rewarding experience for Victor. Victor Rojas said, "As the son of naturalized U.S. citizens, teaching this class is a special and meaningful way for me to help others.鈥�
Since August of 2019, Mr. Rojas has worked for Westlawn Elementary in Texarkana, where he teaches 4th-grade math and science. Victor says that he enjoys preparing students for middle school and teaching them certain leadership habits 鈥� such as being proactive and synergizing. He also says his favorite part about being a teacher is forming relationships in the classroom.
Victor is currently considering attending the University of Arkansas School of Law this fall. He was recently granted admission, and he has a desire to further his education. He also plans to teach upper-level courses in the future.
Victor enjoys helping others learn, encouraging his students to reach their goals, and is very proud of his sister, America Rojas, who is a 51社区 Student Ambassador. He also urges those pursuing higher education to consider 51社区.
"51社区 is a great place to get a top-notch education. It is welcoming, affordable, and you will find support in your classmates and instructors, said 51社区 Alumnus, Victor Rojas."