TWU alum persevered despite rough education path

Karina Watson encountered some rough patches on her path to becoming a teacher, but the motivation she drew from her parents’ sacrifices helped make her dream a reality.

Not only did she encounter the challenges of being the first in her family to attend college, but there were language and financial barriers that made the experience that much more difficult.

Watson came to the United States from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, when she was 14. Her parents stayed in Mexico while she was living in Texas with her older sister.

She went from being a straight-A student to struggling with English. It got to the point that she thought her struggles would altogether dash her hopes of going to college at all.

But she remembered her parents’ sacrifice to give her the best. She studied in a private school in Mexico ― an expense that was particularly burdensome for her parents. It was just the fuel she needed to push herself to make things happen. She wanted to give something back to them, and becoming a professional would enable her to do just that. She kept going to school, practicing and improving her skills to overcome the language barrier and continue her education.

When she graduated from high school, she still struggled with the language, but a new problem arose. Her scholarship was not enough to pay her college expenses. She worked two jobs and was a full-time student at Texas Woman’s University. Her financial situation was an ongoing hardship, but she found a way to pay for her tuition and get involved in BESO (Bilingual Education Student Association).

Her professors at TWU played a big role during her student years. They were aware of her language difficulties and supported her. They gave her time and provided her with a safe space to grow. This support helped her to make it to the Dean’s List twice. “My professors were very patient and caring. They encouraged me and gave me a voice. I felt supported and I still have a relationship with them because they impacted my life,” she said.

TWU definitely marked her first stage in education. “TWU gave me the tools to succeed as a teacher. I felt I was well prepared with all the necessary concepts to thrive in the classroom. I succeeded in my first year because they set a good foundation,” Watson said. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2011.

Now, Karina develops most lessons in Lewisville ISD’s Dual Language and Spanish Immersion programs — with the added help of curriculum writers. Together they work to fully align lessons to Texas standards and to support both populations, English and Spanish. Her goal is to continue promoting language acquisition to students to be bilingual, bi-literate, and bicultural.

Her work impacts the students in these programs from K-5th grade. It was hard for her to accept her position as a Spanish language arts and reading coordinator because she loves to work one-on-one with students. But she still feels rewarded every time she thinks that now she is not just impacting the lives of 22 students. She is impacting the lives of thousands of students by creating resources and supporting teachers.

She completed a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies to eventually become an administrator, but she envisions returning to a school campus because she considers herself an instructional leader.

“I foresee myself going back to the campus setting and having a closer relationship with the community, students, parents, and teachers,” she said.

As Watson sees it, she has broken down barriers to help others break down theirs. And she truly believes that one can do everything he or she puts their mind to.

“It is a matter of trying, believing, and seeking support while you work hard. TWU has counselors and tutors. You are never alone. They support you along the way. It is just a matter of looking and finding the right people,” she said.

Today, Watson embraces her Hispanic heritage, her experiences, her struggles, and all the sacrifices made by her parents, and encourages younger Hispanics to embrace the opportunity to pursue a higher education and continue growing.

Page last updated 8:57 AM, September 13, 2023