Bianca Estrada, an outstanding graduate of Colorado State University’s School of Education, has overcome the challenges she faced while pursuing her degree in family consumer sciences with a concentration in education.
Hailing from Commerce City, Colorado, Estrada chose CSU as she was offered a nearly full ride to study. Estrada’s older sister was already attending CSU, providing another reason to come to campus.
During her journey as a student, Estrada faced some difficult obstacles she had to overcome. COVID-19 hit during her second semester at CSU, and she had to move out of her dorm, and she lost her job. Luckily, she had a strong family support system.
“I always had my parents to support me through tough times and encourage me to give it my best,” Estrada said. “By having these amazing people that I can rely on, I have been able to make it through four years of school.”
Gratitude for mentors and the community
Estrada also has had the help of her mentors and advisers to guide her through her educational path, helping her realize mistakes and learn from them along the way.
She cited Associate Professor Dawn Mallette, who gave her countless pieces of valuable advice.
Matt Moulton, associate professor, also helped Estrada succeed in preparing to become a teacher.
“He is always providing his students with great resources and connects with his students. He shows his passion and his emotions for teaching,” Estrada said. “He made me reflect on myself and think critically. I wish I could have had him in other classes.”
Activities while at CSU
Estrada found community and support in on-campus programs: El Centro, Key Communities, and Somo’s Rams, which provided her resources to help her through her first year at CSU, such as tutoring and snacks.
Estrada also worked all four years during her time as a student, working in childcare, special education, and as staff in the campus dining halls.
Estrada is most proud of her achievement in completing her tenure as a student teacher at Northglenn High School, which had its own set of challenges and rewards.
“Being part of this program was an amazing experience, but it is also extremely difficult,” Estrada said. Despite the financial challenges she overcame in graduating, scholarships available to future teachers at CSU helped ease the burden.
Estrada received the Laurie F. Michaels Scholarship in Education whose purpose is to support students and reduce expenses during their student teaching semester. She also received the Elizabeth Dyer Gifford Scholarship and the Melvin and Margaret B. Hazaleus Scholarship during her time at CSU.
Next steps
Although her program was challenging, Estrada takes pride in her accomplishments and looks forward to her teaching career.
“As teachers, we are spread thin and have a lot of daily tasks. There were over a handful of times that I considered changing majors or even dropping out,” Estrada said. “But I am glad I made it through and fell in love with teaching. I am proud to call myself a graduate of Colorado State University.”
Estrada’s plans after graduation involve finding employment in a school whose philosophy aligns with hers. The things she will miss about her time at CSU were the opportunities and experiences she had.
“I was able to grow as a person and try new things. I was continuously pushing myself to get out of my comfort zone,” Estrada said.
The School of Education is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
