Why did you choose the University of Miami and UOnline?
The University of Miami has held a special place in my heart since I was a child growing up in Segundo Barrio—one of El Paso's most underserved neighborhoods. I didn't have much, but I did have a wood-paneled television that introduced me to the bold and brilliant Miami Hurricanes of the 1980s. That early exposure shaped my dream of one day being part of the U. When I learned about the UOnline doctoral program in Applied Learning Sciences—a program offered through the School of Education and Human Development that blends research, design, and practice to drive educational innovation—I knew it was the perfect way to turn that dream into reality. It offered a flexible, rigorous path for someone like me, who was balancing full-time work in higher education and raising a family, but still wanted to grow as a teacher, designer, and leader.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
What I appreciated most was the program's clear commitment to practice-based learning. The faculty didn't just teach theory—they gave us the tools to implement it in real-world settings. Every course felt like a building block that pushed me to rethink how people learn and how learning environments can be designed to support deeper engagement. The cohort model also created a strong sense of community. Even though we were scattered across the country, I never felt alone. We supported and challenged each other, and I carry many of those connections with me to this day.
What was one of the biggest lessons you learned?
One of the most powerful lessons I learned was that great instructional design starts with empathy. You have to understand your learners—not just their academic needs, but their contexts, backgrounds, and aspirations. That lesson resonated deeply with me because I was once that learner who needed someone to see past the surface. That awareness now guides every learning experience I design or deliver, whether it's in a college classroom or a community setting.
How have you used what you learned in your career?
Since graduating, I've joined the faculty at El Paso Community College, where I teach in the department of mass communications. I teach both in-person and online courses, and I've leaned heavily on what I learned in my (doctoral) program to shape those experiences. From course structure to feedback design to digital engagement strategies, I apply those concepts daily. I also continue to work in journalism as a content editor and writer for El Paso Matters, a nonprofit newsroom. The program gave me a sharper lens for communicating ideas clearly and meaningfully—something that translates well across both teaching and media.
Favorite class or experience?
My favorite course was "Design of Online Learning Environments." Online learning is not just the future—it's the present. That course helped me understand the technical, pedagogical, and human sides of designing digital learning spaces. The lessons I took from it were immediately applicable, and I use them in my current teaching at EPCC. It's not just about learning the tools; it's about designing experiences that empower students no matter where they're logging in from.
Any advice for future UOnline students?
Don't underestimate the power of persistence. The work is demanding, especially if you're juggling family and a full-time job—but it's also incredibly rewarding. Stay curious, stay engaged, and take every opportunity to apply what you're learning. The program is structured so that you grow with each course, but the growth really accelerates when you bring your own lived experiences into the process.
Anything else you'd like to share about your experience with the University of Miami and UOnline?
My experience at the University of Miami was more than just an academic journey—it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. It reaffirmed that education can be transformative, not only for the learner but for the communities they serve. I'm now part of an institution that I've admired since I was a little boy watching football on Saturday mornings. But more than that, I'm better equipped to give back to my students, my city, and my profession. That, to me, is the real power of this program.
