Grad Spotlight: Yuliza Villa-Jaimes


Name: Yuliza Villa-Jaimes

Age: 21

Course of Study (degree being earned): B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (early childhood – Grade 6 ESL core subjects certification) 

Hometown: San Antonio  

Hello, my name is Yuliza Villa Jaimes. I am a first-generation undergraduate majoring in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in early bilingual education. Since UTSA is the top Hispanic serving institution in the US, I moved from Austin to San Antonio in 2018 to pursue my dream of teaching and being an advocate for upcoming bilingual students. I would like to thank my family and friends for the continuous support that has been shown to me during my college years. I will forever be grateful to them. 

What was your favorite class and/or who was your favorite professor? Why? My favorite class was LTED 3813: Writing Development and Instruction EC-6. My favorite professor was Dr. Stortz because she was always very motivating and compassionate with my classmates and myself. 

What would you say is the most important thing you’ve learned over the course of your studies? When teaching, it is very important to provide hands-on, real-world experiences that allow students to feel truly engaged in their learning. 

Describe any organizations or activities within COEHD that you’ve participated in. I have been part of the Teacher Certification Program, the Teacher Residency Partnership with NISD, and part of the P-20 UTSA Educational Research Training Program. 

Describe any professional experiences or internship opportunities you have had. Being part of the Teacher Residency Partnership with NISD really exposed me to a lot of hand-on training in a variety of dual language classrooms. 

What is your fondest memory of your time at UTSA? My fondest memory from my time at UTSA has to be the first time I stepped into the Alamodome on my first year with SOSA.  

How has COVID impacted you, either personally or professionally? COVID impacted me during my clinical teaching experience because I had to teach virtually for the first time ever. 

What are your plans for the future and/or your career? My plans are to begin substituting at NISD to find the perfect campus I would like to teach at for many years to come. 

What has brought you inspiration during this time? E.g., music, books, people, etc. My friends and family have always motivated me and helped me keep going. 

You’ve been given the opportunity to have coffee with any notable figure from your field, alive or dead. Who is it, and what does each of you order? I would love to have coffee with Dolores Huerta because she represents true advocacy and I feel like we would both order a good champurrado. 


Congratulations to all of our 2021 COEHD graduates! See more COEHD graduate spotlights here