ECHS@MC grad now teaches in the programApril 26, 2021

In 2012, when Natalie Gomez was in the 8th grade at Abell Junior High in Midland, she decided to apply for the Early College High School at Midland College (ECHS@MC) program.  

“When the counselors told us about ECHS@MC, I was intrigued,” Gomez explained.  “I wanted to be challenged and wanted to get college credit.  My mother just took a few classes in college, but it was my grandfather who inspired me to continue my education. 

“My first day in the program, it was apparent that I had made the right decision.  I liked the independence that we were given, and how the teachers assumed we could do things on our own.”

Little did Gomez know that 8 years later, she would actually be teaching at ECHS@MC.  Today, she teaches Pre-AP World Geography and AP Human Geography to 9th graders in the program.

When Gomez graduated from ECHS@MC with her high school diploma in spring 2016, she also graduated from Midland College with an associate degree.  The program offers an accelerated curriculum to high school students allowing them to also take college courses.  Thanks to the generosity of the Midland community, Midland College provides scholarships to all ECHS@MC students enrolled in college courses.  The students do not pay any college tuition, and the majority of students (93 percent) are first-generation-to-college, which means that they are the first in their family to attend college.

Fortunately for Natalie Gomez her grandfather had a bachelor’s degree.  

“My grandparents have been very influential in my life,” Gomez said.  “I was raised by my mother, but I was also very close with my grandparents.  They even saved some money, which they gave me when I transferred to UTPB [University of Texas Permian Basin] after completing my associate degree.”

In fall 2016, Gomez did, indeed, transfer to UTPB, and in summer 2018 she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies and a minor in History.  She also received a secondary teaching certificate through Texas Teachers of Tomorrow alternative certification program. While working on her bachelor’s degree, Gomez married her husband Juan in August 2017 and had a baby.  She did all this while maintaining a 3.48 GPA!  

Juan is also a graduate of ECHS@MC, having graduated in 2015, a year ahead of Natalie.  Both Natalie and Juan are currently working toward a master’s degree in Public Administration at UTPB.  Their son Rylan is now 5.

“Many ECHS@MC students transfer to schools outside of the Midland/Odessa area,” Natalie said. “However, I decided to stay local because of the affordability.  In addition to the money I was given by my grandparents, I was also awarded a Freshman Scholarship and various other scholarships from UTPB.  I can honestly say that the combination of Midland College and UTPB has given me a great education that has led to a rewarding career.

“We love living in Midland.  Family is important to me.  My grandfather passed away a few years ago, and now we live with my grandmother.  She helps take care of Rylan, and we love having her as part of our family.  One of our favorite things to do is play golf—all of us, even Rylan and my grandmother!”

Since she is an ECHS@MC graduate, Gomez said that she feels like she has a unique perspective on the students she teaches.  

“ECHS@MC students have to assume a lot of responsibility,” Gomez stated.  “When I first get students right out of the 8th grade, they aren’t ready for the independence needed to succeed in this environment.  They have to grow up pretty quickly here.  Fortunately, our smaller size allows individual students’ needs to be met.  The environment pushes them to mature, and we help them to do that.  They are still teenagers, and we encourage them to get involved in activities and have fun, but we also want them to accept responsibility for getting their work done, studying for tests, writing papers, etc.  We mentor, but we don’t hold hands.

“One thing I did when I first started ECHS@MC was to invest in a planner, and I tell all my students to do that same thing and then use it.  It’s the only way to stay on track and remember everything.

“ECHS@MC students are really not any different from other high school students, but they have a desire that makes them want to apply to the program and then gives them the drive to stay in the program.  They want to do more, and they do.  It’s a great program, and I’m proud to be an alum and now a teacher.”

You can help provide Early College High School at Midland College scholarships for students like Natalie during the Permian Basin Gives Day fundraising event.

Photo:  Natalie & Juan Gomez with their son Rylan