Harlingen Collegiate High School

Estefany Rojo Munoz’s determination and resilience have led her to fulfill her dream of becoming an educator.

Rojo Munoz, a first-year teacher at Wilson Elementary is a Harlingen High School alumna who went through the CTE Teacher Academy program.

As a sophomore, she discovered an opportunity that allowed her to earn college credit hours at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) while still in high school. She started taking teaching courses with Mrs. Teresa Cuellar, served as the president of the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) club, and fell in love with teaching.

Born in Jalpan de Serra, Queretaro Mexico, Rojo Munoz was seven years old when she came to Harlingen with her family.

“I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher, but I knew it was going to be very hard for me,” she said. “I had to learn to English. Well, I had to learn everything, and it was quite an experience.”

In 2016, she became a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient which allowed her to work and be approved for Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TAFSA), which is for Texas residents who are not eligible to apply for federal financial aid.

“I was able to get approved for the TAFSA, but it only covered a little bit, so I had to work really, really hard,” she said.

During her senior year, she had a Co-Op job in the morning, attended school in the afternoon, and in the evenings, she worked at Dairy Queen.

“That was my schedule every single day,” she said. “It was very tough, but I wanted to go to school. So that’s what helped me. After high school I went to TSTC. Then I went to Kingsville and then, I graduated, and I got hired as a teacher at HCISD.”

Reflecting on her unconventional path into teaching, Rojo Munoz emphasized the importance of exploring Career and Technical Education programs.

“This program was amazing, and it opens your eyes to see if this is really what you want,” she said.

Now, in her first year as a teacher, Rojo Munoz continues to push forward and inspire others.

This summer, she hopes to continue her education by pursuing a master’s in early childhood.