Spotlights
Graduate Spotlight: Hayden Morriss Uses Hard Work, Heart, and Leadership To Succeed in Dual Credit
Hayden Morriss is graduating high school already one step ahead—earning his associate degree from Odessa College through dual credit while ranking in the top 10% of his class. A driven student-athlete and natural leader, he’s turning discipline, resilience, and a passion for helping others into a future in physical therapy.
Graduate Spotlight: Yanni Thomas Finds Purpose Through Service
Yanni Thomas turned years of uncertainty into a powerful purpose, graduating from Odessa College with a passion for leadership and service. Her journey of growth and impact earned her the President’s Award of Excellence, recognizing her as a student who truly embodies the spirit of OC.
Graduate Spotlight: Candy Duke Turns Determination into Achievement
After graduating high school, Candy planned to go to college. She had already earned several credits through dual credit courses, but life had other plans. Her family moved back to Texas, and Candy decided to work for a year to establish residency and avoid out-of-state tuition. One year turned into two, and she soon found herself thriving in the workforce. She began working in the business office at Arlington Memorial Hospital, gaining experience and discovering her strengths in administration.
Graduate Spotlight: Raul Barrera Builds a Future Through Hard Work
For Raul Barrera, graduating with his Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Odessa College is more than a milestone, it’s the result of stepping out of his comfort zone and embracing new opportunities that shaped who he is today.
Graduate Spotlight: Aide Medina Pursues Success with Passion and Focus
From the moment she was diagnosed with vasculitis at just nine years old, a life-threatening disease that attacked her kidneys, Aide Medina’s life changed forever. What followed was a journey marked by extraordinary challenges: chemotherapy, seizures, a stroke, a coma, and eventually the need for two kidney transplants. She spent three years on dialysis before receiving her first kidney transplant at age 12. Ten years later, shortly after getting married, she faced another setback when that kidney failed, requiring a second transplant at age 22.