Alum makes community impact through special education

Some people see college graduation as a distant dream. For Isidro, it seemed nearly impossible – until a pivotal conversation with his dad and education at MSU Moorhead helped him discover his potential, purpose, and a path that fulfilled his life.

Born into a family of migrant workers, higher education was never a certainty. Moving from Texas to Washington to Minnesota, the expectation was to continue working in the fields, just as generations before had done. Until a life-changing conversation with his father reshaped his future.

"I wasn't thinking about college, but my dad asked me, 'If I graduate, would you go to college, too?' and I said yes without believing him," Isidro says. The challenge was set, and against all odds, his father earned his GED, went to community college and later earned a degree in diesel mechanics.

Once his father honored his part of the deal: "Mijo, it's your turn," his father said.

Encouraged by his father's perseverance and the support of his high school teachers, Isidro enrolled at MSUM to pursue a bachelor's in criminal justice.

"It wasn't just about getting a degree – it was about finding a community that believed in me and gave me the confidence to explore different paths," Isidro says.

In the criminal justice program students learn and work with human behaviors, mentalities and psychological responses.

BA in Criminal Justice

Isidro explains how MSUM professors were always supportive. As mentors, they showed him different job possibilities with the criminal justice degree. They kept him focused and guided him along the best path to accomplish his goals.

Isidro describes his experience at MSUM in three words: "Empowerment, growth, and transformation."

His knowledge and experience led him to get a job as a paraprofessional in the EBD self-contained classroom at Horizon Middle School East in Moorhead.

Years later, Isidro was offered the head of security position. In this role, he was able to utilize his criminal justice education from MSUM, working with behaviors, assisting and coordinating safety procedures for staff and students at the school.

"It was about more than feeling prepared with the knowledge MSUM gave me. I found out that I have a voice and valuable ideas to bring to the table," Isidro says.

Recognizing a gap in behavioral support, he proposed new strategies for working with students. His proactive approach led to the creation of a behavioral interventionist position, emphasizing restorative justice over punishment. "We started working things out in a different way – giving kids a voice, not just disciplining them, but helping them understand their actions and consequences," he says.

After years of working closely with students, Isidro knew that he wanted to be in a classroom to apply his knowledge in an educational setting. He decided to do something he once thought unimaginable: he returned to school and earned a master's in special education.

Once he graduated for the second time, he started a special education position in a self-contained room at Horizon Middle School East. Position that he still holds.

Isidro teaches 7th and 8th graders and continues his mission of fostering positive change within the school system. His job goes beyond helping kids with regulation skills, decision making, self-advocacy and understanding social cues or even academics. He also teaches them regular classes. The goal is preparing the kids to incorporate them with the general education population.

"One of the greatest things to have as an educator is seeing a student grow with confidence, achieve their goals and feel better about themselves in the process," he says.

Reflecting on his path, he credits MSUM with setting him on the right course. "MSUM never put me in a box – it gave me choices," he says. "It showed me that it's okay to be unsure, change paths, and keep learning. And now, I teach my students the same lesson: ask questions, take risks, and never stop growing to make the most out of it."

Growing up as part of a minority group, he found it difficult asking questions and being treated differently. Now he makes sure his students have the tools to deal with those situations.

"I want them to have someone to go to, feel valuable, and know they can succeed," he says.

For students wondering if college is the right choice, his story is proof that an empowering environment can make all the difference. At MSUM, students don't just earn degrees - they find purpose, passion, and a community that believes in them every step of the way.