Southside Teacher Earns PhD Degree

Southside Elementary School teacher Prescilla Mendez has accomplished another milestone when she earned her PhD recently in education administration.

The graduation ceremony was held At PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College in the Philippines on Saturday, Oct. 19. Although she couldn’t attend in person, she was able to watch online from thousands of miles away in Wolf Point.

“I was happy and grateful, but part of me wished I was in the Philippines to graduate,” Mendez said last week.

She explains that missing a graduation ceremony isn’t anything new for her. She couldn’t attend her graduation ceremony from college because she needed to work. When she received her masters degree, the ceremony wasn’t held because of Covid.

“I really had the goal to attend the graduation ceremony,” she said.

She is thankful though that her fellow educators have congratulated her and an open house was held to celebrate her accomplishment on Monday, Nov. 4.

This is Mendez’ second year of teaching in Wolf Point. Prior to that, she taught for 11 years in the Philippines, “It wasn’t in my wildest dreams to be here,” she explained.

Her sister Charissa, who is a special education teacher in Wolf Point, encouraged her to join her in Wolf Point.

“She just told me we have a vacant position, come and apply,” Mendez remembers.

She like the rural setting and small population of Wolf Point. “I have a peaceful night and peaceful day,” she said.

First grade has been enjoyable for her to teach.

“They are fun. They are so lovable,” Mendez said of the students. “They always want to hug you.”

She explains that obtaining her PhD had its challenges including waking up at 4 a.m. to talk to her advisor.

She already holds a masters degree in education administration, but she wants to earn another masters degree in elementary education.

Through her J-1 Visa, she can teach for three years in the United States and then apply for another two years. She adds that she’s thankful for the support she has received from Principal Tara Thomas while teaching at Southside.