This story is part of a series highlighting the university’s outstanding graduates crossing the stage on May 16.
After a life-threatening car accident last November, Annalise Velasquez pushed through surgery and rehabilitation to graduate this May with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Bilingual Supplemental Certification.
Velasquez currently has a second-grade bilingual clinical teaching placement at Gillette Elementary.
Balancing recovery with her commitment to her students, she embodies the kind of teacher who builds strong connections and shows up for children, despite every obstacle.
UT San Antonio Today spoke with Velasquez to learn about the obstacles she has had to overcome to reach the finish line.
Can you share a bit about the car accident you experienced and what your recovery process was like?
The accident happened on November 26, the day before Thanksgiving. I don’t remember the crash and only know the details from what others have told me. I suffered severe injuries and broke nearly every bone in my lower body, including my ankle, foot, knee, femur and pelvis. I had a large metal rod and other hardware placed to stabilize my bones.
Recovery was very challenging, and I faced a long rehabilitation process. At one point, I had to make a difficult decision about having the metal rods removed without anesthesia because I needed to return to school and my clinical teaching classroom sooner rather than later. I was determined to get back and pushed through the pain and uncertainty to rejoin my classes and students.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in education with a bilingual certification?
I originally thought I wanted to work in child protective services, but realized I could make a bigger difference working directly in a classroom. I want to support students where they are and offer them stability and encouragement. Pursuing a bilingual certification lets me reach more children and help them succeed academically and socially.
What has your clinical teaching experience been like at Gillette Elementary?
Gillette feels like a real community. The students and staff were so excited and encouraging when I returned after the accident. Some of my second-grade team members admitted that they did not expect me to come back, but I felt I had to return for my students and for myself. Seeing the students cheer when they saw me walking down the hall was an emotional and affirming moment.
Who has had the greatest influence on your journey to completing your degree?
My closest group of friends had an enormous impact. They took turns visiting me in the hospital, kept me caught up on work, and reached out to faculty to explain my situation. Without their support, I don’t think I would have been able to complete the semester and return to the classroom.
What are your plans following graduation?
I have a two-year commitment to the district and hope to remain at Gillette Elementary. The supportive staff and the students make it a place I would be excited to stay.
