Kahala Crayton’s speech classes this semester are proving to be that much more exciting due to the presidential election providing learning content.
Kahala said she’s proud that she got about half the students in her class registered to vote.
“It’s so easy to say ‘well I’m not going to vote because I don’t like any of the candidates’ but when you do that, you are giving your voting power away,” she said. “I try to remind my students to let their voices be heard.”
Another way Kahala is encouraging students is through the Alamo Colleges Student Leadership Institute in which she is the NVC faculty liaison. This is a district-wide student success initiative designed to provide educational and leadership opportunities for students.
The NVC values Kahala said she most identifies with are diversity.
“I feel we should value our cultural differences and that we don’t always have to agree with one another. We are like a fruit salad, trying to work together to make it delicious.
What is her educational background?
Kahala is from New Braunfels, Texas and received a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, majoring as a Communication Specialist. She then received a master’s degree from Texas State University in San Marcos, emphasizing in Speech Communications.
Kahala left Texas to pursue a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies at the University of California at Davis. She finished all the coursework in her doctoral program and is currently taking a break before she completes the dissertation work.
Where did she work before?
After leaving Texas, Kahala worked for seven years as an assistant in a nonprofit-lobbying firm – the California Tax Education Council (CTEC), which registers tax preparers with the state in order to promote knowledgeable tax preparation.
While working at CTEC, Kahala was also an adjunct instructor in Solano Community College in Northern California and at UC Davis. Prior to leaving Texas, she also was a teaching assistant at Texas State University.
Kahala said it was the dwindling economy in California that brought her back to Texas. She started looking for teaching jobs and found NVC almost three years ago.
What is the best part about her job?
“It’s the people! I live in New Braunfels and while Northeast Lakeview is closer, I enjoy the students, faculty and employees at NVC.”
What’s the most rewarding part about her job?
“It when my students apply what they learn to their everyday lives.”
What are her hobbies, interests, etc?
Kahala is involved in many outside volunteer activities with her local community and church.