My Story
A Mexican Immigrant’s Dream
My academic journey started well before I stepped into the classroom. My mother earned the honor of taking part of la escolta de sexto grado in elementary school, the second highest honor in her grade. After migrating from Mexico to the U.S. she graduated with honors and pursued her dream of studying in college. She exemplified an inquisitive nature and inspired me with a poem by Antonio Plaza Llamas:
“Sigue, Cristina, adelante,
y aunque el estudio te abrume,
estudia, estudia constante,
que la belleza ignorante
es una flor sin perfume.”
Pre-K to PhD
My parents created a thriving learning environment filled with trips to the local public library, a home library with Collier's Junior Classics, and supported extracurricular school involvement. Supportive teachers and librarians encouraged me to shoot for the stars and cultivated my leadership skills.
Dr. Gallegos
After stumbling into graduate studies in public health, I found my niche at the intersections of trauma and resilience. This passion is reflected in years of experience providing support services for pregnant and parenting teens, health coaching formerly homeless, and advocating for the health of victims of interpersonal violence. My dissertation research centered on vicarious resilience among employees and volunteers at a rape crisis center. My faith, culture, and public health perspectives drive my daily mission to lead people to a life of recovery and resilience.
Paying it forward
I am who I am today because of my village. I am the product of a young Mexican girl who overcame the difficulties of migrating as a teenager and dedicated over 30 years to a Dallas elementary school; and a young Guatemalan boy who persevered through the challenges of migrating to the U.S. shortly after desegregation in Texas schools and has now owned a successful tax and bookkeeping business for over 25 years. My family endured various traumatic events and stands as a testimony of the growth that may come from various mechanisms and mediators to counter adversity. The journey does not end with me. My speaking, teaching, and trainings are aimed at developing resilience among people and families so we can build a healthier community for generations to come.