The LET's Talk Podcast

On this episode of The LET’s Talk Podcast, hear from Teresa Jackson, Founder and CEO of Sharing Life. Jackson’s journey in nonprofits began as a recent divorcee when she sought help for her three children. Learn how a disheartening experience at a food pantry helped her realize her authentic purpose leading up to the creation of Sharing Life. With over two decades serving Mesquite and surrounding communities hear what it means to share life and have compassion at the heart of this organization.

On this episode of The Let's Talk Podcast, hear the powerful story of Mabel Morales, a bilingual teacher at Hanby Elementary. Morales, who lost her mother at one year old, found her safe haven at school as she struggled growing up in a toxic home in her native country of Bolivia. At 18 years, to escape this situation, Morales fled to the United States. Hear how this working mother learned English and fulfilled her American Dream of graduating with a college degree. Now with over 20 years as a...

Deidra Rucker, Mesquite ISD Assistant Athletic Director, joins us on this episode of The LET’s Talk Podcast. An SMU college basketball alum, Rucker began her 20-year coaching career as a high school varsity head coach. Rucker shares an insight into her motherhood journey and how being a single mother changed her priorities, leading her to walk away from one of the most high-profile basketball programs in the state to coach middle school B and C teams. Realizing that a job title did not define...

On this episode of The LET's Talk Podcast, meet Jeremy Anderson, education consultant and this year's convocation speaker. Anderson shares his experience as a troubled student and the relationships his teachers built that led him to overcome his challenges. Learn about the belief system and what it means to "Teach by faith and not by sight" as he urges educators to find innovative ways to reach their students. Also, hear why he says the heart of the Mesquite Promise is "refreshing” to learn a...

On this episode of The LET's Talk Podcast, get to know the story behind Vanguard High School's dean Clint Elsasser. Listen to how a struggling dyslexic student who failed third grade discovered his passion and managed to graduate from college on the dean's list within four years despite being placed on academic probation. A dedicated youth minister and former construction worker, Elsasser reflects on his role as a missionary at ground zero in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York. Lea...

On this week's podcast, Terrence Williams, principal of Mesquite Academy, speaks about his experience growing up in West Texas and attending Midland Legacy, formerly known as Midland Lee High School. Learn why Williams, who graduated with a degree in Information Systems, says transitioning to an educator's role was the ‘best decision ever’. Now, a few months into his new role, he tells us about the unique challenges of Mesquite Academy and how he is working to build students up as they prepar...

On this week's podcast, Horn High School Director of Football Operations and Running Back Coach Khan Rollerson credits his discipline to the birth of his son. Growing up without a father figure and being a young single father, Rollerson was determined to be a role model for his child. Hear how he is focusing on building leadership skills within the HHS football program as he explains how “being a leader grows men” and learn why he says the Mesquite Promise is a building block for success.

Mesquite High School history teacher and head soccer coach Philip El-Aya grew up in Mesquite – a world away from where he was born in Lebanon. In this week's podcast, he shares the moving story of his family leaving a war-torn country when he was only 2 years old and how their journey to U.S. citizenship shaped his deep appreciation for America. Learn how his background and life experiences help Coach El-Aya connect with young people and create a sense of belonging for his players and student...

Our first guest on the debut episode of Season 3 of the LET’s Talk Podcast is Mesquite ISD Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Janine Fields. Her journey began in a small farming town in Washington where she was the first in her family to attend college. Learn about how her summer jobs shaped her work ethic and what she’s learned about the hard-working people in Mesquite ISD. Dr. Fields also shares her passion for innovative learning and commitment to providing opportunities for all students.

Guest Peggy Brooks has served as the station manager of KEOM 88.5 FM for 14 of her 30-year tenure with the Mesquite ISD radio station. Before she retires this month, she shares a little history of the station and what makes it a unique opportunity for MISD students and our community. Hear how an MISD program for paraprofessionals to gain teaching certificates helped launch her distinguished career in radio. A similar program has just started in MISD.