Making the dream real: Student speaker Alishan Lalani’s journey to a doctorate

Some dreams take a lifetime to shape.  Others form through classrooms, cohorts, and countless hours of research. For Alishan Lalani — the College of Business (COB) and College of Education (COE) student speaker at the University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Fall 2025 Commencement — the path to earning his Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Mathematics Education became a personal and professional evolution shaped by dedication, family, and UHCL. He will address more than 450 degree candidates on Saturday, Dec. 13, at NRG Arena.

When Lalani got accepted into the Fall 2020 cohort, he said that taking remote classes was a bonus at that time. UHCL became a natural choice for him because he heard wonderful things about the university from former colleagues, and because it provided a platform for him to grow in ways he had not imagined. For Lalani, UHCL was not only a university, but it was also a partner in his journey toward transforming education.

“This degree allows me to work more in the curriculum side of education,” he said. “This allows someone like myself to address issues in the math curriculum and find better ways for students to learn.”

At UHCL, Lalani explored education beyond lesson plans, diving into pedagogical practices and how curriculum can help transform these practices for educators. Through the program, Lalani also gained critical skills that shaped him as a researcher and scholar.

“In all honesty, I gained skills in research, in terms of finding quantitative and qualitative data. Additionally, my writing skills have transformed into an academic discussion versus a persuasive argumentative essay,” he said.

Beyond his academic growth, Lalani said it was the community that made the journey unforgettable. His favorite part of his UHCL experience was getting to know his cohort. “During our time in the program, we all made an effort to help one another, as well as check in on each other,” he said. “Being remote during the pandemic didn't make things easier physically, but it allowed all of us to help one another mentally.”

Despite Lalani’s success, a few challenges arose along the way. “My biggest challenge was the commute. Coming from the Richmond/Rosenberg area and commuting to Clear Lake was a painful experience. But it was worth every aspect of this degree I earned.”

Lalani said that his mentors and peers became pivotal in his journey. “All of my peers from Cohort 7 truly helped inspire me to be a better researcher and educator each and every day.” Lalani is especially grateful for the COE faculty, Dr. Michelle Peters, Dr. Suzanne Brown, Dr. Amber Brown, Dr. Sondra Cano, and Dr. Renee Lastrapes, who served on his dissertation committee. He added that Dr. Omah Williams-Duncan, Dr. Kent Divoll, Dr. Shannon Ramirez, Dr. Jana Willis, and countless other professors provided him with the tools he needed to succeed in the program.

Looking back, Lalani said that UHCL not only prepared him academically but also strengthened his personal mission.

“Personally, I feel now more than ever devoted towards education and wanting to make a difference. Especially with artificial intelligence playing a role in society, it's more vital than ever to contribute to education for future generations,” he said. “I want to open schools and provide scholarships to students in need of assistance to complete their education.”

Looking ahead, Lalani’s next chapter is about applying his knowledge and giving back. “My goal is to find a job for the upcoming academic school year in curriculum and instruction, outside the classroom setting,” he said. “Additionally, I want to be the best husband, brother, son, friend, and relative I can be to my wife, siblings, parents, friends, and relatives, respectively.”

Through it all, family remained Lalani’s inspiration. “My brothers play a role as second dads to me to make sure I'm always doing the right thing,” he said. “My mom inspires me to give people a chance and do whatever I can to help people succeed in this world. My dad inspires me to think critically and always try my best. Lastly, my wife inspires me to be a better version of myself tomorrow than I was today.”

And for fellow students and future graduates, Lalani has advice born of experience: “Don't let life pass you by. It's easy to make work and school your life, but it's detrimental if it means not devoting time to your family and yourself,” he said. “Whatever you strive to accomplish, know that you will accomplish it. Be your number one supporter.”

For Lalani, being selected as a commencement speaker is the pinnacle of this journey. “It feels amazing to be selected as a commencement speaker. It’s an honor to speak to the fall 2025 graduates and provide optimism to the new chapter that will be waiting for them,” he said.

Alishan Lalani’s path proves that dreams, dedication, and community can turn ambition into achievement. As he takes the stage as student speaker, his story reminds all graduates that with perseverance and purpose, the next chapter is theirs to shape.

For more information about UHCL’s Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, visit www.uhcl.edu/academics/degrees/curriculum-instruction-edd. For more information about Fall 2025 Commencement, visit www.uhcl.edu/academics/commencement/.