South Garland High School’s Auto Tech program is seeing success come full circle. Garland ISD alumni Daniel Gonzalez (Class of 2010, Lakeview Centennial High School) and Chris Castro (Class of 2021, South Garland High School) have returned as teachers, sharing a commitment to preparing students for life beyond the classroom.

For Gonzalez, the path to Auto Tech was not always obvious. He originally planned to attend a different Garland ISD campus to focus on football. Still, a change in direction led him to Lakeview Centennial High School, where he explored architecture, auto body, and other interests. A cousin later encouraged him to try the Auto Tech program, a decision that reshaped his future.

“I was a little knucklehead,” he said, reflecting on his student years. “Mr. Bowman helped me stop being a knucklehead. Instead of going out after school, I was here learning and creating.”

Through hands-on instruction and mentorship from teacher Craig Bowman, Gonzalez began to see new possibilities for himself. One conversation with Bowman challenged him to think differently about his future and how he wanted to spend his time. That guidance helped him stay focused.

“I ended up running a shop at a young age,” Gonzalez said. “I learned to respect my coworkers and lead by example.”

Castro described a similar sense of support during his time at South Garland.

“Being in this program helped me not just in my career but in life,” he said. “It was about support and guidance during tough times.”

Both educators credit their former teachers with inspiring them to return to the classroom. For Gonzalez, that opportunity came when he returned to campus as a substitute while Bowman recovered from surgery. The opportunity introduced him to teaching and revealed a new career direction.

“When he asked if I would consider teaching, I thought, why not,” he said. “I want to make an impact like he did.”

Castro shared a similar motivation rooted in his experience as a student.

“I couldn’t live with the thought of what could have been,” he said. “I wanted to connect with kids the way he connected with me.”

Now in the classroom, both teachers focus on helping students develop technical skills while building confidence and accountability. Gonzalez encourages students to see mistakes as part of the learning process.

“If you mess up, it’s fixable,” he said. “Mistakes are part of learning. The only person who can stop you is yourself.”

Castro, now in his first year of teaching, said the transition took adjustment at first, but structure and routine helped him settle into the role. After establishing classroom systems and expectations, he found his rhythm guiding students through both the technical and personal sides of the program.

Jessica Hill, assistant principal at South Garland High School, said their return reflects the lasting impact of Garland ISD’s programs.

“It says a lot about the impact Garland ISD can have on students and the community,” she said. “To see these two young men come back and give back to the program that helped them grow is amazing. Their growth shows what is possible when students stay engaged and supported along the way.”

She also pointed to the expectations Gonzalez and Castro bring into the classroom.

“They hold students to high expectations, but it’s always for the students’ benefit,” Hill said. “Once students understand that, they begin to see the purpose behind it. What they experienced as students is now something they are passing on to others.”

Beyond technical training, both educators emphasize responsibility and pride in their work.

“What people say about your work matters,” Gonzalez said. “Your name is attached to everything you do.”

The program’s impact can also be seen in former students who return years later for advice and support, sharing how the skills they learned continue to help them in their careers. Some students enter the workforce immediately after graduation, while others pursue college, trade school, or military service. Across every path, the Auto Tech program continues to play an important role in preparing students for what comes next.

The return of Gonzalez and Castro reflects the lasting influence of CTE pathways at South Garland High School and across Garland ISD. Through hands-on learning and career-focused instruction, students develop problem-solving skills and prepare for future careers. As alumni return to the classroom as educators, they continue creating opportunities for the next generation of Garland ISD students.