From Custodian to Instructor: Leila Ahwaz’s American Dream

Leila Daraei Ahwaz, originally from Iran, now proudly calls Amarillo home—a place where she rebuilt her life, raised her family, and found her calling.

Her journey to the Texas Panhandle was anything but simple. In 2006, Leila left Iran with her husband and two children, pregnant with her third. The family spent eight months in Austria while awaiting legal entry into the United States. Her youngest son was born there.

“When we came to the United States, my son was two months old,” she said. “I didn’t know how to drive, so I had to walk from our apartment to Walmart where the bus parked. It picked up employees to go to work at JBS Swift in Cactus. After my shift ended late at night, I’d shop at Walmart at 3 a.m. before picking the kids up.”

While juggling work and motherhood, Leila began studying English as a third language as she also speaks Farsi and Arabic. The classes were at Paramount Baptist Church, one the first places she remembers feeling welcomed and supported. 

“They helped me a lot with my English when I first came to the U.S.,” she said. “I’m so thankful for their kindness.” 

Sometimes, she said people who realized she didn’t know English well treated her like she didn’t know her rights or didn’t belong. 

“There were a lot of times I felt ignored or expected to stay quiet, but I focused on my goals,” she said. “I told myself, ‘no matter how people treat you, stay strong and keep going. Let your hard work speak for you.’” 

It was during this time that she first learned about Amarillo College—and decided it was where she wanted to be.

She applied for a night custodian position in August of 2014, but didn’t get the job.

“I was so distraught. I thought, ‘I’ll never get this chance,’” she said. 

But just a few months later, in November, she was hired—and that opportunity became the first step in a transformative career.

From the next eight years, Leila worked as a custodian at Amarillo College’s West, Washington, and East campuses, balancing grueling shifts with parenting and education. 

“One of my biggest inspirations in pursuing math was Maria Johnson,” Ahwaz said. “She told me I could do math and inspired me to get my degree. I’ll never forget her support.” 

Eventually, she transitioned to a maintenance role, learning to change filters and troubleshoot HVAC systems. 

“One of the hardest parts was climbing the tall ladder to reach the rooftop AC units,” Awhwaz said. “I was afraid, but I told myself ‘do not look down,” even when it’s difficult.” 

Despite her fear, she kept pushing forward. At East Campus, she enrolled in Amarillo College’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program, often the only woman in her classes.

“When I first walked in, it was all boys. I thought, ‘What am I doing here?’” she laughed. “But my professor, Mr. Nolte, saw I was scared. He said, ‘Don’t give up. Just work. I know you can do this.’ He made me confident.”

That encouragement made all the difference. After completing her program and gaining hands-on experience in the field, Leila was encouraged by Linda Munoz and Renessa Cramer, to apply for a student support assistant position for technology careers. She got the job.

Now, Leila not only supports students from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Success Center, but also teaches classes—often in math or technical subjects—when instructors are unavailable. From 6 to 9:45 p.m., Monday through Thursday, she helps lead courses in motor control and other complex systems.

“I love my job and the people I work with,” she said. “David Hall, dean of the East Campus, has created a respectful and fair work environment where everyone is treated with respect and helps make our campus a positive place to work with.” 

She’s also working on her bachelor’s degree—often getting just a few hours of sleep each night. “There were years when I went on three hours of sleep,” she said. “But it was worth it.”

Leila’s children have followed her lead. Her oldest son owns a business, her daughter is pursuing a bachelor’s degree, and her youngest son works for an electronics company.

“I am so proud of them,” she said. “I wanted to set a good example, and I think I did.”

She says she’s grateful for Amarillo College, the support of her instructors, and the quiet strength of the community she now calls home.

“I like it here,” she said. “It’s not too crowded. It’s peaceful. And everything I’ve done, it started right here at Amarillo College.

Looking back on her journey—from immigrant to custodian to instructor—Leila Ahwaz doesn’t take any part of it for granted.

“I tell my students all the time, I started with nothing. I didn’t speak the language, I didn’t have a degree. I just worked hard and didn’t give up,” she said.

Now, she uses her experience to inspire others who may be struggling to find their way. For example, her story appeared in the July/August issue of Brick & Elm. 

“If I can do it, they can do it too,” she said. “I want them to know they belong here—even if they’re scared, even if it’s hard. You just have to take that first step.”

And though her schedule is demanding and her path has been anything but easy, Leila says she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.

“Every time I walk into a classroom or help a student figure something out, I feel proud,” she said. “This college gave me a chance—and now I get to be the one helping others take their next step.”