Career Roadmap
Eric's work combines: Armed Services, Non-Profit Organizations, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Ashbrook High School
Bachelor's Degree
Education, General
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Graduate Degree
Education, General
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Workforce Development and Training
Graduate Degree: Workforce Development and Training
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Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I was one of the few in my group of friends in North Carolina to actually graduate from high school.
2.
I didn't want to get stuck in my home town, so I decided to join the military to go see the world.
3.
After my service ended, I decided to go back to school and get my bachelor's and master's degrees.
4.
While at college, I was selected for a fellowship with the Mission Continues.
5.
That fellowship really got things started for me and led me to where I am today.
6.
Through the fellowship I was able to volunteer with a nonprofit that helped veterans in transition.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
You can't do that.
How I responded:
Thinking of something as "negative noise" is all about perspective and perception; you can either look at things as discouragement, or you can take those comments and use them as motivation to move forward and succeed. Recognize that if there's a naysayer in your life that's just constantly berating you, you don't need to keep that person and that negativity in your life. Give them a chance, tell them how you feel. If they keep being negative, kick them to the curb.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I grew up poor, in a community with low expectations for academic performance. I barely completed high school, and went to work in factories like my peers. Decided that wasn't for me, so I joined the military to better myself. Now I have a Master's.