Career Roadmap
Samantha's work combines: Education, Government, and Upholding a Cause and Belief
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bishop Lynch High School
Bachelor's Degree
Political Science and Government, General
Texas A & M University-College Station
Graduate Degree
Public Administration
The University of Texas at Arlington
Certification
Public Relations/Image Management
The University of Texas at Arlington
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Instructional Coordinators:
Bachelor's Degree: Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management
Bachelor's Degree: Higher Education/Higher Education Administration
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
It got real when my public policy internship in D.C. was coming to an end and I had to decide whether I was going into law or grad school. Couldn't decide, so I took a year to do non-profit work.
2.
I enjoyed the work in D.C. but it was difficult to find something in TX b/c my "plan" had always been law school. The non-profit work helped me realize I loved helping ppl. I enrolled in grad school.
3.
Even though being a college advisor became one of my passions and I was able to help dozens of students get into college, something felt like it was missing from my career journey.
4.
At this point, I had been living in different cities than my family for about 7 years. Family health wasn't good. The feeling of something missing had turned into confusion about what to do next.
5.
I decided that solely dedicating myself to non-profit management in college access was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my career. I took some time off to be with family and gather my plans.
6.
I found my current job which, to me, is a perfect combination of advocating for students to have postsecondary plans and work that involves legislation. I can hone my skills and continue to grow here.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Family:
You're not going to be happy helping others in this specific field because you won't be earning as much as you'd like to. You should be a lawyer, you'll earn big bucks while helping others. Perhaps you should be an officer, they have good benefits.
How I responded:
Although the suggestions about what I should do aren't bad alternatives, they simply didn't scream "this is my passion!". I realized that what I thought was my life plan and dream was actually someone else's. I know I love helping people and I know I want to make an impact through policy change. Getting there has been a learning experience which is ultimately what you want; never stop learning. Find opportunities that will help you find your passion, it's okay if you don't know right away.