Cathy Printon
School and Parent Partnership Coordinator
VSAC-GEAR UP
Winooski, VT USA
“You've got to work at what you want. It's not going to fall in your lap so take the steps to make it happen and learn from what people have to offer you.”
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
My degree was in teaching. I didn't get a teaching job right away so I started on another path. I was a teacher's aid my first year. I didn't make much money and lived at home. Didn't love it.
After that first year I used my training as a college DJ to get a job on the air which I did part-time while looking for a teaching job in Alaska. I was a switchboard operator and a DJ.
These early trials allowed me to gain confidence and try new things. I then got a call from my alma mater to work as an Admission Counselor! That meant coming home and more travel opportunities!
Working for the Admissions Department at NVU-Johnson was the best! I learned how to meet with families and students as they planned their education and advised them on the best college fit for them.
During the Admissions years I also began working as the alumni director for my college. I had learned great relationship building skills and was asked to build up that program.
Then it was time for graduate school. I learned through my other positions that I was really good at talking with people and helping them with their plans. I was very enthusiastic about college.
I worked in higher education for several years, Admissions, Alumni, Student Activities, Campus Life, Residence Life, and became Dean of Students. All of these experiences brought me more joy!
I was encouraged throughout college and my early career to speak up and share what I knew. That provided a platform for me to be innovative and creative with systems and productive programs.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Colchester High School
Colchester High School
Graduate
College Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
College Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Career
School and Parent Partnership Coordinator
Design and facilitate programs that support career and college going students.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Non-Profit Organizations
Helping People
Day to Day
On a daily basis I communicate a lot via email. I work with schools and state partners around Vermont to improve and provide information and resources for career and college options and preparation. There is process and document updating, meetings with other staff members who serve the same grant to communicate all of the facets of our work. There are days when I travel to a partner school or organization and participate in their planning process and consult with them on our grant.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
The first thing would be to listen to yourself and others who positively influence you and your aspirations. You've got to work at what you want. It's not going to fall in your lap so take the steps to make it happen and learn what people have to offer you. Be a good employee - show up, be helpful, build relationships where people trust you. Don't exclude education - and that can come in many forms. Learn from experts, take some classes, get a certificate. Prepare yourself to be a good learner.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Teachers:
"Are you sure you'll make enough money choosing education? Do you really think you're good at this?"
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
