Michelle Ates
College and Career Advisor / AVID District Director
School District
Marshall, TX USA
“Don't ever look down and say what you will not do. You never know where it might lead you. Take the chance.”
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Car wreck in college—moved home to finish my last semester of college. I was able to transfer credits back to Grambling State University to march with my class.
Took care of grandmother with cancer.
Hired as a temporary worker for 6 months with Texas Employment Commission. Turned into a full-time job. Worked for the state for 6 1/2 years.
Took a job as Youth Services Coordinator for Communities In Schools-non-profit working at high school with at risk youth for 10 years.
Took job working at TSTC-Admission Office-Dual Credit Advisor. Worked for 10 years.
Took job working for District. College and Career Advisor / AVID District Director / Still employed.
Education
High School
Career
College and Career Advisor / AVID District Director
Assist students with post secondary plans after high school.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Government
Helping People
Day to Day
My days at work will vary. No day is the same. I might be working with Seniors completing college applications, FAFSA, registering for the ACT or SAT, doing presentations, setting up Professional Development training for teachers, etc.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
Don't ever look down and say what you will not do, like taking a temp job. You never know where it might lead you. Take the chance. Step out on faith. It's just like climbing a staircase and not knowing where it may lead you, step out on faith.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Friends:
"You need to move from East Texas to make more money. You will never be able to make a good living in East Texas. There is nothing there but woods."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
