Career Roadmap
Jennifer's work combines: Education, Food, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Polk County High School
Bachelor's Degree
Family and Consumer Sciences
Appalachian State University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Family and Consumer Science Teacher:
Bachelor's Degree: Family and Consumer Sciences
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Started working at 14 in restaurants.
2.
Went to a community college for 2 years to decide what my major should be.
3.
Started a major in Foods and Nutrition and soon learned it was not for me.
4.
Went back to my first love—Home Economics Education.
5.
Taught for 13 years and then had the chance to work directly with students in internships and careers.
6.
Teaching in the classroom again with middle grades and hope to create a school wide program that will incorporate career education.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Teachers:
There will be no jobs or careers available in Family and Consumer Science. It's a dying program within the school system. You will not be able to find a job.
How I responded:
It's important to learn more about your career and the job outlook for that career. I did my research and soon realized that very few were in the program area at my university—but that did not mean there would not be jobs available as I graduated. Schools in my state are still seeking Family and Consumer Science teachers and often have a hard time filling the position due to the demand.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
My parents never encouraged me or talked about college. It was just something they had not experienced and did not know how to guide me. I am grateful to teachers that took the time to guide me to my potential.