Career Roadmap
Sonya's work combines: Education, Non-Profit Organizations, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Heritage High School Littleton, Colorado
Bachelor's Degree
English/Language Arts Teacher Education
University of North Texas
Graduate Degree
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors:
Bachelor's Degree: English/Language Arts Teacher Education
Graduate Degree: Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
Disliked school until I moved to Colorado and began high school. Joined volleyball and yearbook. Realized I was the happiest I had ever been and never wanted to leave. Decided to become a teacher.
2.
Started college at Colorado State University. Had an amazing two years and made great friends. Met a boyfriend and transferred to Texas Tech (which is where I thought he'd move, but he didn't).
3.
Left Texas Tech after one year- again, to follow boyfriend. Ended up at University of North Texas.
4.
Spent the next three years or so at UNT, working as a waitress and going to school. Relationship with boy I moved all around the country for took a very bad turn. Managed to graduate in December.
5.
Moved in with my mother after college graduation and sold cars for my stepfather at his used car business. I knew it was temporary, but I needed to get my head together.
6.
Moved back to Dallas after 5 months of selling cars. Called every high school in the phone book about open teaching positions. One finally said yes! Taught Spanish and ESL. Stayed for 6 years.
7.
Took promotion to work as an instructional specialist. Realized I missed kids after 2 years on the job. Heard about a new high school opening in a diverse Dallas neighborhood. Applied and taught ESL.
8.
Taught ESL for 6 years. Decided I wanted to become a counselor. Worked as a test coordinator while earning my Master's. Unbelievably blessed to be hired at the same school as a counselor 4 years ago!
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Family:
I didn't HEAR discouragement- but as the first in my family to attend college, I didn't receive encouragement either. College wasn't something we talked about at home or planned for. I was lucky; I applied because all of my friends were.
How I responded:
Surround yourself with people who are going in your direction. Even if you have no idea how to get where you want to be, one of those people you surround yourself with might. Find a teacher or adult mentor. And- it doesn't matter how long it takes you to complete your education. The thing that is most important is to pursue what you love and that you get there eventually. It took me over 6 years to earn my Bachelor's Degree because I faced so many emotional/financial obstacles- but I did it!
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
With no family savings, some of my college was paid for with grants. I had to work during the last few years- I actually had to sit out some semesters to save and pay for the next. I finished college in 6 1/2 years with no loans and it was worth it!