Career Roadmap
Cathy's work combines: Education, Law, and Problem Solving
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Fort Stockton High School
Bachelor's Degree
Accounting
Southern Methodist University
Graduate Degree
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Sul Ross State University
Certification
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
Sul Ross State University
Vocational
Retail Management
Southern Methodist University
Bachelor's Degree
Art/Art Studies, General
Southern Methodist University
Graduate Degree
Secondary School Administration/Principalship
Sul Ross State University
Certification
Interior Design
American Institute of Interior Design
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors:
Bachelor's Degree: Accounting
Graduate Degree: Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Certification: Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
Vocational: Retail Management
Bachelor's Degree: Art/Art Studies, General
Graduate Degree: Secondary School Administration/Principalship
Certification: Interior Design
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
Graduated from College with a business degree, worked in that area.
2.
Used accounting degree plus art working in two areas - accounting and retail (gift store)
3.
Retail stores plus owned Interior design company.
4.
Returned to college to complete teacher certification while working my company and store. Only took 1 year.
5.
Hired as Reading and Art Teacher at Middle School while still owning/working Interior design business.
6.
Returned to college for Masters in Counseling to become a counselor. Became Middle School Counselor. Sold my business.
7.
Completed Principalship certification. Became High School Counselor.
8.
Raised 3 children during the process.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
Girls aren't accountants. Art doesn't pay. Why did you change from accounting career to interior design and retail? Why did you go into education when you were successful in interior design and retail areas? You are not a real counselor.
How I responded:
I have learned to not take discouraging words personally through the years. With social media so negative and easy to access, it seems much easier for people to be negative and judgmental about others. Words may hurt but I try to remember that others may be having life issues life, too. It's easy to coach from the stands and complain but not so easy when you are coaching the game trying to get the best out of others. I have learned to enter the school building each day with renewed hope.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
My hurdles are my hurdles.