Finding My Path So Students Can Find Theirs

I have always believed that education is one of the most powerful tools for shaping a meaningful life. Long before I became a Certified Career Services Provider, I was a curious student with big dreams and a desire to make a difference. Even when I didn’t yet have the language for “career readiness” or “workforce pathways,” I was quietly searching for where I belonged and how I could contribute. That journey, which was full of discovery, detours, and growth, ultimately led me to the work I am so passionate about today.

As a student in K–12, and even in college, the opportunities for structured career exploration were limited. In elementary school, career days meant dressing up for an occupation, but not truly learning about what those jobs involved or how someone got there. In high school, I attended classes at our career center, but they didn’t always align with my long-term goals. I chose courses based on interest and enjoyment, not yet realizing how much those choices could shape my future.

I entered college knowing I was college-bound and believing I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. Once I began my coursework, however, I realized there were many more possibilities I wanted to explore. That curiosity led me to change my major to business. While I gained valuable knowledge, I still wasn’t entirely sure where that degree would take me. I completed an internship, but I didn’t yet understand how powerful multiple, targeted internships could be in helping me discover different career paths within the business world.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business, I faced a challenging job market. Like many new graduates, I realized that experience mattered just as much as education. Wanting to strengthen my qualifications, I pursued a master’s degree. This allowed me to apply my business skills in several professional roles, and along the way, my passion for education continued to grow.

Eventually, I returned to school to pursue a master’s degree in education. While balancing work and classes, I learned that student teaching would require me to leave my job. Financially, that was not possible at the time, and I had to step away from completing the degree. Although that was a difficult decision, it led me to a meaningful alternative of working in education in a role that did not require teacher certification but still allowed me to serve students.

Today, I work in career development, a role that beautifully blends my background in business with my passion for education. I support students as they explore career options, connect with employers, and prepare for life after high school. In many ways, my own journey allows me to better understand their questions, uncertainties, and dreams.

Because my own path took time to take shape, I know how important early and intentional career exploration can be. I used college as my time to figure things out, when that discovery could have started much earlier. Now, working in K-12 education, I see firsthand how powerful it is when students are given opportunities to explore careers in elementary, middle, and high school. Schools today are being far more intentional about helping students understand what is possible and how to get there. K-12 schools today are far more intentional about exposing students to what is possible, using career speakers, career-focused events, exploratory courses, college and career fairs, and partnerships with community organizations, colleges, and employers to connect learning beyond the classroom.

These opportunities give students a true advantage. They allow young people to make informed decisions about their education, build confidence in their goals, and step into the future with purpose. My journey may not have been a straight line, but it led me exactly where I needed to be: helping the next generation find their way sooner, with clarity, confidence, and hope.