Career Roadmap
Tracye's work combines: Education, Numbers, and Teaching / Mentoring
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap QuizSkills & Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Nocona High School
Bachelor's Degree
Zoology/Animal Biology
Texas A & M University-College Station
Graduate Degree
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Univeristy of Texas at Tyler
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors:
Bachelor's Degree: Zoology/Animal Biology
Graduate Degree: Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Learn more about different paths to this careerLife & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I graduated in a class of 49 and then went off to Texas A&M where my first class of the day had 100 students. What a culture shock.
2.
I easily graduated at the top of my high school class and learned quickly at A&M I did not have study skills.
3.
I graduated in 4.5 years with a degree in zoology...what job can you get with a degree in zoology? I was married and moved with my husband to Dallas.
4.
I applied for a few jobs and was hired by UT Southwestern Medical School in the Department of Molecular Genetics. I worked for Nobel Laureates. It was awesome.
5.
My family was growing and we wanted to bring our children up in a small town so we moved to East TX. I transferred to UT Health Science Center and drove 45 minutes to work which was too far from home.
6.
I applied for a teaching position in science and earned credentials while on a deficiency plan.
7.
I taught for about 10 years and moved to the counseling job. I had to earn a Master's degree for the job. Not easy with 4 young children.
8.
Here I am! 23 years in education. I truly believe I am where I need to be.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I went to a large university for my undergraduate degree and felt the advisement I received was lacking. I chose a degree with very limited knowledge of what it was all about. This limited my career choices drastically.
How I responded:
You are your best advocate. Research your choices and options to be sure you know what careers are available. Insist on speaking to someone at the college or university that will help you. Most institutions have centers that can set you on the right track for success. Do NOT be afraid to ask questions. Most are very interested in helping students. I realized I had to work hard and lookout for myself in order to be successful. I love science and used my degree to share that love to my students.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
Be determined and confident that you are going places! Do NOT let others tell you otherwise.