Iya B. MA

What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?

I am a first-generation student, my parents did not go to college. The slogan at home was “You’re Going to College”. There was never a discussion on, what to major in, what were my interests, what did I see myself making a career of and most importantly what would it take to achieve the career I wanted? I don’t blame my parents as they simply did not have the information to provide to me. All they knew is they wanted better for me. I went to William Paterson University and majored in Mass Communications. My junior year, I became a substitute teacher to make an extra income. By the way substitute teaching is great income for college students, you usually only need 60 credits to apply. Needless to say after subbing for a week I feel in love with education and new instantly I should have majored in education. As a junior going into my senior year, I did not switch my major. I graduated with my BA in Mass Communications and decided to take a non-traditional approach to my passion with educating youth. I became an AmeriCorps member, After-School Counselor and was promoted to Youth Director of After-School and Summer Youth Programs. During this time I also lead poetry slams with youth and introduced my students to entertainment by casting them in an independent film I wrote entitled “Bonnie”. I share this story to say…where there is will there is a way to get to the finish line. Everyone has a unique journey and you should never compare your journey to anyone. Follow your heart, trust the process to progress, make a way and Just Keepmoonwalking into your destiny today and everyday. Currently I am a self-love author of two Amazon books entitled Dear Mochalicious Goddess Just #Keepmoonwalking. Anything is possible with a plan to succeed. If you are unsure of your career path find someone within the field to ask. If you are anything like me, sit back and enjoy the journey to your personal success and passion. What you think you want to do today will change tomorrow and that is OK!