McGriff’s Why

Quick Bio
I am a first-generation college student. When I graduated from high school, I thought I knew what I wanted to do and be as an adult. Upon graduation from the University of North Texas with a degree in Psychology, I didn't find a job in my field. While in corporate America,  I decided to get my master's degree in Human Resources from Dallas Baptist University. I loved what I did, but then it wasn't fun anymore. I decided to get my teaching certificate so I could eventually be a school counselor. After teaching for 8 years and earning master's degree in Counseling from the University of North Texas-Dallas, I became a school counselor.

Why I pursued education or serving children
When I was a senior in high school, I didn't know where to turn to for financial aid to attend college. I had help choosing a school, but not a lot of direction in how to pay for it. I was ranked 3rd in my small high school and was an athlete, but my high school didn't have a counselor to navigate the scholarship waters.  As the older child, I felt it was my responsibility to make sure my brother signed up for the standardized tests he needed to take to apply for college and get enrolled. I really enjoyed it! As the Assistant Youth Director at my church, I had the opportunity to provide information to graduating seniors on planning for life after high school. One of the students I helped said she chose to become a teacher because of me. Another family used the information I provided and shared it with other family members. I wanted to help the "average" student; the student who was not the athlete or the student ranked in the top of their class. I wanted to make sure I was able to help the students that flew under the radar.

What keeps me here
Education is my passion, calling, and ministry.  I worked in corporate America for over 20 years and didn't find what fulfilled me until I became an educator. I can share the gift that I have been blessed with to help others, especially those who need help the most. I didn't have to stay in the classroom to help. There are so many opportunities within education that allow me to take care of our future. 

Graduation Collage: High school graduation, Undergraduate graduation-UNT, grad school-Dallas Baptist University and UNT-Dallas

Grandfather: My paternal grandfather was 57 years old when he earned his high school GED. At age 65, he graduated from Southern Bible Institute. 

Shared by Evetta L. McGriff

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