Career Roadmap
Catherine's work combines: Education, Philosophy & Religion, and Teaching / Mentoring
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Anderson Union High
Bachelor's Degree
Sociology, General
California State University, Sacramento
Graduate Degree
M.S. Counselor Education
California State University, Sacramento
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors:
Bachelor's Degree: Teaching French as a Second or Foreign Language
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
Joined the Marine Corps after high school, stationed In Okinawa, Japan
2.
Fell in love with a guy I was stationed with, but ended up pregnant and alone. Being a single mother in the Marines was very difficult, but made me a stronger woman for it.
3.
After marines, found a job in Houston as an assistant air traffic controller, but had no sense of direction and knew deep inside the job wasn't a good fit, but needed to support myself and son.
4.
Met a wonderful man, eventually married and changed jobs as supply clerk in Ca. Knew this job also wasn't a good fit. Did soul searching- knew there had to be more to life than a 9-5 job.
5.
Quit job as a supply clerk, joined the Army Guard, and started college full time to become a Counselor. Took almost 10 years from start to finish.
6.
After college, almost immediately hired as a Veterans Counselor at Sierra College. Knew without hesitation that I had finally found my place in the world and poured my heart in soul into my career.
7.
After 16 years, had somewhat of a career change from Veterans Coordinator to General Counseling.
8.
Decided to start teaching Career Exploration classes and discovered Road Trip Nation curriculum to use in my college course! So excited to help students on their journey!
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I struggled with self-esteem. I felt I wasn't smart enough for college and never even considered college after high school. Consequently, I decided to join the Marines with hopes of obtaining some type of skill that I could enjoy and make a living.
How I responded:
Remember your life is a journey...not a race. At age 27, I finally got the courage to sign up for college. I graduated with my MS in Counseling 10 years later. Words can't describe how amazing it is to be living your right livelihood! Starting college was a tremendous leap of faith. My family was concerned that I wouldn't be able to find a good secure job, but I just had to try. I did my career research which confirmed my decision and then jumped in with both feet! It's never too late!
Experiences and challenges that shaped me