Challenge yourself and be open to challenges that come your way.
Hey there!
Hello, I'm Terica, but my friends call me TJ. I am super excited to be able to write to you today! A bit about me, I attended the University of Maryland to study education. Then teaching for two short years is when I quickly decided the "teaching life" wasn't for me. Kudos and lots of respect to all the outstanding teachers who have all the patience possible and are really changing the world. Once I decided teaching was not the best fit for me, I explored other options. I applied for a Customer Service Agent position with Verizon. I have now been with the company for seventeen years. I love my job and the company. When I started working for the company, understanding the business side was challenging. This is why I returned to school for a business degree and graduated in 2020; yay! I am currently in a Senior Analyst Position formerly titled Consultant at Verizon. I travel, speak to and meet several new people on a day-to-day basis.
I enjoy working in a technology-advancing company. In elementary through high school, I was not a fan of math and science. However, when I went to college and was able to select courses I wanted to take, I became really interested in Astronomy. Before college, I hadn't learned much about it, and once it piqued my interest, I found a new love for math. I wish I had the opportunity much younger to be exposed and have access to science, technology, engineering, and math to develop and share my love sooner. As you continue your education, ensure that you push yourselves to try new things, explore, set goals, and dream big. It will be vital that you challenge yourself and be open to challenges that come your way.
Remember, uncomfortable situations equal growth. Fight to become the version of your best self possible. Keep working until you reach your goals, and don't let failure stand in your way. If you fail, try again and again, learning from those mistakes! If there is only one thing you take away from my letter, I hope you understand there is no correct way to "do life." Just remember how amazing and successful you are just being you. I hope you know how important you are and your life is. You are destined for greatness and possess all the skills to contribute to this beautiful STEM world! Believe in yourself, work harder, and stay positive! I will share my favorite quote with you by St. Jerome, "Never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best!" YOU GOT THIS!
Sincerely,
TJ