Career Roadmap
Chester's work combines: Non-Profit Organizations, Writing, and Communicating / Sharing Stories
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Oneida High School
Bachelor's Degree
Education, General
Roane State Community College
Bachelor's Degree
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
Tennessee Technological University
Graduate Degree
Educational Leadership and Administration, General
Tennessee Technological University
Doctorate
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs
University of the Cumberlands
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Education, General
Bachelor's Degree: Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
Graduate Degree: Educational Leadership and Administration, General
Doctorate: Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I wasn't very interested in academics until I realized my ADD meant I'd have to learn differently.
2.
Once I realized that I could learn in a different way, I started excelling in high school.
3.
I was a first-generation college student, but I worked hard and became student government president.
4.
After college, I became a high school teacher.
5.
I realized that real educational change was being shaped by legislation and policy.
6.
I began working for my local congressman, which helped me better understand policy, and people.
7.
I co-wrote and helped pass the "Dyslexia is Real" law in Tennessee in 2014 - a proud moment.
8.
Now I work as a disability advocate, at Tennessee Tech University, and on my own around the world!
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I used to tell myself, you can't do as much as everyone else. You're at a disadvantage.
How I responded:
I was always my own worst enemy - no one ever directly told me that I couldn't do anything, but because of my ADD and anxiety, I assumed that I couldn't do a lot. Once I was able to get out of my own head, I realized I could do just as much as anyone else...and more. Now I know "It's not about what you want to be. It's about what problems you want to solve!" If you have confidence, you can change the world.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I struggled with ADD when I was young, but all I needed were the right resources to help me learn. Once I realized what a difference the right access made, I knew that it was my responsibility to work on making sure that everyone had those resources.
When I decided to get my degree, it inspired my dad to do the same. But then he was in the same class as me on my first day of school. I was mortified at the time, but looking back, it was such a special experience. He ended up graduating before me!