Right Place, Right Time

In August 2012, I moved from Memphis, Tennessee to Prince George’s County, Maryland, to continue my career in career and technical education (CTE) after my position was eliminated twice back home. I credit this move as being one of the absolute best decisions I have ever made. However, in February 2013, I thought I would face the same fate as previous years. My principal told me he would have to eliminate several positions, including mine. Nonetheless, I kept working but began seeking new employment. Right before the school year ended, my principal told me he had a new opportunity for me: I would become a Career Academy Coordinator.  I had no clue about this new role but I had one week to recruit 20 students for the program.

I met Tommy Andrades during the 2012-2013 school year. I went out of town during the first few days of school, leaving work for the students in my absence. When I returned, most of the students had completed their work. However, Tommy had worked on a different activity having drawn a beautiful 12×12 spider on his table. I was angry but then realized although Tommy could seemingly keep up in class, he could barely read and write. Tommy was an English language learner and special education student who started school and received services late in life. However, I taught Tommy in my food and nutrition course and he became our quiet storm. He didn’t say much but he could run a kitchen with ease. He was a great leader and had amazing skills. When the opportunity came for me to recruit students for the culinary career academy, Tommy was the first on my list.

Tommy graduated high school in May 2015, with a 2.9 GPA, and his ServSafe certification (scoring 86% on his test). Tommy now attends culinary school within the Ana G. Mendez University System in Washington, DC.  In December 2015, Tommy informed me he has a 3.0 GPA, is working in industry, and receiving assistance in literacy. Tommy is a success in my book and I anticipate him living a good and prosperous life with his family. I am thankful for being in the right place, at the right time. 

Candice Mott a 2015 Region I ACTE Fellow