Shayna Vincent, a graduating senior, education major, and founder of Esther Funds Foundation, is currently making major moves. She recently secured a position as a third-grade math and science teacher, at an elementary school in Jacksonville. For Vincent, her journey began at FAMU as a transfer student, arriving in the Fall of 2023.
Vincent has been very clear on the path she has wanted to take, ever since she stepped foot on campus. That path has been about becoming an educator. She also knew where she wanted to relocate to, after graduation.
“I already knew where I was going to relocate, so I decided to do my research,” Vincent said. After finding a job that aligned with her next chapter, Vincent submitted her application and directly reached out to the school. They responded quickly.
Navigating the Interview Process
Like many other students in the country entering the workforce, Shayna shared how uncertain she was when it came to the interview process.
“The interview process, I would say… was a little challenging,” Vincent said. Despite this, Vincent prepared for the interview as best as she could. “I don’t feel like I was all the way prepared for it, but I feel like I did well. They told me I did well. I got the job.”
Her experience is a reminder that if you remain confident in yourself and prepare as best as you know how, the results shown might surprise you, despite your feeling of a lack of preparedness.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Reflecting on the process, Vincent shared that one of her biggest lessons professionally was to always do research beforehand, whenever stepping into a new role.
“It’s easy to get these types of jobs because they’re so needed,” she said. “But you really want to make sure that you’re doing your research on the culture.”
Vincent admitted that she did not do her research on the school culture beforehand and encourages other students and professionals to be more proactive when it comes to research.
FAMU’s Impact
When Vincent was asked what the number one factor was that contributed to her current success, she immediately gave credit to FAMU.
FAMU has taught me a lot about leadership,” she said. “I feel like that helped me in getting my role.” She also gave high praise to the College of Education and mentioned how the rigorous curriculum prepared her for greatness.
“They say the best teachers literally come from FAMU.”
Advice
The biggest message that Vincent could give to students, would be to “utilize the resources.”
“Don’t try to do everything in your own strength or in your own power,” she said. “We pay for these resources, so we might as well use them. They’re here to help us.”
Whatever resource it may be, Vincent encourages students to use whatever resources are available on campus.
Moving Forward
Vincent appreciates how this experience has shaped her, but credits FAMU as having the most impact in her life.
“The experience has shaped my future,” she shared. “But I would say FAMU has shaped my future (the most) in general.”
Her story is an example to us all of what is possible when you put yourself out there and believe.
