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Feature Story | Tell us your story! |
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 BackSay Goodbye to Dead-End Jobs As I spoke with Gabrielle about her return to college, her graciousness and warmth radiated even over the phone. And her enthusiasm for learning was matched by her willingness to share her story with others in the hope that it would inspire them to get an education, too. Gabrielle's journey through college began quite traditionally. She always knew she wanted an education, and she did go straight from high school to Santa Fe (FL) Community College where she earned her Associate's degree. She then experimented with study in several fields, including journalism, at a variety of four-year institutions, but nothing quite fit. To pay her way, she took a job – and discovered her passion – in the hospitality industry. Through hard work, heartfelt disposition and talent, Gabrielle earned promotion after promotion, and although she'd already accumulated over 90 credits, school was put aside. After a few years, the flush of success began to fade, and she hit a dead-end. A difficult period of increasing conflict on the job, together with a flat salary, made her reconsider her decision to drop out of school. "My heart is heavy when I reflect on all the emotional and psychological challenges along with the humiliating experiences I have gone through over the past three years. It's not easy when a co-worker calls you an 'idiot' or your boss infers that you are 'incompetent'. But I have never been the type to sit and complain in the lunchroom, accept the status quo and feel resigned. I prefer the constructive approach, i.e. stepping back to reflect and identify the problem: I need my degree." Gabrielle knew she was smart and capable. She knew what she wanted to do in life. Now she needed the credentials. "A degree gives me more leverage and instant credibility. Employers are less likely to consider my resume..." She decided to pursue her BA at Florida International University (FIU) last summer. FIU's Liberal Studies major allowed her to transfer in most of her credits, and since she has "the experience, but not the knowledge", she's taking her remaining electives in business to complement her work experience. After her disappointments at other schools, Gabrielle says FIU is a welcome change. "The professors are always available online and are quite responsive. They know people like myself are there because we choose to be there. So, they're very helpful and encouraging." With faith and the support of her husband, family and friends, Gabrielle juggles work, school and keeping up with her 2-1/2 year old son, Max. She still pays her own way through school, but has had to sacrifice by reducing her working hours in order to fit classes on one weekday plus Saturdays. It hasn't been easy, but college has given Gabrielle more than the business skills and credentials she is seeking. It has also given her self-confidence and an appreciation for learning. "I try to make the best of all my subjects. There's no learning in vain! I just want to grow. Being Afro-Caribbean-American, size 16 and female are obstacles in corporate America, especially in a predominant Hispanic community (my incompetence is readily assumed). However, I've learned to use my 'exceptions' to my advantage by focusing more than ever on my schoolwork and being extremely motivated because I know I AM NOT DUMB! How can an idiot be on the Dean's List and have a 3.83/4.0 GPA?" When I asked Gabrielle what she thought was key to her success in school, she stated: "You have to know your purpose. You have to believe in yourself. Many will try to crush you or make you feel inferior, i.e., if YOU let them. It took me a while... It wasn't until I was 30 that it all started to make sense... My pastor once said that in 'every difficulty there's an opportunity, and in every opportunity, there's a difficulty.' Well, it took the love and support of my family and friends to get back to school, but mainly my being convinced that THE ONLY WAY OUT of 'dead-end' jobs was to get an education!" Now that her Bachelor's degree is finally within reach, Gabrielle has already set her sights on an MBA. "My ultimate goal is to go to graduate school next year and get back to the hospitality industry not only because I wholeheartedly miss it, but also I'm a true product of that environment which utilizes my strengths rather than my weaknesses." "December 2001, God willing, will be such a glorious time!" Considering her enthusiasm – for work, for learning, for life – I have no doubt Gabrielle will succeed. ©2001 Norman Davies Group, Inc. |
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Gabrielle Antoine, Florida International University Bachelor's, Liberal Studies |
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