How Identity Has Influenced a Health and Wellness Coach and Extended Learning Coordinator at Leading University's Career
Jessica's career path demonstrates a dynamic understanding of "educator," evolving from a traditional classroom model to a holistic approach emphasizing continuous learning; the interviewee states that "being an educator is really first and foremost being a learner," highlighting a commitment to lifelong growth that informs their current role as a Health & Wellness Coach and Extended Learning Coordinator.
Lifelong Learning, Education, Wellness, Personal Growth, Non-Traditional Education
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jessica Elliott
Health & Wellness Coach/Extended Learning Coordinator
Leading University
California Polytechnic State University
Dominican University of California - M.S. Education / CA BLCAD teaching credential
Medical, Sciences & Related, Psychology
Coaching, Speaking & Writing, Education
Education
First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Jessica's evolving definition of 'educator' highlights the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability in navigating a career path.
2. Her emphasis on being a learner first demonstrates the value of continuous personal and professional development.
3. Her experience shows how educational principles can be applied in non-traditional settings, such as health and wellness coaching, and demonstrates the transferability of skills across various roles
Transcript
As someone who identifies as an educator, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
I think I never took the word "educator" out of my identity, but the way I defined it has changed over the years. What I used to think of as an educator was a way we can show up, give, and be prepared. It was about rolling out a certain curriculum or just knowing what was going on.
That's essentially how I used to view being an educator, and also being within the four walls of a classroom. But what I've learned over the course of my career is that being an educator is really, first and foremost, being a learner.
If you can be a learner for the rest of your life, I think that's what has been so inspiring to me. Knowing that as an educator, if I just continue to learn and pursue what is most engaging and fulfilling, the educator in me is being lived out. This is even if it's in a very non-traditional way.
I am educating others, I am helping others, but I'm doing so by listening to others and learning from them. I'm learning what else is going on in this world of ours that changes over time.