Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Yolanda Carter.
Dr. Carter, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Some people only remember the positive events that pushed them. It was the opposite for me. I remember my high school American Government teacher’s words: “Yolanda, you will never amount to anything in life.” It was unclear why she would express such negativity toward a student but her cruel words motivated me in a good way. In fact, this became a recurring theme throughout my life. When facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles I channel my energy and focus on the desired outcome.
After I graduated from Florida State University (FSU), I had to choose whether to struggle alone in Jacksonville, Florida; return home to Pensacola, Florida; or enlist in the United States Air Force. I enlisted in the Air Force one month after I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Education. I thank my mother, Betty Carter for teaching me and molding me to be resourceful and independent.
I could have enlisted as an officer, but instead chose to enter as a non-commissioned airman. During my entire enlistment, I focused on getting my advanced degree. While in basic training, I excelled with the classroom training but struggled with the physical training. Even though I was athletic, I still struggled in that aspect. I was summoned to my commander’s office. During this visit, she informed me that if I did not improve my physical performance I would be recycled. Recycled in the military means to start completely over from day one. I was two weeks away from graduating. Anyone who knows me knows that failing has NEVER been an option. My resourcefulness kicked in. Thanks, Mama! It occurred to me that I should find the one person in the squad who was physically killing requirements and exchange my intellect for physical training. As it turned out, I was an excellent teacher. This young lady was fresh out of high school and struggled with the classroom studies. I was able to help her with learning and test strategies that helped her understand the concepts and pass the written exam. In turn, she helped me build the endurance and stamina I needed to pass the physical training test.
While serving my country, I had the opportunity to travel to London, Guam, and various places throughout the United States. I spent four wonderful years at McGuire Air Force Base in Wright Town, New Jersey. There I graduated from Central Michigan University and made life-long friends. When I separated from the Air Force I needed a way to utilize all of the education and skills acquired from college and the military. I had absolutely no idea what to do. What was my true calling? I yearned to immerse myself into work that was fulfilling. I wanted to make a difference . My sister, Kimberly Carter helped me in this respect. While living with her I was able to find my passion. It didn’t happen immediately. At the time, I was 27 years old and still trying to figure out what to do with my life. My sister welcomed me into her home which gave me time to figure things out. I accepted a position as Director of Patient Care in a nursing home. I dreaded going to work. The second position I accepted was a Medicaid Specialist. I was driving from work one day when my sister called me out of the blue and said, “You need to get certified to teach.” I responded, “Girl, I ain’t mentally ready for that.”
A few years went by and at this point, I had more failures than successes. In 2005, I made a decision that totally changed the trajectory of my life. I landed an interview with Carol Daniels at a local high school in Jacksonville, FL. Carol had a stellar reputation in Duval County. I was so nervous that I botched the interview. Instead of totally rejecting me, she called her son Evan Daniels at a middle school in Jacksonville, FL. Evan Daniels came to be my mentor and gave me hard lessons that pushed me to reach much farther than just the classroom. I started teaching as a Special Education Teacher in 2005 in Duval County. In 2008, I moved to Clay County where I got my first taste of transition education. I moved to Orange County Public Schools in 2014 in Orlando, Florida. I spent two years in Orlando before I met CJ James, the love of my life, and moved to Dallas, Texas. This was by far the most difficult decision to ever have to make. I was hired as an 18+ transition teacher at a high school soon after I took the position; I realized this just was a dumping ground for students who needed extended care once they completed regular education classes. After one year in this position, I was offered a position with the Dallas Transition Program. During the summer of 2017 my life took another positive and rewarding turn and lead to the birth of I Love My Job.
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely, NOT! Every transition has brought along struggles and defined me as Dr. Yolanda Carter, Director/Owner of I Love My Job. Finances and relationships have been two of the main factors that cause me to reevaluate what I am doing and why I want to continue on this path. I have a bible quote tattooed on my wrist, “I Walk By Faith and Not By Sight.” I find comfort in knowing that my faith has sustained me. I know who I am and I am confident enough to step out on faith.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with I Love My Job – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
One of my passions since I started teaching has been teaching those with special needs. Many people who have not experienced a person with any type of disability will write them off as irrelevant or unreachable. The most rewarding part for me is training and watching the light bulb go off . I challenge these students. They will either sink or swim. I Love My Job services individuals with disabilities (born with or through traumatic circumstances). I provide group and individual services through Vocational Adjustment Training, Job Placement, and Job Coaching. Referrals are provided through the Texas Workforce Commission.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
After 14 years of classroom instruction, Dallas offered me an opportunity to expand my passion to work with persons with disabilities. I absolutely love the endless platform to grow and recreate my legacy as well as embracing my faith driven path knocking down barriers that held me back in Florida. Everything is truly BIGGER in Texas. Dallas has exceeded my expectations. I would recommend anyone who has drive and determination to try Dallas as a fresh start city.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 214-459-7123
- Email: dryolandacarter@ilovemyjobllc.com
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