TSTC alumna balances auditing, motivational speaking and being an author

(MARSHALL, Texas) - Vernona Elizabeth Carter said she always wanted to work in an administrative position, but chose love over an education after graduating high school.

"My grandmother really wanted me to go to college, but I wanted to marry my high school sweetheart," the Gilmer native said. "I had to get my education later in life."

While working in Marshall, Carter visited Texas State Technical College. She later enrolled in the Professional Office Technology program, which is now Business Management Technology.

Carter found her time at TSTC motivating and encouraging, largely due to the supportive environment.

"I connected with a few instructors, and was very transparent about some of the struggles that I dealt with. They were so open and willing to help me," she said. "I think my time as a student was like grabbing some family members along the way, people that I'll never forget."

Carter graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in 2012 and began working as an internal auditor in the insurance industry. She enjoyed the opportunities her job gave her to inspire and coach others through their problems. That made her decide to push herself further.

In addition to being an auditor, Carter is a motivational speaker through her business, A.E.C. Consulting Services, LLC, in Dallas, and a published author.

"I love inspiring and helping others overcome the challenges that they face to become who they were meant to be," she said. "Sometimes you just need somebody to light the fire within."

Carter said her success is a win for everyone at TSTC who helped her get to where she is today. She encourages current and future TSTC students to identify their goals and take the steps to achieve them.

"Whatever negative voices are in your head screaming what you can't do, scream louder about what you can do," she said. "I am that TSTC student living my best life because I was willing to believe in myself and because others, including TSTC's staff and students, believed in me."

According to onetonline.org, bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks earn a median annual salary of $45,710 in Texas, where the number of these jobs was projected to grow 9% between 2020 and 2030.

TSTC's Business Management Technology program is offered 100% online. The program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and certificates of completion in Business Management Technology, Bookkeeping Accounting Assistant and Office Assistant.

Applications for the spring semester are being accepted. Spring registration begins Oct. 28. To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

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