From the Amazon warehouse to the VCU campus, adult learner Catrinna Garrett is extending her academic journey

By Dina Weinstein

Catrinna Garrett always planned to finish her bachelor's degree - and since she started nearly 15 years ago, she figured it could wait further, until her two school-age children were grown.

But the 32-year-old single mother learned about a benefit from her work at an Amazon warehouse in Dinwiddie County. Virginia Commonwealth University participates in the Amazon Career Choice program, which helps fund educational pursuits for employees as they continue to work.

"Amazon accommodated my schedule, so I was able to take a full-time courseload and work full time to receive the full benefits," said Garrett, who has worked for Amazon for nine years - currently as a problem solver in the fulfillment center - and hopes to pivot to teaching primary school. "Amazon wants you to build your career. … My current job is for survival to take care of my kids. It's good pay, good benefits, and that was my main focus."

The retail and technology giant selected VCU in 2022 as a national education partner, making it one of 400 schools now in the Amazon Career Choice program. The number of VCU students using the employee benefit has ranged from 15 to 30 each semester, with 65 total students so far - and with interest growing.

Stephanie Ganser, director of the adult learner experience in VCU's Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success, is the liaison to the Amazon program and visits company locations in the Richmond area during education fairs to connect with employees. Area community colleges are also a part of Amazon Career Choice, so VCU can offer a seamless transition if Amazon employees initially study at Reynolds or Brightpoint community colleges and then transfer to VCU.

Garrett's higher education journey has had twists, turns and roadblocks. After high school, she studied briefly at Norfolk State University, and years later, she took courses online at University of Phoenix. With her almost 15-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter now being more independent, Garrett felt this past fall semester was a good time to resume her academic and professional journey in early childhood education and teaching in the VCU School of Education.

"I did not think attending VCU was possible, but here I am!" she said, with gratitude for the Amazon program. "I was very nervous. It was my first time going back onto campus in years. And I feel like I'm old and everybody was so young in the classes that I was taking. I was like, 'How am I going to do this?'"

Garrett praised VCU faculty for helping her readjustment, making particular note of Tara Willging, Ph.D., who taught an introduction to education class, and Jamey Lovin, a teaching assistant professor of mathematics whose class was tailored to early childhood and elementary teachers.

The Amazon Career Choice program provides employees with prepaid tuition and reimbursement of books and fees up to $5,250 for full-time employees ($2,625 for part-time employees). They also receive academic and job mentoring, and Amazon will pay for Garrett's early childhood teaching certification test - she hopes to complete her bachelor's degree in time for December 2025 graduation.

"I've always loved kids since I was younger," Garrett said. "At University of Phoenix, I got to go into the classroom, and that just stole my heart. … But I really want to work more in special education, because I have family who's autistic and they have ADHD. I just want to give them the extra love. So many kids don't get that extra love, and I feel like I have a big heart and a lot of love to give."

She also has a lot of resolve. In addition to the nerve-racking half-hour commute along Interstate 95, Garrett is navigating a VCU campus where classmates are often a decade younger. She said the support of her partner and her family are crucial, and the 4.0 GPA she is maintaining can serve as a model for her children.

"That's my motivation - to make sure I keep going and get the good grades to motivate them," Garrett said. "They understand the sacrifices of me being up late, being tired."

The challenges still include financial considerations, even with the benefits of the Amazon Career Choice program. Earning her degree in early childhood education will have a positive economic impact on the family, and Garrett continues to seek scholarship assistance for educational expenses not covered by the program. She also took leave from her job during the recent spring semester to complete the intensive practicum associated with her training.

"I was actually in the classroom at Pleasants Lane Elementary in Petersburg with the third-grade practicum teacher, plus schoolwork, plus balancing my kids," Garrett said. "That was a little difficult, but I still was able to keep all A's and B's."

This summer, Garrett took required courses in economics, statistics and history. And for the upcoming fall semester, she is excited about the education classes that will advance her teacher training.

Garrett has high interest in teaching in the Chesterfield County Public Schools system, as well as pursuing a master's degree. And she has advice for adult learners who are considering returning to the classroom environment.

"It's OK to be in uncomfortable situations as long as you know what your ultimate goal is. Just keep pushing and think about the brighter and bigger picture. Because at the end of the day, you're going to get your degree and do something that you actually love," Garrett said.

"I know I want to be a teacher, so I'm going to keep pushing no matter what uncomfortable situation I get in," she added. "I feel like I don't want to stop, so I'll still keep learning. I want to help not just in the school system. I want to help outside in the community - anybody that I can reach."

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