TEW MENTORING PROGRAM
Gerri Gill sent this very touching letter from a scholarship winner. It is worth a moment of your time to see how one young lady with a passion for learning is pursuing her dreams.
Hello Ms. Gill,
I received the Thelma Marlowe Scholarship from TEW at the University of Houston in the 07-08 school year.
I graduated in May 2008 with a degree in Finance. I was invited and attended one of the TEW meetings and had a wonderful time. It was such a good experience meeting the members of TEW. During that dinner, some of the women
asked if I could keep them updated on how my life is progressing.
Since my graduation, I started working for Panhandle Energy (A Southern Union Company, this is a pipeline company that transports natural gas.) I work in the Regulatory Affairs Department as an Associate Rate Analyst.
I have already gained valuable experience, especially with some of the computer programs that are used in business. I have been exposed to and use quite frequently Access, as well as, learning more in Excel and other software programs that are unique to the business.
Since I have finished college, my life has changed dramatically, mostly for the better. I have purchased my first home and love it. My children are now 4 and almost 3 and they are doing great. The down side of it all is that I do not get to spend as much time with my children as I would like. This is something that I am still adjusting to almost 4 months later.
I have never worked in a 9-5 type position and that takes some getting used to as well. But my children are great and I am able to provide for them and that is the most important thing to me.
I have realized that I am an academic person. I thrive in that area. I knew that I wanted to go back for my Masters sooner or later, but I am going to go back sooner. I am starting the process to go back to U of H for my M.B.A. next fall.
I am also strongly considering continuing on to obtain my Ph.D. I have many passions in life, but I think academics seem to shine through for me and I am really fulfilled by it.
I thank you all again for the scholarship and the chance to meet the women of TEW. I hope that you can share this at your meeting and I will keep you updated as the years go by. If there is ever anything that I can help with, I would be more than happy to.
Have a great day,
Stacey Phillips
Associate Rate Analyst