Vanette Terry is a 45-year-old female Pre-K teacher who lives and works in a low-income rural area. She grew up with a speech disability but overcame it with the help of her teacher. She attended various public schools and colleges, earning degrees in Early Childhood Education. She identifies as a Christian Democrat and was raised in the church. Her personal story includes being hit by a car as a child, living with her grandparents, becoming a young mother, and returning to school later in life to complete her education while raising three sons, who are now successful adults.

1. EDU 692
INTRODUCTION
By Vanette Terry

2. Introduction
My name is Vanette Terry. I’m a 45 years old female. I
am currently employed at EM Rollins Elementary
School as a Pre K teacher.

3. Neighborhood community/Socioeconomic status
I live/work in a low income rural developed area. The population is
estimated to be around 187 people. I work in a low perform school.
I am a democrat and a Christain. I attend MT. Zion UCC.

4. Physical or Mental disabilities
Growing up I had a speech disabilitiy which I allowed
to hinder me from participating in many events as a
child. As I became older my second grade teacher
made me realize that i had the right to be successful
just as anyone else. From that point I started to go
after what I wanted.

5. Educational Level/types of schools attended
New Hope Elementary School (Public)
Eaton Johnson Middle School (Public)
Vance Senior High School (Public)
Vance Granville Community College AAS Early Childhood Ed
Mount Olive College BS Early Childhood Ed (Private)
Ashford University (currently pursuing MAED)

6. Demographic factors defining My identity
These factors that I have chosen plays a great role in my identity because due to
hardships and exposure to both public/private school settings, Ive had the
opportunity to get a look at both worlds. I have a great deal more exposure to
public school as to private.I was brought up in a church setting my entire life. Due
to the many struggles of my family/self- I became involved with being a
democratic.

7. Personal Story
At the age of 4 I was hit by a car and suffered a severe concusion.I was raised in
a rural area on a farm. My grandparents raised me until I was 11 years old. Then
returned home with my parents. My parents/grandparents were very loving. They
were very serious about me getting my education because they didn’t have the
opportunity to finish theirs. At age 15 I became pregnant leading to me dropping
out of day school and attending night school. By age 17 I was pregnant again,but
manage to graduate with my class. When I was 20 I had my 3rd child in 1991.
2004 I decided to pursue my AA in Early childhood. I graduated in 2006. At age 42
I returned to gain my BA in Early childhood. I graduated in 2012. Now I am
pursuing my MAED.

8. Personal story cont’
I have truly had many obstacles, trials, and tribulations, but I’m not a quitter! Many
mistakes were made along my journey. Looking on the bright side of things, my life now
is filled with joy. I have 3 sons. Oldest works with US Postal Services, middle son is a
sheriff deputy/firefighter, and youngest son attends NC Central University. And I have a
beautiful granddaughter who is 5 years old. My father is well/alive at age 71. My mother
passed away 3 years ago.