Hey there, I’m C.J.!
Welcome to Journey to Discovery!
I am a North Carolina school counselor with over 20 years of experience helping middle and high school students navigate some of the biggest decisions of their lives. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about teaching, learning, and helping young people discover pathways that align with their interests, strengths, and goals.
My passion for career development is personal.
When I was a student, I was interested in many different subjects and career possibilities. While having lots of interests was exciting, it also made choosing a career path difficult. I didn’t have access to the kind of structured career guidance that could have helped me connect my interests to specific career options. As a result, I entered college uncertain about my direction and eventually changed my major during my sophomore year.
Looking back, I realize how valuable it would have been to have someone guide me through the career exploration process earlier. That experience is one of the reasons I became a school counselor and why I created Journey to Discovery. I want students to have the support, resources, and guidance that I wish I had when I was making important decisions about my future.
Start Early, Stress Less
My core philosophy is simple: the earlier students begin exploring careers, the more confident and informed their decisions become.
Career exploration isn’t about choosing a lifelong profession at age 14. It’s about helping students understand themselves, discover possibilities, and make intentional choices about their education and future goals. When students start early, they are better equipped to select high school courses, explore college majors, evaluate career pathways, and avoid costly changes later on.
Today’s students have access to more information than ever before, but that abundance of information can often feel overwhelming for both teens and parents. That’s why I believe career exploration should be an ongoing journey rather than a one-time assessment or conversation.
Your Guide Through the Journey
Over the years, I have connected students with career opportunities through classroom lessons, career fairs, guest speakers, lunch-and-learn sessions, college planning activities, and one-on-one counseling. I love helping students uncover possibilities they may have never considered and gain confidence in their future plans.
I want Journey to Discovery to serve as a trusted resource for students and families. Here you’ll find practical career advice, career exploration activities, information about emerging careers, college and career planning tips, and tools designed to help students make informed decisions about their future.
Whether you’re a student beginning to explore your options or a parent looking for guidance and support, I’m glad you’re here. Together, we can turn uncertainty into confidence and help your student discover a future that is both meaningful and rewarding.
Let’s discover what’s possible—one step at a time.