Tallahassee Native Overcomes Life Challenges to Graduate as First-Generation Teacher

Tallahassee Native Achieves Dream of Becoming a Teacher Despite Life Challenges

TALLAHASSEE – Chelsi Austin, a dedicated education major at Florida A&M University (FAMU), will celebrate a significant milestone this Saturday. She is one of over 700 students graduating during the university’s commencement ceremony held at the Al Lawson Center. This event, taking place at 9 a.m., marks Austin’s achievement as a first-generation college graduate, overcoming numerous life hurdles along the way.

A Journey Marked by Resilience

From an early age, Austin, now 29, envisioned herself as a teacher. Growing up in the Tallahassee area, she attended Chaires Elementary School, Fairview Middle School, and Lincoln High School. Her commitment to education remained steadfast even as she navigated the complexities of motherhood and military service. After serving for seven years, she took advantage of education benefits and pursued her passion at FAMU’s College of Education.

Austin’s academic journey was far from straightforward. While studying for her degree, she faced the challenges of being a student mother. Balancing classes, pregnancies, and family responsibilities tested her resolve. “The journey has been long and difficult,” Austin shared. She is currently a mother of three children, including a five-year-old son from a previous pregnancy, and has taken on the role of surrogate twice during her studies.

Academic and Personal Challenges

Even amidst these personal challenges, Austin managed a full academic load. In the spring of 2022, while pregnant with her surrogacy child, she took on six classes. “I’ve had to take my son up to the school with me,” she recalled, expressing the emotional weight of her responsibilities. “People have watched him for me while I’ve had to make up tests.”

Compounding her challenges, her wife, Jada Davis, is currently in FAMU’s Master of Social Work program and also gave birth to a baby just weeks ago. With both women pursuing their academic dreams while raising young children, life can be overwhelming. Austin explained the difficulty of managing schoolwork during the day when the children are home, often completing assignments late at night.

Support from the FAMU Community

Despite the obstacles, Austin feels fortunate to have incredible support from her professors. “They definitely came through for me,” she said. “Being in this environment… it really is like a family.” Cheron Davis, an associate professor, highlighted Austin’s determination and excellence in her studies. “She has overcome so many challenges… and still, her excellence comes with no excuses,” Davis stated, emphasizing Austin’s commitment to her education and future students.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter in Education

With graduation just days away, Austin is set to begin her teaching career as a second-grade teacher at Apalachee Elementary School in August. She has already begun preparations to create a welcoming classroom environment. “Teaching is my passion, so after such a long journey, being able to get my degree and say I finally did it feels unreal,” she said, highlighting her excitement for what lies ahead. Austin’s experience as a local native and her new role as an educator contribute to statewide efforts to address the current teacher shortage.

A Dream Come True

Reflecting on her journey, Austin expressed gratitude for how far she has come. “Everything I have done since the fifth grade has brought me back here,” she remarked. Her wife, Jada Davis, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the shared journey they have undertaken. “With all that she has overcome… this graduation feels bigger than me. It feels like a dream come true for me, too.”

Austin’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of perseverance and dedication, underlining the importance of supporting future educators in overcoming challenges on their path to success.