Meet Dr. Tamika Stevenson | Independent Educational Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Tamika Stevenson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Tamika, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As a first-generation college student, I have always wanted to focus on providing others with opportunities to be able to succeed. Being an educator for over 17 years has awarded me the chance to help students of various backgrounds with achieving their aspirations. As a previous high school teacher, I worked with students in several areas which included writing, leadership, and college prep. As a former English teacher and College and Career Coordinator, I was given a chance to work directly with students and parents with the college admission process and scholarships. For many parents, including those who are college graduates, the process can be tedious and overwhelming if not provided support. I observed many families struggling to provide students with the resources and time needed to complete this process. As I continued my educational journey, I realized that the area in which I lived did not provide the same opportunities for students of color as affluent areas which provided college preparation support. As I traveled to different colleges and networked with many people, I learned that there were educational opportunities available in which students could receive first-hand knowledge from individuals known as independent educational consultants. I was not familiar with this role and learned more as I partnered with others and continued my studies to learn more about being an educational consultant. While the southern area of Dallas didn’t offer these services, I felt it was my obligation to help students in the southern sector by offering these same services at a low cost. My thought process included helping families who I knew would benefit from college admission support and reaching out to experts who could help me with this process. Additionally, my goal included providing my clients with the opportunity to meet and interview people in their desired field.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I currently serve as the AVID District Director where I service students and educators in a large urban school district in Dallas, Texas. I am most proud of being an alumnus and giving back to the district in which I graduated. I started my career teaching 7th grade Language Arts and then transitioned into High school as a 12th grade English and AVID teacher where I had a chance to teach students writing skills and prepare them for college or a career. Teaching has been one of the most rewarding jobs of my life! Teaching taught me the importance of selfless acts, fidelity, and building collaboration amongst others. Waking up every day to make an impact on a child’s life and helping them to solve problems can never be traded.
I have learned that many students count on their teachers to be their role models and help lead them to make the right decisions. While the role may be difficult at times, I have come to understand that the long hours, home visits and weekend work pays off in the end.
This chapter of my story is only one of many more chapters yet to be written but I am excited to know that there is more to come!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Friday Night Food and Fun- Bishop Arts District Friday- Attend a MAVS game
Saturday Morning Brunch- Jonathans Oak Cliff Diner
Saturday – Shopping at the Allen Premium Outlet
Saturday- Visit the Black Girl Magic Museum
Saturday Night Dinner at Public School 214 Restaurant
Sunday- Church at Friendship-West Baptist Church
Sunday Brunch at Ellen’s Diner
Sunday- Grab a cupcake from Sprinkles ATM Machine
Sunday Fun- State Fair of Texas

Monday- Medieval Times
Monday- Dinner- Mary’s Kitchen
Tuesday- Holocaust Museum; Dinner – Grand Luxe Cafe
Wednesday- Look Cinema
Thursday- Dallas Black Dance Theater; Dinner – Eddie V’s Prime

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Special thanks to my family and educators around the globe who have helped me with this journey. Thank you to my son, Jadon Amari, who has been very supportive and patient with me as I continue to build this dream. In addition, thank you to all my students who believed in me and allowed me to help your dreams become a reality. Your success has pushed me to continue to walk in my purpose and be a support for so many students. Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the teachers who have been an inspiration in my life including my mentor and lifeline- Delores Mary White. Remember I am nothing without all of you!

Website: www.tamikastevenson.com

Instagram: tamikastevenson1

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamika-stevenson-183a1442/

Twitter: @trstevenson2000

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realityahead

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/reality-ahead-college-consulting-dallas