Commencement Spotlight: Brittany Brinkley

ASU COMMENCEMENT SPOTLIGHT: BRITTANY BRINKLEY, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER, OKAPILCO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Brittany Brinkley, a native of Coolidge, GA, will graduate on Dec. 13 with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She is an active member of the Lambda Tau Alpha Chapter of the Alpha Upsilon Alpha Literacy Honor Society, affiliated with the International Literacy Association. Through this organization, Brittany helped host a dyslexia awareness event for undiagnosed adults and led an educational session for parents at the ASU Early Learning Center on the importance of early literacy and practical ways to support reading at home. She also volunteers in local schools, participating in Read Across America Day by reading my favorite books to elementary students. Academically, Brittany earned recognition on the Dean’s List as a full-time student for maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher across multiple semesters and continues to excel as an Elementary Education major with a GPA above 3.5.

What motivated you to learn more about your field?
I have felt the desire to become an elementary educator in my heart for many years. I began my journey right after high school in 2009 as a first-generation college student, learning through trial and error what it truly takes to become a teacher. I started at Southern Regional Technical College and completed all the courses required for a diploma but soon realized I could not become a teacher through a technical college. After having my first daughter in 2010, I continued pursuing my dream at Thomas University, where I welcomed my second daughter in 2012.

Balancing motherhood, financial hardships, and being a full-time student eventually led me to pause my education. Twelve years and a third daughter later, that calling returned. I knew I wasn’t fulfilling the purpose God placed on my heart; to share my love of children and learning with students beyond my own. I researched options and found Albany State University, which was far more affordable and accessible than my previous college experience. Despite the 45-minute commute and my daughters’ busy schedules, I prayed about it and took a leap of faith.

Choosing ASU was the best decision. I found a second family here; I showed my daughters that it’s never too late to pursue your purpose, and I am now officially in the classroom and loving every second of it. Where there is a will, there is a way.

Why did you choose ASU?
I chose ASU because, after years away from school, I felt called to finally fulfill my purpose of becoming an educator. ASU offered an affordable, accessible pathway that made returning to college possible for me as a mother of three. Even with a 45-minute commute and a busy family schedule, I knew ASU was the right choice. From the moment I arrived, I found a supportive, welcoming community that became like a second family. ASU allowed me to show my daughters that it is never too late to pursue your calling, and it gave me the opportunity to step into the classroom and begin the career I’ve always dreamed of.

What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduating in December, I am excited to begin a long-term certified substitute teaching position at Okapilco Elementary in Moultrie, GA, where I am currently completing my student teaching in third grade. I am thrilled that I will be able to finish the school year with the same students I have grown to love.

What do you love most about your chosen profession?
I love being a bright light in the lives of students who need it most and showing all my students every day just how fun and meaningful learning can be.

Who has made the biggest impact on you, and who do you consider to be a role model at ASU?
This is a difficult question because so many people at ASU have positively impacted my life. Dr. Medlin inspires me with her unwavering positivity, Dr. Mosely has given me invaluable knowledge on teaching all students to read and helped me master the science of reading, and Dr. Decuir has pushed me academically in ways that have shaped me into a stronger educator. I will be a better teacher because of these three women.

What is your favorite memory from your time at ASU?
My favorite memory is Dr. Decuir’s famous two-minute teaches, to being given a topic, preparing in just five minutes, and teaching it in two minutes helps you learn so much about yourself and your classmates as future educators.

What advice would you give to other ASU students?
Never give up. Your effort shows your professors how much you want what you are working toward. I achieved my goals while unemployed, raising three daughters, and driving 45 minutes to campus every day. If I can do it, you can too. Push through, it will be worth it.

What would you say to a high school student about choosing ASU to further their education?
No matter your background, skin color, or culture, ASU will show you that you belong. 

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