Maya Ryder is a first-year master’s student in the College of Education’s school counseling program. From a young age, she has known that she wanted to help and support children. Upon completing her undergraduate degree, Maya moved to southeast Tennessee and began working in elementary special education. Through this experience, she discovered just how she wanted to continue supporting children – at schools and through counseling. Now, as a manager at 321 Coffee, she works alongside adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) on NC State’s Centennial Campus. By combining many of her passions and interests, Maya can take much of her learning beyond the classroom.

Tell us about your journey to graduate school and what led you to NC State.
My journey to graduate school took me by surprise. When I graduated from college, I believed that I would never go back to school. I decided to move out of North Carolina in search of something new. A few months after graduation, I moved to Tennessee, unsure of what I wanted to do and which direction to take. I began working in the public school system as a special education assistant under the assumption that my time working in education would be brief. I was wrong! loved working with students and forming connections, and quickly realized I wanted to continue doing this kind of work. More specifically, I knew I wanted to be in a position that would allow me to work closely with students from diverse backgrounds and educate them about the social and emotional aspects of being a student.

When I decided to pursue my master’s in school counseling, I knew I wanted to do so in North Carolina, back in the community where I grew up. With NC State in the heart of the Triangle, I was confident I would have the opportunity to learn alongside people from all walks of life, and today I get to do just that!

My Journey to 321 Coffee: From Assistant Teaching to Barista
When I was accepted into my program, my next step was to begin looking for a job. I knew that I would need to work part-time while I was pursuing my degree and I hoped that I would find something that was flexible and aligned with my passions and interests. I had been following 321 Coffee on social media for some time, and one day, while scrolling on Instagram, I saw they were hiring shift managers. It felt like the perfect opportunity had suddenly fallen into my lap. Working at 321 Coffee would allow me to continue working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, build deep and meaningful relationships, and work right on NC State’s campus. It was and continues to be the perfect fit.

What advice do you have for new or current graduate students?
My advice to graduate students is to do it anyway, even if a little nervous or scared. There are so many new experiences you will have, and even if you are nervous about trying them, you should go for it. I have learned so much through doing and saying “yes.” Ultimately, saying “yes” allows you to uncover things you never thought you could do.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to be a school counselor here in the Raleigh-Durham area. I grew up attending local public schools, and I want to educate and support the next generation of students within my community.

What does being an NC State graduate student or postdoctoral scholar mean to you?
Being an NC State graduate student means the world to me. It has allowed me to rewrite my story as a student and learner and has challenged my beliefs about what I am capable of. It has restored my self-confidence and is a daily reminder that I am right where I am supposed to be.

Fun fact about yourself.
I really enjoy assembling LEGO’s, and I am slowly adding to my LEGO botanicals collection.