Life and Work with Zyer Beaty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zyer Beaty.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Zyer. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Born in Guam and raised in four countries and three states; the world was my #1 classroom. My experiences abroad shape the way that I view the world, people, and the work that I do today.

When I moved to Atlanta, I immersed myself in my culture for the first time, Black culture. I went to Therrell High School, Spelman College and received my Master’s Degree from the University of Georgia. I am currently, a doctoral candidate at the University of Georgia for counselor education and a full-time high school counselor. All of this schooling was… for FREE! In addition to the thousands of outside scholarship money I earned, I received the Gates Millennium Scholarship, which funds your education through your Ph.D. program.

Once I received that scholarship, I knew that I had to go all the way. I had to be an example for Black girls everywhere because I was doing the unimaginable. I was going to the #1 HBCU in the country, and I was given this opportunity to pursue my education at no financial cost to me.

During my third year at Spelman College, I did a volunteer abroad program at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa for six months and it completely changed my career trajectory. Those girls became my family, my mentees, and most importantly, my little sisters. I was reminded of the work that I had to do for our younger generation. Hence, my transition to school counseling, research, and writing.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all. I think from the outside looking in, it seems like I have it all together. However, I have doubted myself, my abilities, and my talents. Not to mention, applying to school is not an easy process. There are so many things that I have to put off in order to accomplish my educational goals, but I’ve gotten this far that I can’t stop. When I was in high school, I knew that the only way I was going to college was if I got a scholarship. So, I worked hard to get enough money to attend an institution that would foster my growth from Black girl to Black woman.

This graduate school journey has not been easy. Working full time, going to school, staying active in the non-profit realm and continuously building my network is very time consuming and honestly, draining. However, I am looking toward the empire that I am trying to build for my future.

This advice is for the ladies wanting to pursue a new career, business, grad school, or just not sure about what to do. Listen to yourself and take advantage of the time that you have. Don’t settle for what other’s want for you, but do what makes you happy. I am among the youngest in my program and I always hear people tell me how they wish they would’ve gone to school when they were younger – It’s never too late. JUST GO FOR IT! There is never a “right time” to go back to school, start a business, explore your talents. You just have to go for it.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a high school counselor, full-time Ph.D. student, researcher, counselor educator, and writer. Most people know me for being a counselor and “professional student.”

I have several research areas; including first-year experiences of Black women at Historically White Institutions (HWI’s), increase in suicide rates among Black students, the influence of international travel in high school on the success of Black college women and the Black Lives Matter Movement. My research and my passions are unapologetically Black.

I am proud of how far I have gotten. I am 27 years old and a year away from accomplishing my educational goals. However, this is only the beginning. Aside from my dissertation, I am working on a fictional novel highlighting some of the mental health challenges that Black millennials face, but are afraid to discuss. The novel will be based on real events.

Additionally, I am the education board member for Everyone Eats Foundation, Inc. and committee member for Girls Going Global, Inc.

Everyone Eats Foundation strives to build our communities through education, enrichment, and empowerment by fostering programs focused on youth development and motivating millennials to be the impact.

Girls Going Global empowers girls to be global citizens through international travel, mentorship and providing students with the tools to become leaders and make their mark on the world.

I am a woman of many trades and I am excited for what’s next. There will be some major announcements over the next couple of years – so stay tuned!

What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
For women who are just starting their career, don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. They will happen and you will learn from them. Don’t be afraid to explore and make career changes and to be creative in EVERY field that you are in. You are needed. Remember that.

Contact Info:

• Email: zyerbeaty@gmail.com
• Instagram: @dezyer_me
• Facebook: Zyer.Naim
• Twitter: @dezyer_me

Image Credit:
@imabout2gocam, @hillaryleahphotography

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