Gary Eaton – Black History Month Student Spotlight
Every February, WGU celebrates Black History Month by showcasing students and faculty who exemplify our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This February, WGU proudly shines a light on Gary Eaton, an inspiring student in the WGU School of Education. Gary has been steadily working toward a B.A. in Elementary Education, and thanks to his unwavering focus, graduation is close in sight.
Gary says that his decision to pursue a degree in education is rooted in the meaningful encounters he had while working at the YMCA. During his time there, Gary had the opportunity to assist students with schoolwork and build relationships with them. This experience instilled a powerful sense of purpose within him. “Helping after-school students with homework sparked my passion for seeing kids understand and have those ‘aha’ moments,” he says. For Gary, these small yet profound moments are the true rewards of teaching. “I love witnessing the transformation when students grasp a concept that they once found challenging,” he adds.
Driven by his goal of shaping young minds, Gary’s academic journey is marked by enthusiasm and persistence. Like many WGU students, he juggles education and work obligations simultaneously. He says that his favorite part about earning a degree from WGU has been the program’s flexibility and support. “As a working professional, I appreciated being able to study at my own pace, which helped me balance my career, personal life, and education.” He also acknowledges that several faculty members played crucial roles in his academic achievement. “WGU must really love me because I’ve had some of the best Course Instructors! Two of my all-time favorites are Dr. Lee and Ms. Reeves. They went above and beyond to help me succeed, and I’m incredibly grateful for their dedication.”
Gary recalls a time when he was grappling with a particularly challenging course, and his instructor became a source of both encouragement and practical assistance. “I really struggled with the American Politics course, but Dr. Lee made a huge difference. He was so dedicated that he met with me several times a week and even called me on Sunday mornings to check in. His commitment to my success was incredibly motivating.” Gary also gives a shout-out to his Program Mentor, saying, “I can’t say enough about my mentor, Rachelle. She’s the sweetest, most patient person, and she truly understands my passion for teaching. Our weekly or biweekly calls are something I look forward to because she’s always encouraging and supportive.”
As Gary reflects on his educational experience, he highlights WGU’s firm commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion—not just during Black History Month, but every day of the year. “The university creates an environment that supports students from all backgrounds, ensuring everyone feels valued and has the tools needed to succeed.” In addition to academic support, Gary credits Dr. Lee for broadening his perspective and enriching his understanding of pedagogy within a multicultural context. “My experience with WGU has enhanced my appreciation for Black History Month by emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in education. I particularly enjoyed working with Dr. Lee because he connected current events with our coursework, making the material more practical and easier to understand.”
As graduation approaches, Gary sees it not just as an academic achievement but also as a gateway to his future aspirations. By earning a degree, he’s equipping himself with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives, something Gary is deeply devoted to. Graduation also represents a significant milestone for him and his loved ones. “While I haven’t finished my degree yet, I know it will open many doors for me and my family. I’ll be able to provide more financially and accept roles that allow me to better serve and support students.” Although he’s nearing the end of his bachelor’s degree, Gary considers taking his academic pursuits even further. “I can see myself continuing my education to earn a master's degree and eventually become a school administrator.” For Gary, the future is full of possibilities just waiting to be discovered.
