From Uncertain Start to Classroom Star: Florida A&M University Grad Finds Her Calling in Teaching (253 hits)
When Orlando, Florida native Errion Robinson first imagined her future, she never expected to end up here, graduating magna cum laude from Florida A&M University with a degree in elementary education and preparing to lead her own classroom back home.
Her path to this milestone wasn’t straightforward, but it was shaped by discovery and a deep-rooted passion for teaching.
“I used to play school with my cousins when we were younger,” Robinson said. “I’d print out worksheets and teach them like I had a real class. Looking back, I think that’s when the seed was planted.”
Despite that early passion, her journey took a few unexpected turns.
After high school, she initially enrolled in a medical assistant program but quickly realized it was not for her. Within a few days, she bravely decided to withdraw and take the time to figure out her true calling.
In 2022, Robinson enrolled at Tallahassee Community College and earned her associate’s degree before transferring to FAMU in fall 2023.
Although she was originally set to graduate in Fall 2025, her drive and determination allowed her to finish a semester early. Now, she is graduating with honors on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025.
“There was a time when everything felt like it was falling apart,” she recalled. “I was dealing with financial uncertainty, housing issues, and even got into a car accident. It felt like everything hit me at once.”
Financial uncertainty became a major obstacle when Robinson learned of an unexpected tuition balance and was not sure how she would cover it.
“They told me I owed $4,000 and I just didn’t have it,” she said. “I remember thinking, how am I supposed to keep going?”
But she did. Through determination and the Office of Financial Aid’s support, Robinson applied for waivers, covered fees out of pocket when she could, and leaned on her community to help her stay on track. At the same time, she took on small jobs and stayed focused on the finish line. Her teaching clinicals also boosted her spirits.
“Being in the classroom reminded me why I started this journey,” she shared. “Whenever I was discouraged, I’d work with my students and feel that connection again. That’s what kept me grounded.”
Robinson credits her professors and mentors in the College of Education for guiding her academically and emotionally through her toughest seasons.
“They poured into me in ways I’ll never forget,” she said. “They encouraged me to keep going even when I wasn’t sure I could.”
Robinson plans to begin her teaching career in the Orange County Public School system and is prepared to make a difference where it all started, whether having a classroom of her own or substitute teaching.
Aside from school, she is also an entrepreneur. Robinson runs a small dessert business offering homemade cookies and sweet treats that have grown in popularity.
“It started as a side hustle,” she said. “But now it’s something I really enjoy and want to grow alongside my teaching career.”
Looking ahead, Robinson hopes to pursue a master’s degree in educational leadership.
But in the meantime, she is focused on embracing this moment and giving herself space to rest and reflect on how far she has come.
“I’m proud of this version of me,” she said. “At one point, I didn’t think I’d make it to graduation. But I’m here, and I’m ready to pour into the next generation.”
Robinson’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and quiet strength. It’s a reminder that the journey may not always go as planned, but with faith and hard work, the destination is always worth it.
