By Brittney Mangum
Reporter
“You are in control of your own destiny. The actions and things you do today affect your tomorrow,” advised Latrice Daniels. “It’s good to try and make wise decisions. Even if you’re in a position you feel is unfavorable to you, just stick it out because at the end of the day, you have the opportunity to write your own story. You are the author of your own story, so anytime things don’t go right for you, you can always rewrite your story.”
Latrice Daniels has definitely written her own story and tries to make sure that it involves serving others and making a positive impact on those around her. Her career allows her to help those who need it most, and she chose to enter the counseling field based on her own experience growing up.
“I grew up in a poverty stricken area, but I wasn’t really faced with poverty in my own home. Friends that I had, people I rode the bus with, and people around the community all dealt with poverty. It was amazing to me as a young kid to be in certain spots in the community, and kids knew me by my name,” Latrice reminisced. “With that, I learned that you never know who’s watching you and who needs that guidance. I started out just wanting to give back to my community, but I’ve moved past that and helping kids in the schools as well. Things have changed, and my main goal is just helping kids. I don’t care what neighborhood they come from. I definitely want to make an impact on everybody’s life that I come in contact with. That is the important thing for me.”
Over the years, she has transitioned from solely working in mental health to working in the school system where she can reach more kids.
“I entered the counseling field itself in 1999, and I came aboard as a school counselor in 2008. I worked at Wayne County, then Laurel, and now I’m at Quitman. Starting out in 1999, I worked for an area agency in mental health,” explained Latrice. “In the school setting, I could reach more kids than just kids who were dealing with mental health issues. I could reach kids who just need a mentor in their lives, someone who could push them to be who they feel they need to be. I was able to step into the school system, make a difference in kids’ lives, and offer myself to them so that they may have opportunities that they may not have had otherwise. I’m in a position where I can guide them on career goals. On the social and emotional aspects, I can help the kids to a higher degree than most school counselors because I’m fluent in it. I’ve just had a lot of experience in different areas.”
She loves her job at Quitman and has been able to experience something completely new this year.
“I’ve enjoyed my time as a school counselor. It has been rewarding to be here at Quitman. The kids are good and just need a little extra support,” proclaimed Latrice. “The role I’m in now is a little different than any role I’ve been in as a school counselor before. This is my first year as a junior senior counselor. I’m responsible for a little more than I have been in the past, but I still love my position. It’s geared more towards making sure kids are finishing here at Quitman High School with the requirements that are set by the Mississippi State Department of Education to be able to move on to the next level—whether that be to move on to a job, move on to the military, or move on to a higher level of education.”
She loves to see the students succeed, and she is able to witness what she believes to be her greatest award each day she comes to work.
“I’ve received Employee of the Month in the school setting, but honestly, my main reward is just seeing kids succeed,” declared Latrice. “Just seeing kids be empowered to create and accomplish dreams and goals is worth more than any plaque or certificate that could ever be given to me.”
Although she has a busy schedule working hard at the school each day, Latrice has also taken on another major responsibility: she works part-time for a business she owns in Laurel.
“I continue to do mental health part time. Now, I’m not working for an agency. I own Unique Visions Counseling Services of Laurel. I’m a licensed LPC, so I have my own private practice,” expressed Latrice. “I started my practice in January of 2021. The good thing is I have the school schedule, so I have some time. I do weekends to make it convenient for people who work.”
With her busy schedule, it can be difficult for her to have any free time; however, when she is able to find some, there are things she loves to do. She especially loves to be able to spend as much time as possible making memories with her family.
“I’m the proud mother of two girls. I enjoy shopping. I like travelling. I enjoy spending time with my family. I enjoy talking to others and taking care of others,” informed Latrice. “My favorite memory is just going out of town to spend time with my family because we don’t really have much time where everyone is able to take off work at the same time and just spend time with one another. Anytime I can do that, that is what I want to be doing. I can give so much to the kids while I’m at my job, and I’m going to do that 100 percent. At the same time, sometimes I have to break down and just be Mom. I like that part of my life as well.”
When she thinks about the future, she still has a focus on helping those around her as much as she can. She has already made her goals for after she retires.
“When I retire one day, I plan to be able to serve a little more outside in the community doing some volunteer work. I want to develop a couple more outside programs that will help youth be more successful,” stated Latrice. “I have some goals that I can’t disclose right now, but they are going to happen for me and will be able to help other people.”
Anyone who has been around Latrice can sense the love and compassion she has for those around her. She has a servant’s heart and will continue to serve and inspire others as much as she can each day.
If you would like to nominate someone for Person of the Week, contact Brittney Mangum at 601-776-3726
