Honoring Family and Finding a Calling

Chanel Reid (M.A. '24) was raised by a grandmother born in 1927 and parents born in the 1950s — three generations living under one roof — and became accustomed at a young age to caring for older family members.

Through her grandmother’s stay in hospice care and ultimate passing, Reid came to understand that many people could use help learning about and understanding the medical care and end-of-life plan services that are available for the elderly. This experience and her upbringing informed what became her ultimate career goal of becoming an elderly health advocate.

While working in various corporate and administrative roles, Reid set her sights on pursuing an advanced degree through Georgia State University’s Gerontology Institute to help prepare her for a career providing this kind of assistance. Despite her career goals, she was hesitant to commit to returning to school because of financial concerns.

Thanks to the support of donor-funded scholarships and awards at Georgia State, however, Reid was able to get the costs of her schooling fully covered and earn a master’s degree in gerontology.

Beyond giving her the chance to acquire the skills and credentials for professional success, donor support opened several unexpected doors for Reid. Freed from having to earn additional income to cover her school expenses, she had the capacity to serve as a researcher on mental health and suicidal ideation in older adults and attend the 2023 American Association of Suicidology conference to meet with prominent mental health advocates. Reid was also able to take part in a study abroad opportunity where she worked as a teaching assistant in Costa Rica and developed a presentation on social policies and global aging.

“The gerontology master’s degree program was perfect for me. It was fundamental to my career,” said Reid. “The program allowed me to learn from distinguished S.T.E.A.M. faculty and attend conferences. I’ve gone from being able to attend these conferences to presenting at them.”

In discussing her academic and career journey, Reid believes family is at the heart of everything.

“It’s been there my whole life,” said Reid about her love for the elders in her life and dedication to helping others. “My grandparents played an integral part in pushing me to get my education and having a career. After I lost my grandmother, I started the gerontology graduate degree program to be able to honor her with this work.”

Reid is currently a Community Crisis Services hotline specialist, supporting those experiencing mental health crises, strengthening crisis line teams and working to expand mental health resources. As a Georgia State alum, she seeks to remain involved with the university and continue the cycle of generosity that was pivotal for her education and career.

“I see donorship as what you can do to give back. Someone paved the way for me, and I want to be able to learn to do that for someone else.”

Lean about some of the many ways Georgia State donors are uplifting Panthers at giving.gsu.edu.