From Telephone Operator to Professional Educator

“Hello, May I Help You?” That was the voice of Patricia Smith McGee in 1967 as the first black telephone operator in Gadsden/ Etowah County.

Before technology, as we know it today, telephone companies used manual telephone switchboards. It was the duty of the operator to insert a pair of phone plugs into the appropriate jacks to answer calls.

I had attended college for nearly three years and had very strong communication skills. After the unexpected passing of our mother, I dropped out of college but never lost sight of my dream

and goals in life. One day, I decided to complete an application for employment at South Central Bell Telephone  Company on Forrest Avenue in Gadsden.

I was given a proficiency test and hired the following day. My schedule consisted of holidays, split shifts, and weekends. That was fine until I met my husband-to-be, Denson McGee. After we were married, I worked a couple of years and soon enrolled at Jacksonville State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Fortunately and with hard work, I was on my way to becoming the person of my dream. I am an English major with a minor in  Instructional Media. After graduation, I became employed with the Gadsden City School System as a teacher at Dwight Elementary School. Of course, I was out of my field because I did not major in elementary education; however, I was soon transferred to Disque Middle School where I was assigned to teach in my field.  In addition, during my last three years there, I was assigned as the school librarian.

God Is So Good!! Not only was I blessed with a teaching career, but I later earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling. With new programs becoming available at Gadsden  State Community College, I was given the opportunity to serve as a counselor in the Educational Talent Search Program until my retirement. After a few years, I rejoined Gadsden State to perform duties as a part-time advisor.

I thank God for blessing me with a wonderful husband who stood by me, sent me back to school, believed in me, and loved me enough to make sure that I could live my dream and accomplish my goals.

I knew my calling was to assist students and to help them become the very best in life. I enjoyed being a teacher and a counselor.

Let me encourage you!!  If you feel deep down inside that you have more to offer or that you want to make a change in your life, DO NOT BE AFRAID! Always pray and ask GOD TO HELP YOU!

I followed my dream to teach …. and teach I did!

Submitted by!

Patricia Smith McGee, B.S., M.A.

Retired Gadsden State Community College