“I earned two accounting certificates at El Centro, then transferred to UTA.

“I learned helping skills in El Centro’s Upward Bound program, where I worked directly with counselors helping students to be a success in college. The process was interesting, and the Upward Bound program was a way for me to give back to others in need, enabling them to fulfill their hopes and dreams of being successful at El Centro. I really enjoyed helping others to help themselves. It was a magical thing for me to know all of the social services to help a person in need who didn’t know where to turn for help.
 
“Today, I am a financial analyst with Primerica Financial Services, a large conglomerate company. My education in accounting assists me in helping others develop a budget for themselves so they can be successful managing their money.
 
“I also have a private practice in counseling and social work and provide counseling services on a volunteer basis to my church and the community at large in the metroplex.
 
“El Centro supplied me with the foundation to assist me in being successful in the delivery of services to all social and economic populations. My philosophy is to learn something new every day from anyone — even a small child.

“I value the expertise that is shared with me by all. My goal is to help empower others to be self-sufficient and maintain a quality of life that they want and deserve. I want to make a difference in people's lives.”
 
Linda Boyd is a psychotherapist and licensed professional counselor (LPC), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), financial analyst and life coach. Besides earning two accounting certificates at El Centro, she earned a bachelor's degree in sociology with an emphasis in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Master of Education degree in counseling and guidance from Texas Woman's University.

DCCCD's Upward Bound program develops the academic and motivational potential of students in grades nine through 11 to prepare them for college success.