Margaret Maynor, Curriculum and Instruction
Graduation marks achievement of 40-year dream for Maynor
This week Margaret Maynor achieves a dream she has had since 1983 — walking across the stage as an East Carolina University graduate.
Directly after high school, Maynor attended ECU with the goal of receiving a physical therapy degree but was only able to complete one year due to financial hardship. She was able to begin attending the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and received her sociology degree and licensure to teach birth through kindergarten.
“The reason I chose early childhood education is because I just love children,” she said. “I decided that if I wanted to teach any other grade, I could go back and get that licensure. But when I started with pre-K, I stayed there and didn’t go any further.”
Maynor graduates this Friday with her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and feels that it is a full circle moment for her.
“I had always wanted to go back to ECU because that’s where I started,” she said. “That’s where my parents, as a first-generation college student, took me to school and dropped me off. It was a special moment then. Both my parents are deceased now and the fact of knowing that I will finally be finishing at ECU — that’s something they were very proud of for me. I wanted to honor them in finishing my degree.”
Maynor’s passion for learning has been an integral part of her life since she was a child.
STATISTICS
Name: Margaret Maynor
Major: Curriculum and Instruction
Classification/Year: Second-year graduate student
Hometown: Shannon, NC
Hobbies/interests: singing, reading, shopping and spending time with family, especially my grandbabies.
Clubs and Organizations: Hoke County Women on a Misson, J.O.Y. Christian Ministry, NAEYC
FAVORITES
Favorite places on campus: Student Center and Jones Residence Hall
Favorite class: HDFS 6991 (Because it’s my last)
Professor who influenced you the most: Dr. Archana Hegde
MOTIVATIONS
Dream job: Motivational Speaker
Role model: My sister Nancy Locklear
What advice do you have for other students? Never stop learning, even beyond graduation you can still learn.
“I love reading and that’s how I did a lot of my learning was through reading,” she said. “I would be hiding in the closet reading a book when my mom was looking for me.”
For 25 years, Maynor taught in the classroom and has been a mentor and evaluator for nine years for aspiring birth-kindergarten teachers at ECU. Her work in the early educator support office led to her pursuing her master’s degree with the encouragement of Dr. Archana Hegde, Angela Jahr and Jennifer Whited.
“Dr. Hegde has been very great with everything and encouraging us,” she said. “I remember the first day she talked with us when we were having a meeting, and she encouraged us to go to grad school. I was so afraid then, but I felt she kind of pushed me as hard as she could to the edge of the cliff, and she told me to fly. I really appreciate that so much, and it’s been a life-changing opportunity for me.”
Her close connection with her colleagues allowed her to share her Lumbee heritage with them through an annual retreat where they visited UNC Pembroke and the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center and met with several Lumbee ambassadors.
Maynor also embodies the ECU motto of Servire in her community and beyond. She, along with her husband, has participated in several mission trips throughout the United States. A few years ago, she was able to visit the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota during a mission trip and is excited to potentially go back this summer during a trip celebrating her graduation and milestone birthday. She and her husband plan to travel out west visiting reservations and landmarks in North Dakota, Wyoming, Oklahoma and more.
Reflecting on her experience, Maynor advised others to never give up even when the stress of life pulls you down.
“Don’t let the cares of the world and everything that you have to deal with every day stop you from achieving your dreams.”