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West Volusia has done it again! Jante Medlock is a true example of hometown service and success.
Medlock was born into a large family whose parents, Janice Burch-Medlock and Lutrell Medlock, taught her the importance of family, pursuing higher education and expressing her love of God, and, ultimately brought her back to West Volusia after she earned two degrees.
As a teenager in Volusia County schools, Medlock learned of the mentoring program Delta GEMS (Growing & Empowering Myself Successfully), provided by the DeLand Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
“Delta GEMS afforded me lifelong sisters, friendships, mentors, many opportunities, and a chance to give back to my community,” Medlock said.
She spent four years as a mentee while engaging in her community and learning life skills. During these years, she remained very active in her church and high school, as well.
Medlock decided to take the principles she learned from her community and pursue a degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU).
Upon entering FAMU’s doors, she began her journey as an undeclared major, and later gained an interest in social work after meeting two social workers at an event.
“Prior to this incident, I was only familiar with social workers being the people that work for a local agency that removed children from their families if abused and neglected. But the social workers and I had great dialogue, and I knew that this was not a coincidence. It was a part of the divine plan God had for my life. This led to the decision I made in the fall of 2016 to declare social work as my major, once I returned for my sophomore year,” Medlock shared.
After deciding that she wanted to pursue a master’s degree in clinical social work, Medlock applied to Florida State University while she was still living in Tallahassee.
Although she was not accepted into the program at the time, she did not become discouraged and continued to pursue her passion to help others. She reapplied in 2017 and was accepted. She graduated on Aug. 2, 2019.
Most recently, Medlock accepted a full-time position at AdventHealth after interning as a medical social worker. She is a proud Deltona resident, who takes great pride in giving back to her community. Another great reason to be proud!
— Cameron, a longtime educator, lives in Orange City. Send email to cameronchronicleslive@gmail.com.
