Shankara Troescher

Shankara Troescher is a driven professional, entrepreneur, athlete and proud mom. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of East Texas A&M, she completed an impressive 48 credits in just two terms while balancing a full-time career and motherhood. Her academic journey began with distinction as valedictorian of Beatty High School (Nevada), while also earning valedictorian honors at the Shelley Adult Training Academy for Radiological Control, in Shelley, Idaho.

After building a successful career at the Idaho National Laboratory, Shankara shifted her focus to pursue her passion full-time as the owner and operator of Turtle Tea LLC, a boba drink business she built from the ground up. A lifelong sports enthusiast, she also played three years of full-contact semi-pro football on a men's team, serving as team captain and wide receiver. One of her proudest accomplishments was achieving her goal of walking in the graduation ceremony at East Texas A&M alongside her husband, Jared—a moment that symbolized years of hard work, perseverance and shared dedication.

A Conversation with Shankara

What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending East Texas A&M?

East Texas A&M offers the flexibility and support to help you succeed, even if you’re balancing work, family or other responsibilities. The faculty truly care about your success, and the programs are designed to challenge and empower you.

Describe an obstacle you overcame in the past or are working to overcome to achieve a personal or professional goal.

Completing 48 credits in just two terms while raising a toddler and running a business was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. It required intense time management, discipline and sacrifice—but it taught me that I'm capable of far more than I imagined.

Tell us about an accomplishment you are proud of.

I'm incredibly proud of launching and running my own business, Turtle Tea LLC. It started as a dream and became a reality through hard work, creativity and persistence. Being able to serve my community and build something from scratch has been deeply rewarding.

Education

• B.A.A.S., Human Resource Development, East Texas A&M University, 2025
• Associate Degree, General Studies, Idaho State University, 2022
• Certified Radiological Control Technician

Professional Experience

• Waste Management Specialist, Idaho National Laboratory
• Financial Assistant, Waste Generator Services

Awards and Honors

• Graduated Magna Cum Laude, East Texas A&M University
• Radiological Control Valedictorian
• Valedictorian, Beatty High School, Beatty, Nevada

Current Job

• Owner/Operator, Turtle Tea LLC