Meet Jonetta

When Johnetta graduated from Ohio State University in June of ‘62 she was excited to begin her teaching career with Columbus Public Schools, but there was one problem; she would need a car to get there.

Her sister Barbara, whose husband was also a Columbus Public teacher, suggested the Columbus Teachers’ Credit Union (now Education First).

“Herb Williams, the founder of [Education First], came to my rescue,” says Johnetta.

The Credit Union granted Johnetta her very first loan at the age of 21, allowing her to drive to her first teaching position at Roosevelt Junior High School in her dream car, a 1959 Thunderbird.

Now Johnetta’s next hurdle was to get her driver’s license.

“Because of Herb’s trust, I learned to drive that summer in my high-powered T-Bird,” says Johnetta. “I made my first payment with my very first paycheck at the end of September! Now, what bank would have approved that in those days?”

Johnetta says from the moment she joined the credit union, she felt comfortable.

“It was like dealing with family, not a cold business-first institution. They cared!” says Johnetta.

Three years later, Johnetta married Bill Collins, who also joined the Credit Union. The Collins ‘family membership grew when they added a daughter, Leigh Ann.

“Fifty-seven years and many credit union services later (car loans, mortgage loans, business loans, and great savings opportunities), we are still happy, faithful, family members of Education First Credit Union,” says Johnetta.