early educator.

I was going to be an actress.

I still might one day…who knows?

Actually, I was going to be a singer-turned-actress, because for some reason you seem to have less credibility if you’re an actor-turned singer.

I digress.

I started my higher education journey taking fine arts/humanities courses at a local community college.

I was going to transfer my credits to a four-year institution, graduate, then move to New York, get discovered and be an amazing singer-turned actress for you to adore.

This is what I thought my entire adolescence and teenage years.

You can still adore me, but not for the above qualities!

I actually had an off/on pattern of going to college.

…changed my mind a few times on the major.

Eventually focused on being great and fueling my energy into my work. That was the mindset.

My mother was a teacher my whole life and a couple of my friends took jobs at local preschools.

I decided to try the preschool teacher route for awhile.

I worked at family child care home, child care centers, church preschools (all were different quality levels from high to low, various star ratings from 1-5 for the state of North Carolina).

At the start, I was not particularly good at being a preschool teacher assistant.

I feel asleep in an infant room one day when I was 18.

I was not alone, but WHY?

Probably a wild weekend or night before.

Awful.

It’s hard to believe that person is now giving advice on how to be a stellar educator.

I know what both bad and good likes like for sure.

As I progressed, I honed my skills and became better.

Later on, I had the opportunity to work for a company from a referral by someone at my church.

I knew the director as well from church, but I interviewed with the assistant director so that I could get the job on my own merit.

The director became my mentor over the years and helped me understand the true professionalism, value, and impact in our field.

I loved crafting lessons and the excitement of children’s discovery in learning.

This feeling (teaching) became like a drug.

I wanted to learn more and find new ways to meet children where they were in their educational journey.

I have an arts background, so I started utilizing my dramatic side in the classroom and bringing lessons, literature and the learning experience to LIFE!

I was nominated and won TEACHER OF THE YEAR for my company in 2010.

This led to the ability to mentor other teachers, become an Administrative Assistant, an Assistant Principal, a Curriculum Coordinator, and a Principal.

Who knew I would do this?

Love this?

Feel so passionate about this?

I did not know that a little Summer gig would turn into something I love so dearly, and that is the joy of educating young children.

~FIN~