My College Journey

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) defines “early childhood” as occurring before the age of eight, and it is during this period that a child goes through the most rapid phase of growth and development. Their brains develop faster than at any other point in their lives, so these years are critical. The foundations for their social skills, self-esteem, perception of the world and moral outlook are established during these years, as well as the development of cognitive skills.

As an Early Childhood Education major I love children and find joy in the small things.

I know getting a degree is a roller coaster. Although, throw the firefighter life into the mix and you’ve got yourself an entire theme-park full of too many options (or sometimes not enough), more stress than necessary, and maybe even a few tears every now and then. It probably sounds impossible to get through college while being in a relationship, but it’s very possible.

In fact I know it can be done, I’m doing it myself.

Here is my take with being an Early Childhood major:

The field of Early Childhood Education (ECE) is evolving and numerous education programs are keeping pace. This willingness and drive to grow, learn, question, adapt, expand and emerge are also important for prospective education students and professionals.

Right now, I am at Lincoln Land Community College. This college does have ECE as a major. So I am getting my general ECE courses out of the way first, then when I move to University I can go to an education school. This college classes for ECE are all over two and a half hours each.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO WHEN DECIDING WHAT ROUTE TO TAKE IS RESEARCH.

Honestly.

My original plan was stay put at the university I was attending until I graduated. As we are dating, I told my boyfriend all the time that I wasn’t going to marry him until I had at least an associate’s degree. I want to have some sort of gain in getting a job before I completely enter the firefighter life. Understandable right?

I am living with him, yes. Although, for some students it can be hard to find time to study. I find this being hard because unless I have help around the house I don’t get time to myself.

So, guess what I did?

RESEARCH!!!

I started looking into the schools in his area. I also started to look into online schools that offered my degree, how creditable each school was, what the degree plan looked like at each school, and whether or not online classes really were a good option for me. I am leaning more towards a Kindergarten teacher because I love teaching the future generations of the world.

As an ECE student it would be easier doing my classes online due to not being able to drive, time management, and overall it would be easier on me. Now I realize it is not a cup of tea, more like a shot of whiskey because online classes can be more intense.

How I figured out Early Childhood Education was right for me

I went for computer science to business to ECE. (Weird, right?) Computer Science your learn more about networking and the ins and outs of a computer, not the actual internet or social media, which is what interested me. Business I’m still open for just depends on my future, it works with my dream of ownership. Now I realize you don’t need a business degree to own a building, I feel it would help with having one.

Now a Journalism degree or an ECE degree I’m really interested in, I have been a blogger since I was 10. I love writing, finding out things, and giving advice. On the other side of the coin, this also goes along with teaching. This degree makes me a professional writer/teacher and I could write for different people and in other areas than just this blog.

ALWAYS ASK ABOUT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

Even if you don’t think you qualify, even if you didn’t fill out a FAFSA, and even if you’re too lazy or shy to walk up to the fiscal services building.

JUST ASK!!!

Simply asking saved me thousands of dollars on tuition this year.

Being in a junior college you might think “why does she need help it’s not too expensive?” true but being with a grant I got exempt, now knowing I am disabled help when I transfer. I didn’t know a lot of things I know now.

Ask the questions—it really can pay off.

DON’T GET DISCOURAGED.

It might not work out perfectly. In fact, it might not work out at all for periods of time. You’ll probably lose a few credits, and you might even lose a lot of credits.

Just keep swimming.

Keep doing your research, keep asking questions, and keep your mind focused on your ultimate education or career goals. With the right amount of determination and perseverance, nothing can ever keep you from earning that degree!

Why you should go for a journalism or an ECE major

Journalism is really fun! You get to write stories or about whatever is happening in your own words.

If you’re like me you’re curious about what happens in the world, have a thirst for knowledge. I constantly ask “why?” in my head, but as a journalist, I get to ask those questions out loud. It takes an inquisitive yet sensitive type of person to get information out of people. If you love to gossip or coaxed your older brother into telling you where your mom hid the Christmas presents as a kid, you’ll likely be a stellar reporter.

With ECE you don't always have to be a teacher, there are so many other opportunities out there! You get to help guide young children through all things.

RECAP:

Look into schools where you’re going and online schools, if you’re willing to go that route.
Find out credibility, what their degree plans look like, and get in touch with a counselor if you think you’ve found a good match.
Don’t just research the place you’re going to next, but also look into the places you might be go to after that if necessary & if you know where your spouse could end up.
Ask questions, especially about financial aid.
Don’t worry if you have to take a semester or two off and don’t stress about a few lost credits. Keep persevering and reach your goals despite the obstacles.