I have been on this journey for many years. In the Spring of 2014, I graduated with an associate’s degree in early childhood and began working as an early childhood professional at the preschool my son attended. Then, as a single parent with a young child, my dreams of furthering my education and pursuing a bachelor’s seemed impossible. I faced financial hardships and worked to support my family. With all that I endured, my aspiration to pursue a bachelor’s degree never wavered. I fully believe that a delayed dream is not a denied dream.

In the Spring of 2022, my director informed me about an opportunity to pursue additional professional development through the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship program. I knew this opportunity would be time-consuming; however, it was worth the investment. It has been ten years since I completed my associate’s degree. I now obtain, with gratitude, my bachelor’s degree thanks to the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship program. The pursuit of this educational journey began in the Fall of 2022 with diligence and determination. My goal is to learn and grow in the early childhood profession because it is the foundation for all future learning for young children, preparing them to be well-functioning adults. The knowledge and experience I gained from the benefits of this scholarship program have prepared me to provide high-quality care as an early childhood professional. I am grateful for this opportunity. I recommend professional development for anyone interested in pursuing the early childhood profession. The benefits of the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship program are far beyond better pay, it’s the possibility to nurture and develop a future society.

Find out more about T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Indiana.