Earning my degree in Early Childhood Education has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. As an adult student balancing a full-time job, home ownership, and caregiving, going back to school was not an easy decision or one I took lightly, but it was the right one. This degree doesn’t just represent academic achievement for me; it represents every late night I stayed up finishing assignments after work, every moment of doubt I pushed through, and every lesson I learned about children, families, and even myself.

Through Ivy Tech, I didn’t just study theories, I learned to communicate better, reflect more deeply, and adapt in ways I never imagined. And I wasn’t alone. The TEACH scholarship made it possible. Without it, I don’t know how I would have afforded the books, the tuition, or the ability to focus fully on growing in this field. It wasn’t just financial support, it felt like a vote of confidence that said, “You belong here. You can do this.” And that meant a lot to me.

Now, when I look at my diploma, I don’t just see a piece of paper. I see proof that I kept going. That I showed up, not just for myself, but for the children I serve, and for every dream I thought would take too long. This degree has given me not just knowledge, but purpose.

TEACH was the main part of that, and I could not have done it without the assistance.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Find out more about TEACH Early Childhood® Indiana.