When did you start at UMD?
I started working at UMD in October of 2017.
Why did you choose to work at UMD?
I chose to work at UMD because of my experiences here as a college student. During my time in the early childhood program, I was placed at Children’s Place for a practicum experience. After that, I worked here as a student aide. I always thought it would be an excellent place to work as an early childhood educator! Upon graduating, I spent several years working at a different childcare center before returning to Children’s Place.
What do you like most about your job?
My favorite part about my job is hands down watching the preschoolers learn and grow through play. These years are crucial to their development and later learning. I want to facilitate an environment where the preschoolers feel welcomed, secure, and are free to explore areas that interest them. We have such a great team of early educators here at Children’s Place! It is wonderful to work alongside knowledgeable and passionate people in this field. Children’s Place is kind of tucked away on campus, so please reach out if you have any questions or are curious about what we do. I would love to share our thoughts and practices on early childhood.
Do you have any advice for students?
College can be an extremely challenging and overwhelming part of your life. It’s cliché to say, but reach out to someone if you need help! Know the signs of burnout. Normalize talking about mental health and develop a support system for yourself and those around you. Also, it’s ok if you don’t know what you want to do right away. It took me changing my major 3 times and some time off of school before I found myself in early childhood education.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My most recent hobby is baking. Over the last year and a half, I have really noticed my skills and confidence improve. It’s been a great exercise in patience, learning, and adaptability. Plus my colleagues always enjoy when I bring in fresh baked goods on a Monday. I also like cooking, collecting and reading comic books, hiking all of the nearby trails, movies, and music.