THEY went back to school …. so can YOU!
“Birth Through Five Program grads have passion for early education”
Be inspired by the stories of five women who comprise the first graduating class of the Birth Through Five Program at Georgia State University! Their stories are part of this article in the College of Education News. Read the article online through GSU's website, or download the article as a PDF.
An Inspirational Student: DOROTHY OSBORNE
“Lifelong Learner” should be Dorothy Osborne’s official title in the field of early care and education. She encourages others to follow in her path to the CDA, which she started walking in June 2009. “I was ready to take my first class,” says Dorothy, “but I had never taken classes online. I had never even been on a computer. A librarian took time to show me how to turn it on and go to the website. What a shocking story, but it’s for real!”
Dorothy started taking one class at a time, then two classes, then three. “I went to the library for three hours a day, five days a week. The more I got on the computer, the more I wanted to do.” The end result will be Dorothy’s achievement of the CDA (Child Development Associate) credential; she is presently waiting for her observation to be scheduled.
But the story begins even before that first experience with a computer. “I am 46 years old, married and we have two sons,” says Dorothy. “I’m a teacher assistant in a pre-K class at a day care center where I’ve worked for more than 12 years. It has been a pleasure teaching 4-year-olds and getting them ready for the upcoming kindergarten year.”
Dorothy credits her lead teacher with teaching her many things about children and how to run a good classroom. “Teamwork is an important part of education. The lead teacher and I always support each other in everything we do,” says Dorothy. “Support also came from my wonderful husband, co-workers, family and friends.”
Even though Dorothy was motivated to achieve her CDA, she had the same issue that many people do – how would she pay for the coursework and the assessment fee? The first problem was solved when Dorothy wrote to the Christmas Wish program of the Columbus Ledger-Inquirer and her wish to have the money to attend CDA classes was granted! After finishing her course, she applied to the Bright from the Start SCHOLARSHIPS program for the assessment fee scholarship and the dream was closer to reality. She is also a pre-applicant for the FIRST program and hopes to achieve her CDA credential within the program deadline so she can receive the FIRST award.
“I am proud of myself for completing 92 classes and 92 tests. I started my class in June and finished in December, 2009. I did it! I can’t wait to take the refresher CDA classes three years from now!” Dorothy continues her education by reading child development books and attending Best Practice Trainings. She is truly a lifelong learner.
“I want to encourage everyone to take the CDA course,” says Dorothy. “You will learn a lot about the development of the children. The more you learn, the more you can teach the children. You will never stop learning while working in this field. There is always more to be learned!”
- Dorothy Osborne, Muscogee County SCHOLARSHIPS recipient
“I want to thank you all again for the support and financial help that you provide. It is making it possible for me to complete my dream. My daughters both graduated from college; I saved and worked hard so they could, and they both worked during the time they attended college. Now I am improving myself and gaining knowledge that will only make my job performance better and therefore the children will benefit.”
- Habersham County SCHOLARSHIPS recipient & Dean’s List student
“I would like to personally thank you for giving me a chance to obtain a scholarship, allowing me the opportunity to complete 120 hours of Child Development Associate training. I have truly learned from both instructors and I thank you for all of your support.”
- Richmond County SCHOLARSHIPS recipient
“It was a pleasure speaking with you over the phone, you always make things run smoother for me. Summer classes have started and I think the class I am taking will be a good one. I am sending you the documents you requested and a picture of me and my family – from a proud SCHOLARSHIPS recipient!”
- Fulton County SCHOLARSHIPS recipient
“I enjoyed the experience. Thanks for making the opportunity available. I am now a well-equipped Child Development Associate.”
- DeKalb County SCHOLARSHIPS recipient
An Outstanding Student: TAMARA CALLAWAY
“It is truly an honor to be selected as a nominee for the Georgia Occupational Award Leadership Competition.
For a number of years I’ve been a paraprofessional with the Baldwin County Preschool and Head Start Program. There was no advancement in my job unless I received a degree. I never considered college; honestly, I didn’t have the self confidence. How could I work full time, take care of my family and attend college?
“I was pleased to find out that the local technical college offered flexible scheduling of classes that would allow me to meet my job and family responsibilities. I enrolled and have been taking a course or two each quarter for the past two years.
“Vincent Van Gogh said, “If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint’ then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.” I never thought I could make it in college. Now, I know – I can. That voice saying “you can’t” is silent. Technical college was the right choice for me.”
- Tamara Callaway, Baldwin County SCHOLARSHIPS recipient and Nominee, Central Georgia Technical College 2007 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL)
“Dunwoody Prep wishes to applaud and thank Jane Brown (SCHOLARSHIPS and INCENTIVES Operations Manager) for helping us navigate the complex web of scholarships and programs available for CDA s, CDA renewals, and college courses that lead to Early Childhood Degrees.”
- Dunwoody Prep pre-school and nursery, Atlanta, GA
|
