In my very first quarter at North Seattle as a student in Early Childhood Education, I overcame my belief in the “difficult child.” Focusing on changing my relationship with one child, I learned simple steps to connect in authentic and meaningful ways, and to create a relationship of mutual respect and love. The event happened in one evening, when months of power struggles and resentment were washed away, after my changing only my responses during our interactions. You can read about it here.

The impact was so great that, even though I already had my bachelor's degree, I continued through all of North's classes and completed the Associate's of Applied Science degree.

After receiving my master's degree in this field, I am honored to be back at North Seattle Community College, this time teaching the same courses that so deeply changed my relationship with children. I am also thankful for the new accelerated program, which will make North's program more accessible to students looking for a full-time program while minimizing in-class hours.