The Rhian Evans Allvin and Joshua J. Allen Scholarship 2018 was presented to Martha Esmeralda Carrillo at AzAEYC’s Annual Meeting on September 29, 2018. Esmeralda is currently working to complete an Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Early Childhood Education at Paradise Valley Community College. She is also mom to Cecilia, who is 5 years old.
We asked Esmeralda about why she chose this course of study, her work in the field, and to share a few words of inspiration as she works toward her AAS degree.
Why choose Early Childhood Education?
The main reason why I made this choice is because of the experience I had taking my child to a preschool center, her developmental delays, and the passion I have in help and advocating for children and families.
I also strongly believe in early intervention for children and education families on the important of a good quality early childhood education.
What is your current role in the field?
Right now, I work with an 18 months – 2 year-olds classroom. I am also an advocate for the children in my care. I provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children, and provide age-appropriate materials and curriculum.
What do you find most rewarding about doing this work?
When parents tell me that they feel happy and comfortable leaving their child in my care. When I am confident that I am arranging the environment to fit the children’s needs. When the children meet an expectation or goal that we set for them. These experiences have been truly rewarding! Advocating for the children in my care and finding them the support they need has been a wonderful opportunity. We are helping parents to understand the importance of an early childhood education, and they know their children feel safe and cared for.
What does this award mean to you, and how will it impact your future?
Being chosen for the Rhian Evans Allvin and Joshua J. Allen Scholarship is an honor. The National Association for the Education of Young Children is a great organization with a mission and value statement that I believe in and that I incorporate into my practice everyday. Recognition by AzAEYC, our state affiliate, shows that I am doing what is right for children. Receiving this scholarship is a bright spot for my future- it will help by paying for things that I need to continue on my personal mission of furthering my education in the field of Early Childhood Education and to help pay for professional development seminars.
Any inspiring words for others in our profession?
Don’t give up and don’t give in, remember that these children need you, you got this! I tell myself this from time to time, even though there are many satisfying and rewarding aspects to this career, it can also be challenging at times. It can be easy to give up or give in, but you will know deep down that there is more that can be done.
We need to be advocating for children and their rights. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help! We are all in this together, we are a community of Early Childhood Educators and we are here to support each other.
The Rhian Evans Allvin and Joshua J. Allen Scholarship awards $1,000 to one student attending an accredited Arizona public university or college and majoring in early childhood education (or a closely related field) with an interest in quality early childhood, early childhood public policy, and advocacy efforts on behalf of young children and families.
