The Winding Road

Posted on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019

“I was born and raised in Pembroke, ON and attended Fellowes High School. When I graduated from Fellowes I made the decision to work full-time instead of considering college. After years of working various jobs, I realized I have a passion to educate young minds and shortly after I discovered the Early Childhood Education program at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus” says Amber Campbell, a recent graduate of the Early Childhood Education program.

Amber didn’t have any issues finding employment. She actually secured a full-time job at Wise Owl Day Care Centre in Pembroke before she graduated from her program a couple of weeks ago and she attributes this to the program. Amber shares, “this program has shown me the resources I need to be successful in my chosen profession. I have personally grown from my experience with the knowledge and skills provided throughout my two-year journey. The professors are approachable when it comes to questions and comments related to my program. I enjoyed the hands-on experience through my placements because everything we were taught was fresh in our minds making it a smoother transition into the field.”

Amber also attributes her experience in the Creativity Lab, an Applied Research initiative that provides students with first-hand knowledge through demonstration and observation and provides free creative play sessions for young children, with her transition. “The Creativity Lab in my first semester of year one was beneficial because I was able to get an idea of my comfort level and my abilities at the time. That helped me reflect on my skills and create goals to achieve before I graduate.”

When asked why she chose the ECE program, Amber shares, “I was working in the classroom as an art and jewelry instructor at Michaels Arts and Crafts. I would be in charge of implementing kids club, which is a morning art class on Saturdays and on holidays. I enjoyed the interactions with the children and their families, building positive relationships and having regulars who enjoyed the welcoming environment. I decided to stroll through college websites after a year of working and discovered the Early Childhood Education program at Algonquin.”

This is only the start of Amber’s educational journey, “I want to build my experience in the field and go to University to gain entrance into Teacher’s College. I have an aspiration to be an elementary school teacher. While I wait to start University I have been interested in taking a French course to become bilingual and an American Sign Language course. I have experienced the highs and the lows of college, but it was all a part of the worthwhile opportunity that has made an impact on my future endeavours.”

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