How would you describe your Northwestern experience?

It was both life- and career-changing. I’ve been in early childhood education for over a decade but had no degree in the field, though I already completed a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in educational administration. The lack of an early childhood degree was suppressing my opportunities. I was first drawn to the Northwestern program because of the comprehensive courses it offered and the reasonable cost that could be covered by my Iowa AEYC TEACH Scholarship. Northwestern’s program overflows with courses centered around relevant research in the early childhood field, and it’s practical for implementing the knowledge in the classroom. The program helped me become a master at assessing each child’s learning and development to inform my teaching and to prepare children for entering school.

How have you grown professionally and/or personally as a result of your Northwestern classes and relationships?

An unexpected element of this program is how it changed my relationships with children, families—and even my own family. Part of the Northwestern experience is the study of oneself and why your work is an important part of God’s plan. My professors guided me to find these answers. An example of this occurred recently in the classroom. One of my volunteers, who had over 20 years of experience in well-respected early childhood programs, stood in awe as I was able to remain calm and patient when a child spun out of control and hit me in the face. I told her I was able to do that with the teaching I received from Northwestern and the purpose the program helped me see in my life. This child needed me to help guide him to a better way of expressing himself and solving problems. Northwestern helped mold my mind, skills and—most importantly—my heart.

What impact has your Northwestern education had on your career, and what impact do you expect it to have going forward?

In 2018 when I started my journey with Northwestern College, I also founded the Trepson Foundation to help bring more quality childcare to Storm Lake. I set out to transition my childcare services from my home to an actual licensed center. It was a roller coaster of ups and downs, but our first childcare/preschool center was finally opened the same month, December 2020, that I received my early childhood degree from Northwestern. This was no coincidence. God had a plan to prepare me for my purpose. I am very grateful.