Growing up in a rural town in North Carolina, I realized at an early age the responsibilities of growing up really meant. At the age of 12, I was the oldest of the family. My mother as a single parent raising three children and holding down a career was taking its toll. I assumed the duties of motherhood when my mom was working. Raising my little sister and infant brother was no easy task, but as time passed I was getting the “hang of it”! At times I felt alone in my fear of not doing things right, but I knew that they depended on me as much as my mom depended on me.  I enjoyed and learned from the experience, and the rewards of accomplishments that went with it.

        When I finished high school, I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take. I had in mind all sorts of ideas and career goals of making lots of money and being successful. In my heart though, my love and guidance of raising my siblings pointed me in the right direction on what I wanted to do.                                              

            I enrolled in college to pursue my degree in early childhood development. Learning in class and having the years of practical experience furthered my goal and landed my first paying job as a student aid with Bergen Community College, Child Development Center. I love helping and teaching the children to learn and cope with the everyday development, and having love and respect for one another. In time, I also developed my own skills in teaching, and in short time I became an assistant teacher, and then finally a Group teacher.      

            I am very happy of the accomplishments I have made, and happy to have a class of my very own. It is very important to enjoy what you do, and know that what you are doing is making an important difference in the future of Childs life. This is why I love and wanted to be a Teacher.

Shylah Hermann

Group Teacher

Child Development Center, BCC