Akellah Jordan Discovers Hidden Treasure, Pursues Career as Early Childhood Education Teacher
When her youngest child entered elementary school, Akellah Jordan felt something she never had before.
As she helped her daughter with homework assignments, she realized helping her with school was something she enjoyed. And the joy it brought to see her daughter’s excitement to come home with a good grade caused her to rethink her career. Was she really doing what she loved?
Jordan is employed with the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier, and while she enjoys her job, helping her daughter inspired her to think bigger.
“I knew if I could help her, I could also help many others,” Jordan shared. “I find it a great honor to help make a difference in the lives of students.”
It was then Jordan decided she would return to school to pursue her new dream – Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).
A New Dream
Familiar with Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC), Jordan enrolled in their ECCE program since they conveniently offered evening classes that were flexible with her work and family’s schedule.
“OFTC was a good choice for me because I wanted to continue my education from an institution close to home,” she said. “I also knew several individuals who graduated from OFTC with their degree and were quickly employed afterwards as teachers.”
After enrolling in classes, Jordan knew she made the right decision.
“My experience at OFTC has been wonderful,” she said. “The campus is amazing, and the staff really show concern for helping you succeed.”
With every class she takes, Jordan feels more confident in her training and abilities to pursue her dream of working at a daycare or pre-k center and eventually owning her own daycare.
“I’m confident that I am being prepared for a successful career in early childhood care and education,” she shared. “My advisors are very knowledgeable and are always providing helpful resources to help me advance my learning.”
“And the hands-on learning opportunities have been very helpful,” she added. “These experiences give me the opportunity to learn about the course by actually doing the things we learn and have given me a chance to see what type of work I’ll actually be doing once I graduate from OFTC.”
A Hidden treasure
A few years ago, Jordan never would have imagined she’d be in school pursuing her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education. But thanks to her daughter’s belief that ‘mommy can help,’ Jordan discovered a hidden treasure.
“I love being around small children and watching them grow,” she said. “Once I realized how rewarding it is to help students become the best version of themselves, I knew this is something I needed to do. I want to set a good example and be a role model who has a positive influence on students.”
Taking a few classes at a time, Jordan knows her hard work will pay off and she’s excited about her future.
“OFTC is a great college to continue your education,” she added. “It has given me the best opportunity I could ever ask for. The education and experience I’ve gained at OFTC has allowed me to further my education and has helped me tremendously as I prepare to live out my dream.”
To learn more about OFTC’s ECCE program, or the other 130+ programs of study, visit OFTC.edu.
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