When coming to campus in September, I really wanted one specific job, and that was to work at the Children's Center on campus. I called their director at the beginning of summer practically begging for a job....only to find out that they weren't hiring. This was rough for me, but I found work elsewhere for the time being. Fall was a struggle for me, especially when walking past the playground on my way to class, hearing the adorable squeals of little ones. I gazed at them, practically in awe of their cuteness. In October, I got a sudden urge to immediately apply at the Children's Center. I heard nothing back, so I applied again in the beginning of November....and again at the end of November. I felt slightly hopeless and began telling myself that they only hire sophomores, or that they only hire people who have worked at a center before, or maybe they only hire people with brown hair. I felt dispirited and slightly depressed, until I checked my email about a week later. I got an interview and couldn't have been happier! Long story short (too late), I got the job!

(http://childcarecenter.us/provider_detail/uw_white...)

I work in the Robin (Toddler) Room and the Hummingbird (Infant) Room which is seriously the best! Their smiling faces (which are often times very dramatically bawling into their guardian's arms as their guardian was trying to sneak away) are the best. Things can be extremely hectic, but overall, working with children gives me such joy and energy, which only makes me more excited for my future as I am an elementary education major.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays I opened in the Robin Room at 7:15am (yes, it was painful for the first few weeks, but the children made it all worth while), and on Wednesdays I worked in the Hummingbird Room from 10:30am-12:30pm. Both of these shifts were prime times for diaper changes, walks around campus, or veg-out sessions in the classroom, which include: reading stories (Pete the Cat and Llama Llama are fan-favorites), building "little boats next to my castle" (says one adorable child from the Robin Room when they're being extra creative while building) with legos, constantly drinking from their labeled water bottles (that they can't yet read, so it's basically a guessing game for the children and/or a dishwashing session for the TA), "driving" (pushing) toy trucks on the duct tape road, fighting over a seat at the play-kitchen table, and so much more.

"Miss Celie, Cedee, Cee-e, Cewee, etc."

I've worked at the Children's Center for going on 5 months now and have learned so much about communication, teamwork, and just children in general. Although this semester is coming to an end and I am getting close to saying goodbye to all of my little trouble maker's adorable little faces, I am so beyond thrilled to return to the Children's Center next semester. This job has prepared me so much for my future working with elementary-aged children and I couldn't be anymore excited.