Student Voices - Undergraduate
Alexis Bates
Child Development and Family Studies
Class of 2008
Fayetteville, North Carolina
My background
My little sister is currently in kindergarten. Participating in her life since the day she was born and watching her grow into an amazing young person instilled in me a passion for child development and education. For the most part, I always knew I wanted to work with children because of my siblings’ influence.
Why I chose the UNC School of Education
Pre-kindergarten/kindergarten is the time in a child’s life when he or she will either learn to embrace an education or reject it. It is the early childhood educator’s job to provide each child with the necessary positive experiences in the classroom to ensure the cultivation of a child who loves to learn. I have chosen to be an early childhood educator because of my personal passion for education. For this reason, I cannot think of a better place to develop my skills as a teacher than UNC’s School of Education
My experience
It is great to have your classes laid out for you in a set order so that one class builds upon the next. Our professors work hard to make their classes flow with one another to ensure an optimal learning experience. I have enjoyed all my years at Carolina but taking education courses that are relevant to my future endeavors has been the most rewarding aspect of my UNC experience.
Student life
As a Child Development and Family Studies major, I view the School of Education as an extended family. Within that extended family is your immediate family—your program. Although you may have other friends who are studying to become educators, ultimately, you will be a part of a smaller, more closely knit family within your own program.
In 10 years
I hope to have a family and children of my own in whom I can instill the same enthusiasm for education that I enjoy.