Student Voices - Undergraduate
Tabitha Pattishal
Child Development and Family Studies
Class of 2005
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
My background
I received a degree in Child Development and Family Studies from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Education in 2005. I have always had a passion for working with families who may need a little bit of extra help to be successful. Upon graduation, I became and Early Head Start teacher in a Chapel Hill classroom that serves all types of children from the community, including those who are considered at-risk.
Why I chose education
My mother is my main source of inspiration for my career in education. Until college, I vowed I would never teach because I saw how emotionally draining the job could be. But then I learned just how passionate my mom is about teaching her students. This past year she helped a group of Hispanic girls learn to read English by inviting them to her home to teach her to cook traditional Mexican dishes. She taught me that teaching is not a one-way street. In this sense, I love watching the amazing things that children accomplish over time. I am blown away when I look back at the goals I have set for my students and see how they constantly exceed my expectations.
Why I chose the UNC School of Education
I began my undergraduate career knowing I wanted to work with children. I tried my hand at psychology research, but I did not like the fact that I could not directly interact with children on a daily basis. I took a class for fun at the School of Education during my junior year and realized that education was the path for me.
My experience
The young women in my program were very close. We often would gather to discuss the trials and joys of our student teaching. Additionally, the faculty brought first-hand experience to their lessons. They knew what we were going through and were always available to lend an ear, a hand or even a shoulder to cry on.
In 10 years
I would love to work hands-on in a children’s museum. I become a “big kid” whenever I enter a place like Kidzu or the Museum of Life and Science. I am a firm believer in making learning come alive. I feel that when an adult can follow a child’s lead in learning, the child learns much better.