M Back to School
feature story
Getting an education
does not come with an
age limit--it just requires
THE RIGHT MINDSET.
In
2015, my daughter graduated
from high school. After living
in Columbia for over 15 years, I
decided that since my daughter
was going off to college, it would be best if I moved
back to my hometown of Marion, South Carolina, to
have help with my son while I attend school. Two
years ago I returned to Marion and quickly found a
job at First United Methodist Childcare Center. I am
very thankful for my director, Mrs. Vicki Bridgman,
who helps me in any way she can by giving me the
opportunity to both work and go to school.
When I first went to college, fresh out of
high school, I had no responsibilities. This
translated to plenty of time to study and attend
college classes. As an adult, I now have more
responsibilities which require much of my attention
and focus, so making time to study can be challeng-
ing. Despite all the hurdles in life up to this point,
I would not have done anything differently. This
chapter in my life is something that I have prayed
about for years, and God has prepared me for this
journey in His own way. I am blessed and thankful
that He faithfully enables me to overcome all the
obstacles that are placed along my path.
Studying Human Services/Early Childhood
Education makes me realize how much I enjoy
learning all there is to learn about children and
their families. This career field is the perfect choice
for me because I love working with children and I
want to make a difference in their lives. I consider
it a blessing to have an impact on their young lives
and help them grow and develop into successful
adults. I have the privilege of instilling in children
life lessons they can take with them as they grow
and mature. Since going back to school, I have also
had the joy of meeting new people and having the
college experience that I didn’t get to be a part of
when I was younger. At the end of each semester,
I am proud of myself for continuing to persevere
in pursuit of my degree. In the future, my plans
are to open my own daycare center and provide
services for young parents who would also like to
go to school and earn their degree just as I am
doing now. Throughout this journey, I’ve learned
not to second guess myself. No matter what I want
to do in life, I can do it. Nothing is impossible. God’s
Word proclaims it in Luke 1:37.
For anyone who is hesitant about going back to
school, know this: you are never too old to pursue
your dreams. Life is about opportunity. Getting an
education does not come with an age limit--it just
requires the right mindset. So, what are you waiting
for? If you have goals for your future, chase after
them. Make your dreams come true. One day, all
your hard work will pay off and your dreams will
become reality. You might have to dance through
some rain, but I promise, it will all be worth it in the
end...I’m chasing after my dream and loving it!
Lakeisha Reed resides in Marion, South Carolina, with her two children, Shakala Leonard and Zachary Larry. Lakeisha teaches the four-year-old class at First United Methodist
Child C are Center in Marion. She is currently studying Human Services/Early Childhood Education at Florence-Darlington Technical College.
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AUGUST 2017
SHEMAGAZINE.COM