Student Testimonials
Background Prior to Joining the Program
I am an eight-year United States Navy veteran where I served as a Postal Clerk and Barber. During my time in the Navy, I was honored to be selected for the All-Navy Basketball Team and received the Navy Achievement Medal for my service. After my military career, I spent 13 years as an instructor and coach at Pass Christian High School. During that time, I taught S.T.E.M., Sociology, Psychology, and Life Skills. I also coached Football, Basketball, and Track, and sponsored student organizations including Fellowship of Athletes and Skill Building. My years in education and coaching allowed me to mentor students both in and out of the classroom, helping them develop discipline, teamwork, and life skills
Experience Since Beginning the Program
Since beginning the apprenticeship, I have gained close, hands-on experience working with three- to five-year-old children. Teaching and interacting with young learners is very different from working with high school students, and it has been both challenging and rewarding. Each day in the childcare environment presents new learning experiences and different situations that help me grow as an educator. I learn a great deal from the teachers who have been in the program before me, and I value their guidance and advice. One of the biggest challenges for me has been communicating with children who I may not fully understand verbally, yet it is rewarding to see that they still understand instructions and are able to respond and follow through.
What Inspired Me to Pursue This Apprenticeship
While working toward my Site Supervisor Certificate in Early Childhood Education, I learned about the Apprenticeship Program. As I researched the program, I realized it would be a valuable opportunity to deepen my understanding of Early Childhood Education and childcare. The apprenticeship provides not only the administrative hours I need but also hands-on experience with the daily operations of a childcare environment. This program allows me to build relationships with other professionals in Early Childhood Education throughout the Orange County area while gaining practical knowledge that will help me become a stronger leader. My goal is to become the best Site Supervisor in Southern California, and the more knowledge and experience I gain, the better prepared I will be to achieve that goal.
Achievements, Growth, and Future Goals
My ultimate goal is to become a Program Manager of an early childhood education facility. I want to create a positive environment where children can grow, learn, and develop strong character. Most importantly, I hope to help guide young people toward positive life choices so they can grow up to live productive lives free from legal trouble and full of opportunity.
Background Prior to Joining the Program
My name is Sarwerasa Rafizada, and my journey in academia began in Kabul, Afghanistan. Despite facing a forced five-year gap in my education due to the Taliban’s rule in the 1990s, I persevered and earned my Bachelor’s degree in Persian Literature from Kabul University in 2006.
I later moved to Iran to further my studies at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, where I completed both my Master’s degree and PhD by 2015. Upon returning to Afghanistan, I dedicated seven years to teaching and research at the university level. However, following the fall of Kabul in 2021, I was forced to relocate once again, eventually arriving in the United States.
Since then, I have continued my academic contributions as a visiting researcher at UCI’s Jordan Center and, most recently, at UCLA’s Center for Near Eastern Studies as an adjunct professor.
The Apprenticeship and My Future Goals
My ultimate goal is to return to my roots as a professor at the college level here in the United States. I am committed to moving forward, using this apprenticeship as a foundation to share my knowledge and contribute meaningfully to the American academic community.
Achievements, Growth, and Future Goals
As a new arrival to the United States, I recognized the importance of integrating into my new community and understanding the local workforce. This motivated me to join the Child Development Apprenticeship Program in 2025.
My goal was not only to bridge the language barrier but also to expand my pedagogical skills within a new cultural context. Through this opportunity and continued dedication to this path, I have experienced significant personal and professional growth.
Despite the challenges of navigating a new language and educational system, I remain determined and confident in my ability to succeed.
Background Prior to Joining the Program
Before joining the apprenticeship program, I was a stay-at-home mom taking care of my two-year-old son. I first heard about the program when I went to the career center with my husband while he was looking for a job. That’s when Desire told me about this wonderful opportunity. It has been the best choice for me and my family.
Experience Since Beginning the Program
One of my biggest achievements throughout the program was earning an intern position at SCC, which later led to a full-time job. This opportunity showed me how much I had grown both personally and professionally. Throughout the program, I developed important skills such as taking DRDP notes, observing children, planning activities based on individual needs, and managing a classroom. I also gained hands-on experience working with children from 6 months to 5 years old, which helped me build confidence and a deeper understanding of early childhood development. I have grown from being a stay-at-home mom to becoming a confident early childhood educator.
What Inspired Me to Pursue This Apprenticeship
I was motivated to join the program aer my first meeting with Director Deusenberry, when she explained what it was about since I didn’t know anything about it before. I liked that we would be taking classes while also getting hands-on experience working with children, because that was something new for me. I was also motivated by my son, who made me think more about child development and milestones and inspired me to learn more about early childhood education.
Achievements, Growth, and Future Goals
With the support of my mentors, directors, and colleagues, I was able to push myself and succeed. In the future, my goal is to become a preschool teacher. For now, my goal is to continue growing in the field of early childhood education and to make a positive difference in the lives of children and their familie