Abigail Gartin

Responsibilities

During my internship, I was responsible for caring for children and assisting with tasks within the classroom. I helped with feeding, diaper changes, and keeping the children engaged in age-appropriate activities. I also supported the lead teachers with classroom organization and daily routines. Overall, I worked to create a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for the kids.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment was seeing growth in the children over the summer. It was so rewarding to watch them become more confident, social, and independent. I also really enjoyed building strong connections with both the kids and the staff. Being part of a supportive team made the experience even more meaningful.

Learning experience

One of the greatest lessons I learned was the importance of being patient and flexible, especially when working with young children. I realized that every child has different needs and ways of communicating, and it’s important to meet them where they are. I also learned how valuable it is to ask questions and lean on your team for support. Most of all, I saw how much of a difference it makes to build trust with both the children and their families.

What advice would you give?

My advice for future students in this major is to be open to learning through experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help; it really shows you care and want to grow. Take time to build real connections with the children, families, and staff; it makes a big difference. And finally, stay organized with your assignments so you don’t fall behind during busy weeks.