My name is Loueva Lashawndra Smith. I was born and raised on the north side of Chicago. I have three sisters and no brothers. Growing up, we we’re a close family. We celebrated all the holidays together and we shared many precious childhood memories like riding bikes or family outings. My mother was a stay at home parent; while my father was the bread winner. My sisters and I attended Patrick Henry Elementary school which was right down the block from our home.
As time passed, we moved to the Logan square area where I attended Avondale Elementary School for three years. Then, I moved onto Logandale Middle School for sixth grade, seventh grade, and eighth grade. After I graduated from Logandale Middle School, I attended Rickover Naval Academy where I learned obedience, dedication, and many other valuable traits. In my junior year of high school, I transferred to Anotonia Pantoja High School where I finished the remainder of high school and graduated in 2008.
In spring of 2009, I enrolled at Harold Washington College. When I first entered Harold Washington College I did not know what field I wanted to major in but knew I wanted to become educated in some area. Within a couple of semesters at Harold Washington College, I became pregnant and wanted to know more about my baby and its development; therefore, I decided to enroll in Child Development 101, Human Growth and Development. It was not until I took that class that I realized my love for children and my fascination with children's growth. After taking that class, I knew I wanted to further my knowledge of child development so I continued to enroll in more child development classes.
As time passed, we moved to the Logan square area where I attended Avondale Elementary School for three years. Then, I moved onto Logandale Middle School for sixth grade, seventh grade, and eighth grade. After I graduated from Logandale Middle School, I attended Rickover Naval Academy where I learned obedience, dedication, and many other valuable traits. In my junior year of high school, I transferred to Anotonia Pantoja High School where I finished the remainder of high school and graduated in 2008.
In spring of 2009, I enrolled at Harold Washington College. When I first entered Harold Washington College I did not know what field I wanted to major in but knew I wanted to become educated in some area. Within a couple of semesters at Harold Washington College, I became pregnant and wanted to know more about my baby and its development; therefore, I decided to enroll in Child Development 101, Human Growth and Development. It was not until I took that class that I realized my love for children and my fascination with children's growth. After taking that class, I knew I wanted to further my knowledge of child development so I continued to enroll in more child development classes.
After taking a few more classes, I wanted to pursue a job in the child development field and gain experience. Thus, I applied at A-Karrasel Child Care Center and I was hired as a teacher assistant. After gaining experience, I became involved in children's developmental milestones, and shared my love with children and their families; because of this I knew that this was the perfect career choice for me.
Currently,I am a lead teacher at A-Karrasel Child Care Center. I have been there for three years and as a teacher I have been able to connect my education and knowledge of children's development to personal experiences in the classroom. I have worked in almost every room (Infants, Toddlers, Two's & Three's, Preschoolers, Jr. Pre-K, &Pre-K.) and because of that I have learned many aspects about child development. However, I have also learned that I still have room for growth. Therefore, I plan on continuing my education and pursing a career outside of the classroom that would allow me to continue to grow and to share my love for children.
Currently,I am a lead teacher at A-Karrasel Child Care Center. I have been there for three years and as a teacher I have been able to connect my education and knowledge of children's development to personal experiences in the classroom. I have worked in almost every room (Infants, Toddlers, Two's & Three's, Preschoolers, Jr. Pre-K, &Pre-K.) and because of that I have learned many aspects about child development. However, I have also learned that I still have room for growth. Therefore, I plan on continuing my education and pursing a career outside of the classroom that would allow me to continue to grow and to share my love for children.