Valeria Heads to College to Pursue Her Dream

Valeria is beginning her first course in child development at Los Angeles Mission College next week and she’s a little nervous … but even more excited!

“I’ve loved kids all my life and want to work with them,” said Valeria. “I’m a little nervous to meet my teacher and the other students. But I’m pretty excited to see what I learn.”

Although it was a “pretty hard journey” to get to college, the 30-year-old, who has been receiving Adult Day Services (ADS) at Easterseals Corbin-Northridge Center for 11 years, is now one step closer to her dream of working in early childhood education as a teacher’s assistant.

With the help of Livia Arellano, her one-on-one Life Skills Coach at Easterseals, Valeria found a college that was the right fit, navigated the application and paperwork and was accepted for the fall semester. Now, she is working toward her teaching certificate.

“It was stressful and overwhelming sometimes,” recalls Arellano. “But Valeria is a really smart woman. She teaches me a lot every day. I just gave her a little push.”

The first thing was to find a college that offered a program for people with disabilities, so they could provide the support Valeria needs, and Mission College provided the most opportunities.

“When we visited the campus,” Arellano continued, “there was an advisor with a disability who helped us. I said, ‘You see, Valeria, he’s right here working. We felt more comfortable there.’”

A Teacher in the Making—Learning by Doing

Before she was accepted into college, Valeria had already been laying the foundation for her future career.

Several months ago, she and Arellano began volunteering as teacher’s assistants at LAUSD’s Hillery T. Broadous Early Education Center, where Arellano’s daughter once attended school.

Once again, Valeria had to navigate an application process and other requirements. Fortunately, the technology classes she took through Easterseals Adult Day Services helped her complete the paperwork. 

She also underwent a background check, was fingerprinted and received a required TB vaccination.

And, once again, she was accepted!

“I was born to teach,” says Valeria, “and I love it there. I want to see how the kids react to a teacher with a disability helping them. I think it will help them be more accepting of others when they’re older.”

“There are several students who have disabilities there, so it’s also great for them to see Valeria as a teacher and role model,” Arellano adds. 

The two don’t work together when they volunteer—and that’s intentional. “I told Valeria, ‘Here, I’m not coach,’” said Arrellano. “’You are doing this. You have to believe in yourself.’ I want the kids to see her as a teacher and they do.

“But she’s really independent and the kids love her.  She’s always there for the little kids. She helps them when they fall and comforts them and they come to her when they need something. And the older kids draw pictures and say this is for you, Teacher Valeria.”

A Win-Win 

School principal, Jennifer Maddocks, has also seen Valeria’s impact firsthand. “Valeria is doing so great and is so sweet,” she said. “In the classroom she’s really helpful with prepping materials and helps the kids with mealtime and outdoor play.  Sometimes she’s in the sandbox with them.

“She’s kind and patient and always sitting close to the kids to help,” Maddocks continued. “The teacher says she has a very calming effect on the children, which is really helpful at a preschool.  Whatever I need, both she and Livia are there.  They’re both punctual and super professional. 

Maddocks, who has a background in special education, said she had no hesitation when Livia and Valeria approached her about volunteering at the school.

“This is what we’re here to do, support our community,” Maddocks said. “Part of what we do is help people reach their goals. It’s a win-win for everyone—us, the kids and Valeria. She’s going to make a great teacher’s assistant.”

Class is in Session

Teaching isn’t exactly new to Valeria. Since the pandemic, the animal lover has been leading an ESSC ADS Zoom class called Wildlife Facts.

Each week, Valeria chooses a topic—such as “How much does a baby elephant weigh when it’s born?”—finds an informative video and then prepares questions to quiz participants after the video.

It’s another opportunity for Valeria to share her knowledge, engage others and practice the skills she hopes to use in her future career.

A Woman of Many Talents

Teaching isn’t the only way Valeria expresses her creativity.

A huge dance fan who was featured in ESSC’s inaugural PSA campaign, Celebrate. Don’t Separate., she and Arellano take a weekly Zumba class. Valeria also likes to sing, write poems and paint—all skills she can bring to her work with young children.

As she advances through her coursework, Valeria already has ideas about how she wants to help her future students. “I hope to help the kids with their math and spelling lessons in the future,” she says.

Valeria and Arellano have also embarked on a healthy lifestyle journey together, eating better and walking. But when it comes to Zumba, Valeria has the advantage.

“I can’t finish the entire hour of Zumba,” Arellano admits with a laugh. “I don’t know how Valeria does it!”

A Role Model for Kids & Adults Alike

For Arellano, Valeria’s determination is just as inspiring as her energy. “Valeria is a role model,” she says. “She doesn’t give up. She keeps going, and she believes in herself. I want other people with disabilities to see what she is doing and know they can do it too.”

And now, Valeria’s taking that belief to college. For her, becoming a teacher isn’t just a career goal, it’s a dream she’s already putting into practice—one child, one lesson and one step at a time.

Visit our website for more information on ESSC’s Adult Day Services.