Daija Jones: Reflections from a Childcare Development Specialist Apprentice
Published: November 24, 2025
Preface: At Durham Technical Community College ’s Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Graduation & Signing on November 13, 2025, Ms. Daija Jones, a Childcare Development Specialist Apprentice enrolled in Durham Technical Community College and Early Years’ Registered Apprenticeship Program, delivered the following speech to graduates and new signees.
Shared with her permission, Daija’s words exemplify the dedication, heart, and resilience that define North Carolina’s Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship community. Her story reflects not only her own journey, but the powerful impact of Registered Apprenticeship in shaping confident, skilled, and passionate early childhood professionals. Along with earning her Journeyworker Certificate, Daija will also be receiving her associate degree, marking a significant milestone in her academic and professional journey.
Good evening, everyone,
I just want to start by saying how truly thankful I am to be here today. I’m especially grateful for this opportunity to continue my education through the T.E.A.C.H. program. And now, I can proudly say I’m entering my last semester before graduating; it hasn’t been easy, but so worth it.
Let me take a moment to thank two amazing people who’ve been with me through this journey: Ms. Maggie and Ms. Cathy. They’ve been there every step of the way, whether I needed advice, encouragement, or just someone to talk to when things got stressful. I appreciate you both.
The best way I can describe my experience of balancing work and school is fast paced but focused. There are days when it feels like there just aren’t enough hours. I’ve had to learn how to balance work, life, and school, fitting in assignments between shifts, staying up late, and pushing through even when I’m tired. It’s a lot of time and patience, but it’s taught me how strong and capable I really am. And I know a lot of us can relate to that. Working and going to school at the same time is no joke; it’s a skill on its own! Now, when it comes to why I chose Early Childhood Education, it’s something that’s always been part of my life. My mom was an educator, and growing up, I was always right there beside her. You know how the worker’s child is always everyone’s favorite? Yeah, that was me!
Being around children has always felt natural to me. Even when it gets challenging, and it does, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. What I love most is seeing the growth of the children I work with. Watching them go from shy and unsure to confident and curious brings me so much joy. It’s cool to see how much of an impact we have on their development as teachers. We spend so much time with our students that, in a way, they become little reflections of us. They pick up our words, our energy, and sometimes even our personalities. Like Justin Timberlake said, “I’m lookin’ right at the other half of me.” That’s honestly how it feels sometimes when I see my students.
For everyone just starting out in this journey, my advice is simple: find your rhythm. Create a routine for your classes and your week. It will make a huge difference. Staying organized helps so much when things start to get busy. And here’s a funny thing, that one subject you thought was your favorite might be the one that drives you crazy, and the one you never thought you’d like might end up being your best one. So, keep an open mind! Remember, this is only the beginning, so pace yourself and enjoy the process. And if you ever feel like giving up, just remember we’ve all been there, done that. You got this!
After completing my associate degree, I do plan on continuing my education. I plan to go back for my bachelor’s degree in art education. My goal is to become an art teacher for middle or high school students. I love to draw and paint, and teaching art feels like the perfect way to combine what I love most, creativity and education.
To close, I just want to say thank you again to T.E.A.C.H., my advisors, teachers, mentors, and everyone who has supported me along the way. This program has truly changed my life. I’ve grown so much, not only as a student and a teacher but also as a person. And to my fellow apprentices, you got this. Keep pushing, keep learning, and remember that every challenge is preparing you for something greater. This journey will only make you better for your students, for your community, and for yourself.
Thank you.