Alumni Success Story - Early Childhood Education

Eri Yamashina, Early Childhood Education
Date of Graduation: Spring 2011
Current Job/Title: Educator at International School 
Employer: Kinder Kids International School

How did your education at Bay State College prepare you for your current position?

I gained in-depth knowledge of accommodating different styles of learners and incorporating effective methods to meet students’ unique needs. This knowledge has proved to be invaluable in my current position at Kinder Kids International.

What do you like about your job/position?

I enjoy supporting my students and giving them the chance to succeed in whatever they set their mind to. It's an extremely rewarding job. I also love comparing my experiences in Japan to different countries where I have traveled, such as Australia, Korea, United Kingdom, and of course, here in the U.S.

Did you have an internship? 

Yes. And I'm so grateful I did. The experience prepared me for where I am now.  My internship taught me to organize schedules and make lesson plans in order to support students interested in activities. I will always keep in my mind the advice I got from my internship at Riverside Children’s Center. The teachers at the school told me to keep it simple, which is honestly the best advice when working with young children.

What role (if any) has Career Services played in your success after graduating from Bay State?

Yes, they still keep in touch with me even though I went back to my country, Japan. It's great to have that support. 

Did you have any favorite classes or instructors who helped prepare you for this field?  If so, which class/instructor & why.

Professor Carmody is my favorite professor. She always made me smile whenever I was having a hard time. Everything I learned in her classes has been extremely helpful at work. I also value my business writing class, as it prepared me for the writing portion of my position - many letters home to parents!

What advice would you give to someone considering attending Bay State College for your program of study?

Always enjoy learning something new, and do not be afraid of making mistakes.

Do you have any future plans/goals?

I have always been dedicated, determined, and always will myself to succeed in whatever I set my mind to; thus, I consistently have achieved my goals. A goal of my life is to be a teacher of whom everyone thinks “I remember her. She changed my life.”