I began working as a special needs teaching assistant while working towards my bachelors degree. Working with and educating young children has been incredibly rewarding. Every day they encourage me to step out of my comfort zone. While my students are very young, they are remarkably knowledgeable and thoughtful. They share great ideas and hilarious personal stories. In 2006, I was invited to help pilot Teach for America’s early childhood initiative. Although hesitant, I thought of my sister, who was 3 at the time. I though of how much I enjoyed playing pretend, reading stories, and making art together. I decided that this work would be a perfect fit. Earning my masters degree in early childhood education from GMU, I realized just how interconnected social justice, democracy and preschool truly are. From that point forward, I was committed to serving young children and their families.