Story submitted by: Angelica
Head Start Alumni & Teacher

Attending Migrant Head Start was an experience that left a lasting impact on my life. As a child, I knew that attending Head Start enabled my parents to go to work, however, I didn’t realize the lifelong positive outcomes I would be receiving. As I think about my time at Migrant Head Start, several memories come to mind.

I remember my mom dropping me off when it was still dark and handing me over to smiling ladies, who I now
understand were my teachers. I would soon go back to sleep only to be awakened by delicious smells coming from the
kitchen. We would then eat the delicious food as we sat at the table having meaningful conversations. After breakfast, I
remember taking turns brushing our teeth—and to this day know how important all teeth are, including baby teeth. We
would then gather in a circle where we would sing songs, share stories, play games, and learn about other’s traditions.
As we played, the teachers would also patiently teach us letters, numbers, and basic life skills. I didn’t even realize I was
learning! I thought I was just having fun.

Lastly, I cannot forget the family involvement that was encouraged and embraced by Migrant Head Start. The program recognized the importance of parental engagement in a child’s education and actively encouraged my parents to participate in various activities. I remember my parents attending parent-teacher conferences, volunteering in the classroom, and joining us for special events. The support and involvement of my family not only reinforced the lessons learned at La Escuelita but also strengthened the bond within my family. Thanks to all the family involvement, my parents continued to support me and my sibling to accomplish all our educational goals. And due to that involvement, I learned to value education and am now teaching those values to my own children.

In conclusion, attending Migrant Head Start was a transformative experience that enriched my life in numerous ways. The memories I have from this program continue to shape my values and perspectives. The sense of community, dedicated teachers, and family involvement all contributed to an impactful educational experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of Migrant Head Start and for the lifelong lessons it has taught me. I am so grateful that 17 years ago, when I saw a position available at E Center Head Start, the same agency that I attended as a child, I had to apply. It is one of my greatest pleasures to imagine all the children in our program growing up, continuing their education, and becoming part of the workforce that is returning to the community that shaped them.