From Nanny to Future Preschool Owner: Meseret’s Career Pathways Journey
Posted by katie.weibel
At Portland Community College Career Pathways & STEP, we love celebrating the stories of our students—those who embrace new opportunities and work tirelessly to achieve their dreams. This month, we’re thrilled to feature Meseret, a dedicated mother of four and a passionate early childhood educator in the making.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
Originally from Ethiopia, Meseret’s career path has been anything but conventional. She has worked as a nanny, security officer, and close protection officer at embassies, including the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa. However, it was her role as a mother and nanny that sparked her deep love for early childhood education.
“I realized the significant impact early education has on a child’s development, and I wanted to be part of that transformative process.”
With that goal in mind, Meseret enrolled in the Portland Community College Career Pathways & STEP program, specializing in early childhood education.
Building a Strong Foundation
Through the program, Meseret gained crucial skills in:
✔️Child development – Understanding how young minds learn
✔️Classroom management – Creating engaging and nurturing learning environments
✔️Effective communication – Connecting with students and families
But beyond coursework, Career Pathways provided Meseret with mentorship, career coaching, and a scholarship, helping her grow in confidence and navigate the next steps of her career.
A Bright Future Ahead
Now, Meseret is ready to step into the workforce as a preschool teacher, with long-term plans to open her own preschool. She credits her Career Pathways coach, Portland Community College, and Mt. Hood Community College for helping her turn her dream into a reality.
“Without this program, advancing in this field would have been much harder. I am so grateful for the support and opportunities it provided me.”
Advice for Future Students
Meseret encourages others to take advantage of the Portland Community College Career Pathways & STEP program:
“This program gives you both the knowledge and confidence to pursue your passion. If you’re thinking about joining—go for it!”
