- November 2020
MSU Extension Service
Harrison County Head Start
Years in position: 1
Years at MSU: 1
Erica Williams works as an assistant teacher at the East Biloxi Head Start Center. In the mornings, she assists with escorting the children to their classes after arrival. She helps motivate them to be ready to learn.
“In my own classroom, I try to make each child feel warm and welcome by asking how their mornings are going or about their day before,” Erica said. “Throughout the day I implement lessons that the children will need for years to come.”
Her favorite memory was her first day on the job. She loves that her job gives her the honor to mold and nurture the minds of young children, who will become the state’s future leaders.
“Other people inspire me; I am the kind of person who sees what someone is accomplishing, and it makes me want to give it a try,” Erica said. “I’m very outgoing and I love to take risks!”
She chose this career because she loves being around children, their energy and the whole educational atmosphere.
“My career is an opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life,” she said. “For the children, every single day is an adventure of exploring and learning about themselves and the world around them.”
Her advice to someone interested in an early childhood career is to remember to take it one step at a time and have patience. Things will get overwhelming at times, but anyone can overcome the obstacles if determined.
Erica graduated in May 2020 from Jones College with her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education Technology. MSU Head Start is her first job in the field.
