Teaching with Heart: Girija’s Lifelong Calling in Early Childhood Education
Published October 2025 as a part of the Career Exploration Tool: Stories from the Field series. This series of stories brings to life the many pathways members of Michigan’s early care and education field have taken to achieve their goals, nurture their interests, and achieve success.
For Girija , teaching has never been just a job—it’s a passion that began early and has guided her through every chapter of life. Surrounded by educators in her family and inspired from a young age, Girija always knew she wanted to become a teacher. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education in India with the goal of making a difference in children’s lives. When she moved to the United States, she continued that journey with determination and grace.
In 2017, Girija moved to the United States—bringing her passion with her, but also facing new and unexpected challenges. Adjusting to a new country was not easy, especially when it came to communication. English had been her second language in school, and navigating daily life and professional opportunities required courage and persistence. For several years, she was dependent on her husband’s visa, waiting for the opportunity to begin her own professional journey.
That opportunity came in 2022, when Girija received her work authorization. Determined not to let anything hold her back, she immediately took action. She began working evenings as a childcare assistant while simultaneously attending ESL classes and pursuing her Child Development Associate (CDA) through the Troy Learning Center. Though her schedule was demanding, her determination never wavered.
Those two years of ESL classes became a turning point. Girija steadily built her confidence and communication skills, growing more comfortable expressing herself and connecting with others. Even on her busiest days, she stayed focused on her goal. She never looked back, and she never gave up.
As her confidence grew, so did her career. Girija transitioned from a childcare assistant to a teaching assistant in a tuition-based classroom, and today she serves as an Associate Teacher in a GSRP classroom. She leads group activities, supports children with diverse needs, collaborates on lesson planning, and helps guide young learners through critical stages of development.
Every day in the classroom is full of energy and purpose. Girija works closely with small groups, encourages individual growth, and monitors classroom dynamics to ensure every child feels supported. What excites her most is seeing how her work contributes to the well-being of families and communities—through positive behavior modeling, supportive relationships, and the promotion of strong values.
The work is not without challenges. Time management and workload can be intense, and emotional stress is real when caring deeply for each child’s development. But Girija brings strength and balance to the role, managing her well-being through yoga, hobbies, and meditation. Her ability to bounce back from difficult moments and maintain a positive mindset has become one of her greatest personal achievements.
Through this career, Girija has developed a powerful set of professional skills—from communication and emotional intelligence to adaptability and leadership. She continues to grow through online trainings, classroom observations, peer learning, and the intentional use of technology.
To those just starting out in early childhood education, her advice is clear and kind: “Be yourself, be kind to yourself, and don’t compare yourself to others.”
When asked what she wishes others knew about her work, her answer is simple yet powerful: “Empathy is my superpower.”
Girija’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and deep care. Whether in India or the United States, in small group activities or large classrooms, she leads with heart—creating learning environments where children are supported, seen, and inspired to grow.