Marie Del Valle is proud of her roots.

A Boricua, born and raised in lower Manhattan, she is the youngest of four children and will soon become the first in her family to graduate from college. “This has been a difficult journey but one that I am proud of,” admits Marie. “I feel so much more knowledgeable than I did when I first started a CWE. I am now on my way to becoming a teacher of young children and CWE has given me that confidence.”

A Para-Professional at P.S. 140 assisting children with cognitive, social and emotional skills, Marie is set to graduate at the end of the year with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. A transfer student from Mercy College and Hunter College, Del Valle came to CWE because of its evening schedule. “I had been told at Hunter that in order to enroll in their educational program, I would have to be full-time student,” she says. “That was not possible for me because I had to work.”

At the suggestion of a friend, Marie looked into CWE. From the beginning, Marie was impressed with the program and its course offerings. “The classes are based around small group settings,” she says. “The professors are very informative and knowledgeable.”

For Marie, CWE has become a place that fosters learning and long lasting friendships as well. “I have formed friendships with other students and professors, “ she says. “That makes the whole setting feel like a family.”

Currently completing her student teaching requirements, Marie is confident that with the training she has obtained and preparedness to teach children with diverse cultural backgrounds. “It has also taught me to become involved in working toward caring communities that include parental involvement.”

Her hard work and determination have paid off. “I will finally accomplish my dream.”