For Ingrid Mariano, attending Irvine Valley College wasn't just a decision… it was destiny.
Mariano has made leaps and bounds since starting her educational journey at Irvine Valley College and landing a job as a preschool teacher at the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach.
Mariano's whirlwind career has included stops in varied fields like biology, geology, and even theme park management. However, a desire to balance a fulfilling career with family time drove her to a fateful decision to launch a new life with IVC.
"When I decided to make a career change, I reflected on a part of my life that has been so meaningful for me…babysitting six children in my family," explains Mariano. "Taking them on educational outings, or just staying home and watching nature documentaries, was so fulfilling for me."
"That's when I was certain that my next career would be in early childhood education."
One of her professors was Donna King, Department Chair of Human Development at IVC. With a thorough understanding of Mariano's career goals, King was in the right place at the right time to help the returning college student's future take shape.
While continuing her habit of finding and forwarding local job opportunities for Mariano, the perfect opportunity came along.
"When I learned that [Ingrid] had not yet begun to work with children, I began flipping through my mental Rolodex of possible employers with which she would be a match," the professor explains. "I ran across an opening for a teacher in an outdoor school."
"My immediate thought was Ingrid! She's a lover of nature, and coupled with the dedication of her educational path and strongly developed skills — she was the perfect prospect."
Too perfect, Mariano thought. She was convinced that the dream job would be out of reach but submitted her application to honor King's favor.
"I applied for it, not thinking I would get it," Mariano recalls. "But I did."
Mariano's career at the Environmental Nature Center fused her knack for nature with her love of learning. The play-based curriculum sees students spending their day outdoors, rain or shine, and learning about nature, science, and the arts. The unique teaching position gives Mariano an exciting opportunity to pair her passion with her practice.
"I could see all of the theories I was learning in action," explains Mariano. "I was able to use techniques I was learning in my classes in real-time."
Thanks to her instructors, courses, and classmates at IVC, Mariano now has a robust support system behind her as she navigates her career in early childhood education. Because so many of her classmates have "been there for a while," she's never short of advice.
"I was given an amazing toolkit for my career by my professors [and] I have made valuable friendships with my fellow classmates," explains Mariano. "They have become wonderful sources and knowledgeable resources!"
Mariano completed her IVC journey, but she's not done yet. Armed with a wealth of experience, Mariano has since moved out of California to continue on her career path.
"Eventually, many years down the line, I wouldn't mind continuing on with my bachelor's and master's degrees," forecasts Mariano. "Perhaps one day I'll apply to IVC and become one of the Early Childhood Education professors who inspired me on this journey."
Her immediate success in her career, Mariano says, is proof that IVC's classroom-to-career pathways work. And whether they're eying early childhood education or another one of the College's 60+ career programs, the IVC grad has a clear message for fellow adult learners.
"Don't wait. Chase your dreams now!"