Meet Areli Rendon, a current student in the College of Education studying Early Childhood Education.
Rendon’s educational journey has been marked by resilience, determination, and a life-long passion for teaching. Rendon moved to the United States 20 years ago from Mexico. At the time, she was pregnant with her daughter. Rendon knew the road ahead would change her life forever, and today she is one step closer to fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a kindergarten teacher.
Rendon faced the daunting task of learning a new language and began ESL classes when her daughter was in elementary school. Through her determination to overcome the language barrier, Rendon eventually obtained her GED and enrolled at Calhoun Community College before transferring to Athens State.
Rendon’s path to becoming a teacher was not without its challenges. She recalled encountering skepticism from others who doubted her aspirations due to her Mexican heritage. However, these discouraging remarks only fueled Rendon’s determination to prove them wrong.
I told myself, ‘I can do it, I believe’.
Areli Rendon
Throughout her higher education journey, Rendon grappled with the fear of making mistakes, a common experience for ESL students. However, she persevered because of her passion to teach and her desire to make a difference in the lives of children.
“My passion is to embrace children and help them believe in themselves,” she said. “I want to help them overcome challenges they face when they don’t believe or when others tell them they can’t do something.”
Rendon’s experience as an ESL student and a mother inspired her to become an advocate for children who face similar challenges.
“I want to speak up for the kids that are afraid to say something,” she explained. “I want help the kids that don’t know the language, because I have been there.”
Choosing Athens State University was a pivotal decision for Rendon. She found unwavering support from faculty and staff. “It’s like a family,” she said of the supportive environment at Athens State. Rendon credited her advisor, Dr. Elizabeth Pruett, for guiding her and providing invaluable assistance during her time at Athens State.
Looking ahead, Rendon is eager to start her internship as a student-teacher this Fall. She plans to graduate in December of 2024 and fulfill her dream of becoming a kindergarten teacher. Despite the challenges she has faced, she is confident and optimistic about the future.
“I know I have more to learn,” said Rendon. “And I know I will get there.”
More about Early Childhood Education
Athens State University has long had a proud tradition of serving as one of Alabama’s leading teacher education colleges. Early Childhood Education (ECE) focuses on the academic, social, and cognitive skills that develop in children from birth through third grade. Teacher candidates that do not want to teach beyond third grade are encouraged to pursue the Early Childhood Education program. Learn more about the Early Childhood Education program here.