Kiera Smith - Finland 2020

Hi, my name is Kiera Smith. I am a sophomore in college at Northampton Community College in Pennsylvania. I am an Early Childhood Education major. My ultimate goal in my educational career is simply to provide above-average education and care to children of all ages. The Education Department at Northampton Community College is organizing a trip to Helsinki, Finland in May of 2020 for Early Childhood Education students. Finland's education system is consistently ranked the best in the world, with a focus on core principles. The primary principle in Finland's education system is the importance of equal access to education as a constitutional right. Finland values a holistic approach to learning for all children. Children in Finland are not required to attend school until age 6, but all parents have the choice to begin their child's education earlier in Early Childhood Education Programs. These programs emphasize the importance of learning through play. Learning through play is an educational model that promotes balanced growth and development. As an Early Childhood Education student at Northampton Community College, learning through play is heavily emphasized in my education. Through my courses and field experience at Northampton, I am implementing practices that support the learning through play model. Throughout the Finland top, students will tour Finnish Early Childhood Education programs and Primary schools, observe classrooms in action, have an opportunity to talk with teachers and other professionals, and explore Finland. As a young adult, I believe travel is an essential experience for self-growth. Personally, I am somebody who learns the best through experience, so I believe the opportunities presented through this trip will be very beneficial to my education and personal philosophy about educating and caring for young children. Please read and share my story and consider donating to fulfill my goal of traveling abroad and indulging in several experiences beneficial to furthering my education.