Meet Our Alumni 

Carol-Ann

Drakes

Field of Dreams

“Carol-Ann Drakes began the ECE program with all the bravado of someone who ‘wanted to get it over with ASAP,” says Vicki Garavuso, assistant professor and program head of the Early Childhood Education program at CWE. “She has since worked very hard with her professors to identify her own learning style and to overcome academic difficulties.”

According to Garavuso, Carol-Ann is an example of dedication to her own education and progress as well as an advocate for children. She, in fact has often thanked the ECE faculty and staff for helping her to “slow down and really learn how to learn.”

This was an extremely valuable learning lesson for Carol-Ann, who has ambitions of opening a pre-school. “I realize that in order to provide a school that offers quality service to working parents, I needed to further my education.”

An assistant teacher at Northside Center for Child Development, Carol-Ann found CWE’s Early Childhood program extremely attractive. “My major was the main reason why I chose CWE,” says Carol-Ann, a transfer student from BMCC. “Another factor was the location, the small classroom size and the flexible class schedule.”

Carol-Ann has found her ECE experience “enlightening” and supportive professors who have “cared about my growth as a student,” she says.

Carol-Ann is confident that she is on the right track to fulfilling her lifelong dream. “I’ve had caring early childhood professionals who took the time to give me personal attention in regards to my teaching career.” For Carol-Ann, this has made all the difference in the world. “CWE is a great place to grow and enhance your learning,” she concludes. “I recommend it to every one.”