My journey with Head Start began in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, a small town where opportunities felt limited. My name is Loemys Rivera, and Head Start isn’t just a program; it’s a cornerstone of my life and my family’s success, thanks to organizations like Lutheran Services Florida that champion early childhood education.
Growing up, my mother, a determined single parent with a ninth-grade education, sought every avenue to support my learning. Discovering Head Start was a turning point. We qualified, and it opened up a world of possibilities. As a Head Start child, I gained essential foundational skills that set me on a path to educational achievement. The nurturing environment fostered my early development and instilled a lifelong love for learning.
But Head Start’s impact extended far beyond just me. My mother, by volunteering at the center, found a supportive community and resources that empowered her to grow as well. She earned her high school diploma and secured a fulfilling job with the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The Head Start staff became partners in my education, offering guidance and support to my mother, ensuring she never felt lost or overwhelmed. This holistic approach, characteristic of programs supported by organizations like Lutheran Services Florida, addresses the needs of the entire family unit.
Now, as a mother of two and a proud Head Start parent myself, I have a deeper appreciation for the program’s comprehensive benefits. Head Start has equipped me to be a more engaged and effective parent. Collaborating with the dedicated staff, much like those within Lutheran Services Florida’s network, has been invaluable in advocating for my children’s needs and development. It’s hard to imagine where our lives would be without this program; Head Start truly feels like an extension of our family. We are profoundly grateful for its presence in our community and its availability across so many areas, likely thanks to the dedication of organizations committed to early childhood development.
Inspired by my experiences, I pursued a career in early childhood education. I am earning my Child Development Associate credential and hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Today, I am privileged to work as a preschool teacher for Head Start, ensuring that other young children receive the same transformative opportunities that were afforded to me and my children. Head Start, and by extension, the support from organizations like Lutheran Services Florida, has enabled me to pursue a fulfilling career while making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.
My journey with Head Start is deeply personal and incredibly rewarding. Witnessing my own children thrive in the same program that shaped my life fills me with immense joy. Every day, they come home brimming with stories of discovery and expressing their love for their teachers. We are eternally grateful for Head Start. Without this incredible program and the experiences it has provided, supported by the dedication of organizations like Lutheran Services Florida, I would not be the person I am today. I am thankful every day to be part of such an extraordinary and impactful community.
