Erica Hawthorne

Tell us a little bit about yourself, what have you been up to since graduating?
First and foremost, I am the proud mother of 2 daughters named Ydalia Newsom, Delize Newsom. I am also a volunteer with the Kelly Hall Mentoring Program, where I have mentored children for 22 years. I worked for the YMCA for 26 years as a Teacher before I became a certified teacher. I have been a lifelong Early Childhood Education advocate.

Where are you now? Tell us a bit about your current job.
Since graduating from UIC, I am currently working at Leif Ericson Scholastic Academy where I am a second grade teacher. I’ve been in this position for one and a half years now. My school is located on the Westside of Chicago in the West Garfield community. After school, I work at Ericson for the Boys and Girls Club.

What do you enjoy the most about this field and your career?
What I enjoy most about the field is working with children, and having a positive impact on their lives. Helping students become better human being as they grow into adulthood is the most rewarding part of my job.

What advice would you give other alumni, current or prospective students who aspire to pursue a similar career path?
The advice that I would give any person who is aspiring to pursue a career in teaching is if your heart is not in it, nor do you have the passion then this field, it may not be for you. Working with children for me is a rewarding experience and not doing it for the money. I love having an impact on the lives of the next generation of leaders. Students pursuing the Early Childhood Career path should be people who want to make a difference in the lives of early learners.

How has the UIC ECE program impacted your career or the type of educator you are today? OR How has the UIC ECE program prepared you for your career and the type of educator you are today?
Being a part of the UIC ECE program has impacted me in so many ways. I am able to visualize many things that I thought were impossible, as well as getting the most out of the children that I work with through the training and the classes I was enrolled in. Many of the instructors helped me look at different perspectives when I was working with my children at the YMCA. Being in the UIC program many of my professors pushed me to go beyond whatever I was achieving.The program had many resources that helped me with problems I may eventually face in my classroom.

Please share a favorite story about your time in the ECE UIC program.
My favorite time in the ECE UIC program was the graduation ceremony. We were virtual and everyone invited their families and friends. Our coaches spoke about all of their students on a personal level. We all became a family!

What do you enjoy doing with your free time? Family? Hobbies? Interests?
In my free time I enjoy walking in the park and listening to music. The most rewarding time of my day is spending time with my family.