This past April, I received the email which I had been anxiously hoping for, for almost six months: a letter from University College London (UCL) containing an unconditional offer of acceptance to the master’s in Child Development program. UCL’s was the first grad program I applied to last fall, and my number one choice overall, because of the uniqueness of the Child Development program. UCL is ranked as a top 10 global university, and is world-renowned for their Institute of Education, which encompasses my degree.
I graduated from ECSU in 2019, with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Latin American Studies. I have held several different positions since then, including a prestigious internship at the Organization of American States and as a paralegal at a Providence law firm (alongside another ECSU poli sci grad!). In 2020, after a multi-year interview process, I was even offered a position with the United States federal government. My ECSU education opened up so many wonderful opportunities for me, and I am forever grateful to all my professors from the Political Science department. Throughout the years, however, I’ve found that my real passion is in early childhood development.
I have worked with infants and toddlers since my senior year at ECSU, where I was a part time nanny. Now, I work full time as both a nanny and an early childhood tutor for two wonderful families who I have been with on a long-term basis. Working alongside these children has absolutely changed my life, and made me realize that this is the path I am meant to follow.
UCL’s MSc in Child Development is a one year master’s degree (UK degrees typically take less time to complete than here in the states) that will deepen my knowledge of child development and developmental psychology. It will prepare me for professional work with children, as well as progression to a professional doctorate, which I also hope to undertake in the UK. After having previously lived in Europe as an undergrad, I am beyond excited to return in the fall and make London my new home. I will be studying at UCL’s Bloomsbury campus and living in Kensington, in the western part of the city. I would not have been able to achieve this accomplishment had it not been for the thorough education and wonderful mentorship I received as a student at Eastern. I encourage current ECSU students interested in graduate education to explore the possibilities of getting their degree abroad, and feel free to contact me with any questions about the process!
Written by Leigh Generous
