Mariana |  Sellwood Site Director 

 

Why do you think a bilingual education is important for young children?

​

A bilingual education offers young children numerous advantages in terms of linguistic development, cognitive growth, and social intelligence. It provides them with a strong foundation to appreciate diverse cultures and become effective communicators. Being bilingual is a practical skill that holds lifelong value. Personally, having received a bilingual education during my formative years has given me countless benefits. I can engage in clear and meaningful conversations with individuals from different cultures, assist in translating and bridging connections. I also feel proud to have the opportunity to be part of the UDT community where I can speak the language I love to young children and share my own culture and traditions with them.

​

Treasured moments:

Some of the most fulfilling moments in my role as the director are when students peek through my office door to greet me with a warm good morning or a spontaneous hug. These connections with children are what drive my passion, and they are the very reason I pursued a degree in Early Childhood Education. The joy I feel when I connect with young children wholesome and reaffirms the reason why I choose ECE as my profession.