Success Story - Success Stories

Miriam Carbajal's journey is a powerful reminder that success doesn't follow a timeline. No matter where life begins or how many challenges arise along the way, there is always an opportunity to learn, grow, and pursue new dreams.

As a child, even though Miriam's family faced financial hardships, she remained committed to her education. At just 15, she earned a scholarship to participate in a program that trained young people to teach children in rural communities how to read and write. Each day, she traveled nearly an hour and a half to a small village to work with the children there.

While the experience taught her responsibility and resilience, it also helped her discover that teaching was not the career she had envisioned at that time. She continued her education, completed high school, attended college, and later worked as a government secretary for five years.

As an adult, Miriam's husband immigrated to Chicago in search of greater opportunities, and two years later, she joined him. Starting over in a new country brought many challenges. She did not speak English, had never driven a car, and had to adapt to a new language, culture, and way of life.

After the birth of her son, Miriam chose to stay home to raise him. When he reached school age, she began searching for work that would fit around his school schedule. She found a position as a nanny, where she rediscovered a passion for working with children. That opportunity eventually led her to become a bilingual substitute teacher in the Addison School District. Although substitute work was inconsistent, her dedication did not go unnoticed. After speaking with her principal about wanting to grow professionally, she was offered more hours and eventually became a teaching assistant.

Later, when her principal shared information about the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Pre-Apprenticeship Program through College of DuPage, Miriam recognized it as an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. Enrolling in the pre-apprenticeship program became a turning point in her personal and professional growth.
One of her greatest accomplishments has been gaining confidence in speaking and writing English. For years, she hesitated to speak because she feared making mistakes and being judged. Through the program, she developed stronger communication skills and greater confidence in expressing herself with coworkers, families, and students.
"Before, I depended on my son to help me with my English assignments," Miriam shared. "Now I am much more independent."

Balancing the demands of being a wife, mother, employee, and student required discipline and careful planning. Miriam credits her success to staying organized, taking one class at a time, and completing coursework consistently each evening after dinner.

"It wasn't easy," she said. Little by little, day by day, she stayed focused, thinking and brainstorming about what she needed to do for her coursework and life overall.
She also recognizes the encouragement she received from the apprenticeship staff and instructors, whose support inspired her to keep moving forward.
As Miriam continues in the Pre-ECEC Apprenticeship Program, she hopes to strengthen her English skills further while continuing to grow as an early childhood professional. Because her classroom is bilingual, improving her English allows her to communicate more effectively with children, coworkers, and school leaders while building even greater confidence in her role.

Miriam offers simple but powerful advice to future pre-apprentices: "Don't give up. Stay focused on your goals, even when you feel like quitting. Be persistent. It takes hard work, but if you organize your time and prioritize what needs to be done, you can achieve your goals."

As Miriam works to complete the pre-apprenticeship and transition into an Apprenticeship Program, she feels proud of how far she has come and optimistic about the many possibilities that lie ahead. Her story demonstrates that determination, resilience, and a commitment to learning can open doors at any stage of life.