Narshell Torres Vargas

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville in 2022. After taking a short break, I decided to return to school and am now pursuing my Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree with a specialization in Forensic Psychology. 

During my time as an undergrad student, I began looking for employment. My mom had worked in childcare before and recommended I search for a job in that industry. A few months later, I began working as a floater (teacher’s assistant) at a childcare center here in Louisville, and several months later, I was promoted to co-teacher. In addition to learning how to create age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate lesson plans, I also learned the value of helping children develop an array of skills in areas such as language, science, math, and socio-emotional skills. Helping and teaching kids grow was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had the opportunity to live. 

Having worked in a preschool environment before, I had heard numerous times of Virginia Chance School. When searching for employment in an area I was familiar with, and after reading more about Virginia Chance School’s curriculum, this school caught my attention since it implements many of the practices I value and deem important for the development and growth of children. 

Chance School's use of the tenets of progressive education ensure that children not only learn and grow but also do so in healthy and appropriate ways. Through progressive education, children receive the opportunity to learn about community, engage in hands-on learning, and help develop critical thinking skills, which they will be able to use for the rest of their lives. Through progressive education, children are treated with respect, and their voices are heard in the process. 

Naturally, we are disposed to ask questions and with children, these questions are a great opportunity for them to learn but also through which they can develop critical thinking, observation, and analysis skills. If the children are curious about a given topic, it could be of great benefit to explore that question and provide them with the means to answer it. The process of answering the given question can help the children analyze, consider, make conclusions, and even share their findings/answers, which is not only a fun process for them but also one through which they are putting into practice skills they will be using for the rest of their lives. 

At Chance School, we find that nature-based learning is incredibly beneficial to children. Not only does it allow them to learn more about the nature that surrounds us in our day-to-day lives, but it also allows them to develop a love, care, and respect for nature. Nature-based learning also provides the “space” in which they can learn science, not to mention the benefits of outdoor recreation. Inviting kids to learn and explore outdoors also allows them to engage with nature and expand their knowledge of the world around them. 

When I am not working, I can usually be found at home studying and catching up on homework. When I am neither working nor studying, I love to spend my time cooking or baking. I enjoy making food from scratch and can spend an entire day on a single recipe. Other hobbies include painting, walking or hiking, kayaking, reading, and trying new and local coffee shops. I also enjoy spending time with my family, with whom I live, and friends, whether it be gathering at someone’s house for a movie night or walking on the Big Four Bridge.