Be a dream chaser: Early childhood education major follows her calling

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—School has always come easy for Belle Venticinque, an early childhood education major who expects to graduate from Western Michigan University in fall 2023, but not everything in her life has been smooth sailing. She lost her mom in a fatal car accident when she was 12. When her dad remarried, his priorities shifted and she had to become more independent.

“I knew in the middle of my sophomore year that teaching was my calling. I grew up working around children because my mom was a children's pastor, and I loved every chance I got to be 'in charge' and help take care of the littles. Since losing my mom, my heart has just grown bigger and bigger for children—especially the ones who really need the support and love that may be more difficult to come by,” explained Venticinque.

She knew Western had a great education program and also felt really drawn to the University because of its location. She grew grew up going to Indian Lake, in Vicksburg, Michigan, to visit family and friends all throughout her childhood—a tradition that has continued into her adulthood. “Kalamazoo has been such an important place for me all my life, so when I had the opportunity to apply to Western Michigan University, I couldn’t think of a better school for me!”

When she arrived in Kalamazoo, she took a job at a local church daycare. After the pandemic hit, however, the daycare eventually shut down and she was left without a job. Fortunately for her, she had been getting to know one of the families at the daycare, who was now also suddenly in need of help. She ended up moving in with them as a full-time nanny to save money on rent.

As part of her responsibilities, she helped keep the house clean. The mother of the family quickly realized Venticinque had a real talent for keeping things neat and organized. She recognized that these skills could be Venticinque's ticket through school and encouraged her to start a cleaning business to cover the cost of her tuition.

“All throughout my life, I have been a tidy person, and I’ve loved the satisfaction I got from cleaning and organizing spaces, but I had never thought I could start my own business—especially while being a full-time student at university. Although here I am two years later with a growing clientele and the pride of starting something amazing all by myself,” explained Venticinque.

She found that her new business gave her the freedom to set her own work hours, which allows her to prioritize her school work and make good grades. “As my time at WMU progressed, I got better and better at managing my time between school and work—so much so that I haven’t had to bring work home on the weekends in the last three years. I feel as though this has been a crucial aspect to my academic success. By allowing myself to take a whole weekend off to enjoy my social life and personal time, it really motivates me to work hard during the weekdays,” she shared.

So far, Venticinque has completed one pre-internship and will complete several more before starting her teaching internship in fall 2023. “I am so passionate about what I am studying for and I couldn't be more excited to get into the classroom! Getting to do what I've worked so hard for is going to be such a blessing and I CAN NOT wait!” said Belle.

In March 2022, Venticinque learned her mom had aspired to be an elementary teacher herself. “Unfortunately, she never got to live out that aspiration herself,” she said, “but I believe that God has placed her passion for children and education within me. I am so beyond thankful for the opportunity to be able to go to university and get my education so that I can live out my mom's dream to the fullest.”

Once she graduates, she plans to pursue a job as a kindergarten-through-third grade teacher in an elementary school, ideally somewhere close to Indian Lake. She plans to keep her cleaning business up and running for as long as she can, but she cannot wait to get into her own classroom and really get a chance to motivate and influence young minds.

“Young children are our future, and I am so excited to get to be a part of shaping those future generations!”

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