OFTC’s Cailin Lord Pursues Passion for Teaching Through ECCE Program

As a young girl, Cailin Lord often found herself daydreaming about becoming a teacher and how she’d decorate her classroom one day. As she grew older, the lasting impact of teachers in her own life inspired her to want to make the same difference in the lives of others.  

After graduating high school and pursuing other dreams, Lord decided to further her education in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) by enrolling in Oconee Fall Line Technical College’s (OFTC) ECCE Associate of Applied Science degree program. 

“I want to be someone who helps children learn and grow, but also feel loved and supported,” Lord said. “Teachers have such a big impact. I still remember the ones who made a difference for me, and that’s something I hope to be for my own students one day.” 

OFTC offered local campuses, small class sizes, and a quality program that would provide Lord with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to accomplish her goals — a classroom and students of her own. 

“I really liked that OFTC’s classes felt more personal and that the instructors were very involved and supportive,” she added. “The instructors truly want you to succeed, and it doesn’t feel like you’re just another student.” 

Learning by Doing 

Once enrolled, Lord says she quickly rediscovered a passion for learning through interactive classroom experiences and instructors who genuinely care about student success. 

“Being in this program has completely changed the way I look at learning,” Lord said. “One of the biggest reasons for that is having a teacher who is genuinely passionate about what she does and who constantly encourages me to do better.” 

Just after a year into the program, Lord’s been able apply what she’s learning in the classroom to a real-world setting after landing a position in a local pre-kindergarten classroom. She says the opportunity has made her coursework even more meaningful. 

“The hands-on experience we receive in class has been one of the best parts of the program,” she said. “We learn by actually doing the work, and it’s been so rewarding to use what we talk about in class in a real classroom setting.” 

“It makes everything click differently when you’re living it at the same time you’re learning it.” 

Preparing for What’s Next 

As Lord continues working toward her degree, she is already looking ahead to the next steps in her education and career. 

She is expected to graduate from OFTC’s ECCE program in spring 2027 and plans to work as a paraprofessional within a local school system to gain classroom experience before pursuing a four-year degree through one of OFTC’s articulation agreements that will allow her to take advantage of a smooth transfer of credits into a bachelor’s degree program.  

“My experience at OFTC has been so positive and encouraging,” Lord shared. “I’ve grown academically and personally, gained confidence, and found a real passion for learning and working with children.” 

“Going to OFTC for ECCE has truly made a huge impact on my life,” she added. “I was searching for a career I could feel genuinely passionate about, and that is exactly what OFTC has given me. I’m grateful for everything my experience here has provided me.” 

For more info about OFTC’s ECCE program, visit the college’s website, OFTC.edu. 

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