LaToya Singleton, of Kewauskum, has a love for children that has no limits. As an early childhood education student at Moraine Park, it is apparent that this career path is her passion.
Originally from Wisconsin, LaToya moved to New Orleans where she successfully operated her own childcare facility for seven years. She moved back to Wisconsin in 2015 to be closer to her family.
Her plan was to bring her childcare business here but found that Wisconsin licensing requires a degree in the field. LaToya is now working towards earning her early childhood education degree at Moraine Park.
LaToya’s love for children is the driving force behind her persistence to obtain her degree.
“My husband and I lost three babies to miscarriage,” LaToya said. “I still wonder why, but now I devote my attention to loving the children that I care for every day. I believe that it takes a village to raise a child and I’m thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of their lives.”
It seems that LaToya gives all of herself to everyone in her life. She regularly has a houseful of family and friends, has helped to raise her godson, and serves as a mother figure to many. She also volunteers at a childcare facility in Milwaukee. I guess you could say she’s everything to everyone.
“There is a need for good childcare,” she said. “I’m happy to provide some help.”
LaToya admitted that when she first came to Moraine Park, she was frustrated to have to obtain a degree. She had worked successfully in childcare for many years and didn’t welcome the idea of having to go to school to continue her career. However, she now makes it known that she is adapting well to college life and is enjoying her journey.
“Moraine Park is now my sanctuary,” LaToya said. “I’m making friends and getting used to being around adults on a daily basis.”
She is a member of Moraine Park’s Promise and Edge programs. The Promise program is an opportunity for tuition-free schooling thanks to generous donors. The Edge program is a Student Support Services program that provides academic advising, study groups, cultural services, and many other resources for qualifying students. LaToya hopes that through her work, she can help bring awareness of diversity in the area.
“Moving back to Wisconsin was hard,” LaToya said. “I have experienced some direct racial hate. My hope is that I can show others that it is the brain and heart that really matters.”
Moraine Park works to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment. Support programs like Edge and groups like the Diversity Club, help to provide students with positive college experiences. Despite the obstacles she has had in her life, LaToya remains a positive ray of light.
“I have gotten everything I have ever prayed for,” she said. “I didn’t get them altogether or even on my terms, but I still got them. I asked for children to love, a house, an education, morals, and stability. In some way, I have all of those things. I am blessed.”
The quick conclusion I came to is that we all could use a LaToya in our lives.
She is expected to graduate in May of 2020 with her associate’s degree in early childhood education. She has goals to graduate summa cum laude and as a member of the Phi Theta Kapa Honor Society.
Congratulations to LaToya for her accomplishments so far! We look forward to following her journey!
For more information, visit morainepark.edu.
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