Regan Early is from Mint Hill and is majoring in Appalachian State University’s Child Development (BS) - Family and Child Studies (non-licensure) degree program.

What interested you in pursuing a degree in child development? 

I didn’t know the child development degree existed at Appalachian until the first day of my junior year. I was a criminal justice major, but felt out of place. I knew I had a heart for working with and helping children and families, so I researched majors after my first day of classes and found child development. I met with my advisor and two days later I began classes in the child development major and have never looked back.

What have been your most beneficial experiences in the program?

I have had so many beneficial experiences in this program. One of the biggest is the opportunity to go into the Lucy Brock Child Development Lab Program. It is amazing to get to observe and eventually work in the classrooms. It really makes our program unique and has really changed the way I think about and work with children and families.

Describe your relationship with faculty in the program – how do they mentor you or inspire you?

The faculty in the child development program are some of the most amazing people and professors I have ever met. I came from a place where I didn’t have any sort of relationship with my professors or faculty.

The faculty in child development are passionate about what they do and it truly spills over into my studies and experiences. They have been so helpful in guiding me throughout my college career and are a huge reason I have been successful. It is truly inspiring to be around the faculty, and I find myself constantly wanting to learn more from their knowledge and experience. I know that these are connections I will keep long after my college career is over.

What do you hope to do when you graduate?

When I graduate, I hoping to get a master’s degree so that I can be a counselor working with children and families. I am also interested in working in early intervention. Whatever I do, I know I will be prepared to work with children and families.

Why should a prospective student interested in this degree choose to attend Appalachian?

There are so many reasons that a prospective student interested in this major should choose Appalachian. The professors and faculty are a huge reason, as they are passionate about their work and want to see each student succeed.

The Lucy Brock Lab Development Program is also a huge reason to choose Appalachian. The program is so unique and is state of the art. It gives students the chance to observe real classrooms in action and participate. I can honestly say, my experience in this program would not have been the same without Lucy Brock.