SSCC student pursues passion for Early Childhood Education while balancing family life

By Elizabeth Burkard
Director of Marketing
Southern State Community College

Christina Massie, a dedicated student at Southern State Community College, is turning years of hands-on experience and personal inspiration into a meaningful career path through the college’s Early Childhood Education program.
 
Enrolled in Early Childhood Education, Massie chose Southern State for its affordability and flexibility—two critical factors in making the decision to return to school while raising children. “Southern State made going back to school feel realistic for me,” Massie shared. “I needed something I could manage alongside my responsibilities as a parent.”
 
With an extensive background in working with children, pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education was a natural next step. Personal experiences have also played a significant role in shaping Massie’s journey. As a parent of a son with autism and a daughter with ADHD, Massie has developed a deeper desire to understand child development and better support children of all needs and backgrounds. “I want to build on my experience and turn it into a long-term career,” Massie explained.
 
Massie credits Southern State’s supportive and welcoming environment as a key factor in her success so far. “As a student who is also a parent, I really appreciate the flexibility and understanding the college offers,” she said. “My instructor has been incredibly encouraging and supportive, and that has made me feel confident and motivated to keep going.”
 
Massie describes both faculty and staff as approachable and genuinely invested in student success. “Going back to school can feel overwhelming, but everyone I’ve interacted with at Southern State has been kind and willing to help,” she added.
 
Based on her experience so far, Massie would confidently recommend Southern State to others—especially those balancing education with family life. “The support and flexibility have made a big difference for me.”
 
Looking ahead, Massie plans to return to the workforce as an educational aide after graduation, continuing to build experience in the field. Long-term goals include pursuing a bachelor’s degree and potentially opening a daycare center. “For now, my focus is on learning and gaining experience,” she said, “but I’m excited about what the future holds.”
 
To learn more about Southern State’s Education pathway, please visit https://www.sscc.edu/academics/programs/education.shtml or email Assistant Professor Nicole Sheppard at nsheppard@sscc.edu. The program can be completed entirely online and registration is currently open for both the summer and fall semesters.
 
Summer Semester begins May 26 and Fall Semester begins August 24.
 
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