Brittany Grajek

Balancing the roles of mom, wife, student, worker, and friend would be a lot for anyone. But over the last four years, Meadville native Brittany Grajek has shown impressive willpower in handling these responsibilities on the way to becoming a college graduate from Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC).

Grajek takes extreme pride in being a mom; something that changed the course of her career and life. For several years, Grajek worked in childcare and early education, in addition to spending some years as a stay-at-home mom. Through these experiences, she discovered her truest passion was child-development. Seeing a child show growth in their life and their learning gives Grajek a feeling like few other things in life.

“It honestly makes me emotional to talk about my favorite part of my career,” explained Grajek. “My favorite part is what I call the ‘aha!’ moment. The moment when a child has been working on grasping a concept and working through problem solving and it finally clicks for them. It can be as simple as playing a math game. They think they’re just playing but they’re developing and learning important lessons and skills that prepare them for future learning. Seeing that growth and developing a relationship with young children has brought my career and life great purpose.”

Childcare and early childhood education are industries with few barriers to entry. But to grow in a career, certifications and degrees are necessary. After spending time in a Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) classroom, she knew that the only way of reaching her goal of becoming an assistant teacher in a Pre-K setting was to earn her Child Development Associate credential and possibly a college degree down the road. In 2020, Grajek came across Northern Pennsylvania Regional College’s Child Development Associate (CDA) course offered remotely. The course was not only the first step towards growing in her career, but eventually signing up to become a part-time student in early childhood education beginning in August 2020.

“Attending NPRC was truly life-changing for me and provided a foundation to pursue my passion for early childhood education. I gained the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this field. But it was bigger than just academics; my professors taught me valuable life lessons and instilled important values that have shaped who I am today. Overall, my college journey has not only prepared me for a successful career but has also equipped me with the mindset and tools to make a positive impact on the lives of young children.”

Grajek is now working at Meadville Children’s Center on a part-time basis for different classrooms needing assistance that day. Before this chapter in her career, the Meadville native had stepped away from the classroom to focus on improving her health. Throughout 2023 and into the early months of 2024, Grajek faced what seemed to be a chronic illness. However, after months of searching for answers, it was discovered that she had thyroid cancer and needed to have surgery. “I had no idea how I was going to make everything work because I didn’t know the extent of it. But through it all, I maintained a 4.0 grade-point average, continued to be the best mom I could, and I maintained my life. Looking back at all I overcame while finishing this degree, I’m truly so proud of myself.”

Grajek and her classmates celebrated earning their associate degrees in a commencement ceremony held in May. She graduated with honors, an unblemished grade-point average, and an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education that will one day help her become an assistant teacher. More than this, she showcased to her children what can happen through perseverance and a strong work ethic. “It really hit me when I was on the stage to receive my diploma and I saw my youngest son standing there looking at me. It solidified for me that this may inspire them. It took me some time, and it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But it was 100 percent worth it. I also cannot thank my husband, Joshua, enough. He's my stronghold and the reason it was all possible. His years of support as an amazing partner helped me achieve this accomplishment in my life.”

During her time at NPRC, Grajek gained a mentor in Director of Applied Studies, Leigh Anne Kraemer-Naser and a lifelong friend in fellow early childhood education alumni, Savannah Nichols. These two women remain two of her biggest supporters and were there through the best moments in her college experience and the toughest times where she was unsure how she would complete her degree. Specifically, about Nichols, she shared, “I never expected to meet my like best friend in the whole wide world through a screen. We live in different places, but that connection and friendship I have with her changed my life.”

Brittany Grajek balanced being a parent, spouse, worker, and college student; all while battling cancer. It unquestionably was a lot to handle, but with her health continuing to improve, having returned to the workforce, and her associate degree completed, her future is as bright as ever. “Every single one of my professors was accommodating and did everything they could to support me finishing my degree through all that was going on. The approach from NPRC is truly genuine and people who work at the College truly care about the students. I’ve made lifelong friends here and I’ve also improved my life along the way. It’s impossible to express how much this institution has transformed my life. I’ll forever recommend NPRC,” she said.