By Elisabeth Costanzo Stewart
Early Childhood/Childhood Education Studies student Nicole Hernandez never had the chance to visit SUNY Broome before Move-In Day. Instead, the Long Island native familiarized herself with campus buildings, like the Student Village and Titchener Hall, through virtual tours and photos online. She had no idea then that a building tucked away in the corner of campus, home to the College’s littlest learners, would ultimately become her favorite place.
Hernandez’ education in education at SUNY Broome is twofold. Not only is she learning about childhood development and teaching pedagogy in her lectures, but she gets to see theory come to life just a few buildings away as an aide at the College’s on-site licensed child care center.
Hernandez hails from Freeport, New York, on the South Shore. Her natural soft spot for children made her want to become a teacher from an early age. After sharing her hopes of starting her degree at a community college while still getting the “away from home” experience, her school counselor encouraged her to consider SUNY Broome. A few months later, her bags were packed, and she was bound for the Student Village.
“I had a pit in my stomach watching my parents drive away, but by the time I made it up the stairs, back to my suite, and looked out the window at the beautiful hills, I was OK,” Hernandez reflected. “Right then, my roommates and I told each other that we were going to have a great year, and we did.”
The Early Childhood/Childhood Education Studies curriculum includes mandatory field hours. Hernandez assumed that she would have to travel to observe children in a classroom setting, so she was surprised when Professor Lenny Grozier guided her down the sidewalk to a building she hadn’t noticed before: The B.C. Center. Through its doors were 40 youngsters, ranging in age from six weeks to five years old, playing, learning, and growing under the nurturing eyes of the facility’s teachers and aides. Hernandez was in awe.
“I had never had exposure to a daycare center before, and it was transformational,” Hernandez said. “Observing the daily routines and watching the teachers use different techniques to introduce new skills and help meet milestones was so inspiring. I knew for sure that this is what I wanted to do — guide children as they develop the values, confidence, and compassion that will shape who they become.”
Eager to immerse herself in the world of childhood education, Hernandez became an active member of Broome Educators of Children Association (BECA). While volunteering with BECA as Professor Grozier’s student assistant at SUNY Broome’s Fall Open House, she noticed that the Childhood Education Studies table was situated right next to the table highlighting The B.C. Center. Grozier gently nudged Hernandez to introduce herself to the Center’s director, Nichole McMillen. By the end of the event, Hernandez left with an invitation to apply for a position to work with the College’s youngest students.
Nicole works beside her B.C. Center mentor, Linda Jackson. (Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers)
Hernandez joined The B.C. Center’s team in Spring 2026. After wrapping up a full morning of classes, she’d clock in just in time for the children to wake up from their afternoon naps. Though she started as a floater, bouncing between classrooms as needed, she kept gravitating back to “Toddler 2” where children aged 18 – 36 months spend their days. Hernandez was equally captivated by the toddlers’ pure curiosity and inspired by their teacher, Linda Jackson’s, ability to channel their energetic enthusiasm into meaningful learning.
“SUNY Broome has given me so many incredible mentors. As a student, I have Professor Grozier, who is by far the best teacher I’ve ever had,” Hernandez beamed. “At The B.C. Center, I have Linda Jackson. I’ve learned so much from working alongside her, and watching her encourage each child’s unique curiosity and development.”
Though Hernandez built friendships with students from all across campus, her return to SUNY Broome for Fall 2026 was fueled by excitement for one reunion above all others: with her buddies at The B.C. Center.
“I’ve learned so much about how these early years are critical in a child’s social, motor, and cognitive development,” Hernandez explained. “I couldn’t wait to see how much the kids grew and changed over the summer.”
After completing her degree at SUNY Broome, Hernandez hopes to transfer to earn her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Childhood Education, while continuing to pursue modeling on the side. This year alone, she was featured in the music video for Oscar Maydon and J Balvin’s “Poema” and modeled for New York Fashion Week 2026. In homage to her Colombian heritage, she aspires to establish a non-profit to provide classroom resources to underserved schools in Colombia.
“I believe that education can change the direction of a child’s life, but sadly, not every child starts with the same resources. I would love to give back, and make sure that the children I’ve grown to love in Colombia have the resources they need to learn, grow, and dream bigger.”
Nicole’s Advice for Future SUNY Broome Students: “I have the same advice for all students, whether they are at SUNY Broome or The B.C. Center. Be kind to everyone and don’t hesitate to initiate conversations. Immerse yourself in everything that SUNY Broome has to offer. Show up, get involved, and introduce yourself. I’ve met some amazing people on campus simply by saying hello!”
Nicole’s goal is to guide children as they develop the values, confidence, and compassion that will shape who they become. (Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers)
Learn more about Early Childhood/Childhood Education Studies: A.S. at SUNY Broome!
Tags: B.C. Center, Housing, Liberal Arts Division, National Hispanic Heritage Month, Student Profile, Teacher Education, Teacher Education/Early Childhood Education
