2025 Grad Spotlight: Dominique Massey
One of Dominique Massey’s jobs before she came to Gaston College was working for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The seven years she spent at CMS prompted her to pursue an Early Childhood Education degree at Gaston College, which she started in 2022.
“I chose early childhood education because I love working with kids and watching them discover and learn new things as they grow. I picked Gaston because it is close to home, and I was able to get my degree while I work,” Massey said. “They also offered online classes and Saturday classes, which are great for my schedule.”
According to one of her Gaston College Early Childhood instructors, Robin Perry, Massey emerged as a top student in the program.
“Dominique has earned an impressive GPA of 3.708 while working two jobs in the field as a pre-K assistant teacher and at a local program,” Perry said. “She stands out in our classes at Gaston and in her own EC classroom with competence and an excellent work ethic. Her supervising teacher in North Charlotte brags about what an incredible asset and help Dominique is.”
Massey’s degree comes at a time when local early childhood programs are desperately seeking qualified educators. According to the NC Early Childhood Foundation, data shows that more than five families compete for every licensed child care space in our state, and staffing shortages are a major barrier to increasing this.
Since Massey always wanted to be in the classroom, she’s enjoyed that part of her experience. But she said interacting with classmates and teachers who share the same goal has been a bonus. She hopes to become a special education interventionist in the future.
“Gaston College has really helped me ‘Own My Momentum’ by giving me support and resources that help with my educational and career goals. The staff and the team are super encouraging, and they offer personalized guidance that makes a big difference.”
With the teacher shortage, graduates like Massey provide essential talent to classrooms where qualified educators make a difference in the development of our youngest learners. For more information on our early childhood education classes, certificates and degrees, visit gaston.edu/early-childhood.
