Working Mom Takes Chance on Herself at Nashville State

As a working mom to three boys and an established career in early childhood education, Katie Growden decided to take a chance on herself.

With the support of her family and employer, a west Nashville preschool, she enrolled at Nashville State. Little did she know where this choice would take her.

After an early life spent moving around, Growden settled in Middle Tennessee, where she saw the need for affordable childcare. Recognizing this need led her to work in early childhood education while starting and raising a family.

Once enrolled at Nashville State, she started part-time. There, she says, the flexibility offered by the college was critical for her as a full-time worker and a mom.

“The flexibility was great for me,” Growden said. “I was able to take online classes. I took evening classes. I took weekend classes. Before Nashville State, I didn’t know that was possible.”

There, Growden grew in confidence as a student and a person. Working with advisors, instructors, and other students was a vibrant experience for her.

“It was fun and exciting to be with lots of other students who were diverse in age and every other demographic you can think of,” Growden said.

She loved “to have that energy of learning new things and being a part of something bigger.”

Finding the right balance, she enrolled fulltime, using her newfound confidence and energy to finish her Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education.

As a working mom, it was not always easy, but with the support of the college and her family, she graduated.

“My kids were really encouraging. I sat down and did homework when they sat down and did homework,” Growden said. 

It was important for her young sons to see what they could accomplish.

“I wanted to be able to model for my kids. This is something you can do. This is something valuable.”

After graduating, she continued working at the preschool, only now with her newly earned degree. Unfortunately, the school closed during the pandemic and Growden was forced to find a new job.

With her degree in hand, experience at the early child education center, and having spent time as a dedicated volunteer with the early childhood advocacy organization Save the Children Action Network, she sought, and was offered, the position of Tennessee state manager for the nonprofit.

In her role, she advocates for public policies to help families and young children, as well as working to empower those families personally and professionally.

“I get to help people recognize their value as who they are and their value to the community,” Growden said.

Established in her position, Growden says one of the most important lessons she learned at Nashville State is to believe in yourself.

“You can do anything for a semester. Take chances.”