Only male EC-4 student: profile on Oscar Valerio

Fort Worth, TX

4/30/2009

By: Erin Madden, TCU Schieffer School of Journalism


Oscar Valerio has always been a role model for young children. His ability to easily interact with children has lead him to be the only male Early Childhood Education major at TCU.

Valerio doesn’t mind his minority status as the lone male in the Early Childhood Education program; in fact he claims it was noticeable only on the first day of classes. However, there are some situations in which Valerio receives special attention.

“The special attention comes at the most random times--and that is what I like about it,” Valerio said. “What I mean by special attention is those moments in class when a story ties into a gender issue. For example, one of my teachers wanted to have a Valentine’s Day party and we were told to bring cards and candy for everyone. The girls just turned to look at me and started giggling.”

He focuses little on being outnumbered by females and more on learning as much as he can from the classes he enjoys. Valerio enjoys interacting with all of his teachers and favors their teaching styles.

“These teachers have learned how to teach--they know how to adjust to everyone’s learning style,” he said. “For example, my psychology teacher, Amber Esping, let us take an exam in our own style. The teachers are so good about accommodating us.”

Valerio, a native of Mineral Wells, TX, said he knew early on that he wanted to be involved with children. While working as a caretaker at a local women’s shelter, Valerio began interacting with the children.

“When I would do yard work, the children would run up to me and start doing what I was doing,” Valerio said. “When my boss took notice, she asked me if I would play big brother to them.”

Because of his good relationship with the children, he realized a future in early childhood education was a perfect choice.

Since then, Valerio has become an accomplished student. He is now a member of the Student Mentor Program. Faculty nominated him based on his leadership skills and academic achievements. Through this program, students serve as ambassadors for the College of Education by hosting visitors and giving tours. Valerio said he is honored to be a member of this prestigious group.

“It feels good to be awarded the position of Senior Mentor,” Valerio said. “At first I was not going to accept it because I thought they just gave it to me because I’m the only boy in the EC-4 program. At the ceremony, I was asking the professors, ‘why me?’ I wasn’t fishing for compliments; I wanted to be sure they thought highly of me.”

Upon graduation next May, Valerio plans to teach in the Fort Worth area.

“I like the Fort Worth area because it is where I feel I am most needed,” Valerio said. “There are many students who come from broken homes and they feel they have no one who cares for them. I am here to show them otherwise.”