When you meet Dua Usman, it’s hard not to be swept away by her energy and curiosity. I meet with her just days away from her turning five and Dua radiates the kind of joy that can only come from a child who sees the world as a place of endless possibility. Whether it's chatting about her cat Lily or proudly declaring her love for unicorns, this Pre-K student at Unity Point Elementary in Carbondale is already making her mark.

Dua's journey, however, is about more than just birthdays and pets. It’s about the power of language, the importance of education, and the ways in which caring educators help shape futures in ways that transcend traditional teaching.

Michelle Pritchard, a coordinator for Unity Point’s Pre-K program, has a special bond with Dua. With 23 years of experience, Michelle has seen many children grow, but there’s something particularly special about watching Dua blossom.

"I've been with the district for a long time," Michelle shared with a smile. "I started as a home visitor and eventually became a Pre-K teacher and now the coordinator. To watch these kids, like Dua, grow and learn—it’s the most rewarding thing I can imagine."

Dua’s journey is one of learning to navigate the world through language, particularly as a student who has been immersed in the multilingual program at Unity Point. For Dua, English is her second language, and through the immersion process, she has quickly grasped the intricacies of a language that many take for granted.

In fact, Dua's command of English is nothing short of impressive for her age, which Michelle attributes to the school’s intentional and nurturing environment.

"One of the biggest factors in a child’s success is exposure, not just to language, but to a variety of experiences," Michelle explained. "We see how much difference it makes when a child has an extra year in our Pre-K program. They become better equipped to handle the structure of school, to communicate effectively, and to build on their social-emotional skills."

THE POWER OF PLAY AND IMAGINATION

Dua, like most children her age, is brimming with imagination. A quick conversation with her reveals the breadth of her creativity. Not only does she have a fluffy cat named Lily, but she also owns a giant unicorn named—what else?—Lily.

In many ways, it’s this playful nature that Michelle loves most about her work in Pre-K. "It’s so important to let kids like Dua explore through play. It’s how they make sense of the world. They don’t just learn their ABCs; they learn about collaboration, problem-solving, and empathy—all critical skills for the future."

And it’s not just the students who grow during this process. As an educator who attended Unity Point herself, Michelle has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of early childhood education, both as a student and as a teacher.

"I was a student here, and this is where I knew I wanted to be a teacher," Michelle reflected. "It’s come full circle. The students I work with now will one day have their own students or children, and that’s a legacy I’m proud to be a part of."

One of the aspects that make Unity Point Elementary so remarkable is its diversity. The school reflects the broader Carbondale community, which includes families from a variety of ethnic, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds. Nestled next to Southern Illinois University, our school draws students from families associated with the university, creating a truly global, vibrant and culturally rich environment.

Michelle sees this diversity as a tremendous strength, something that enhances the educational experience for both students and staff.

"One of the most wonderful things about Unity Point is how we embrace diversity," she said. "For example, in Miss Meg’s class, we recently did a shoe project where students brought in shoes from their different cultures. It was a great way for children to connect with their heritage and share it with their classmates."

Dua, with her rich cultural background and her ever-present curiosity, is a perfect example of how Unity Point is a place where diversity isn’t just accepted but celebrated.

As Dua continues her journey, both in school and in life, there’s no doubt that the foundation she’s built at Unity Point, under the watchful care of teachers like Michelle, will carry her far. She’s already set on becoming a teacher, declaring her intention to grow up and be "Miss Meg" one day, inspired by her beloved Pre-K teacher.

Whether she’s guiding a unicorn through the clouds or learning how to navigate the complex world of language and education, Dua’s future is bright. And with educators like Michelle Pritchard by her side, there’s no telling just how high she’ll soar.