I am Shannon Delgado from the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. I have been an Associate Professor of Education in the Teacher Preparation program for the past nine years. This is my first year as an executive board member and I am eager to learn from all of you and share my experiences as well. I started my educational journey over 20 years ago in a community college in Illinois as a first-generation college student. During this time, I was discouraged from taking Education courses as they would not transfer to a four-year institution. My only focus at the community college level was general education requirements. I spent the first few years insisting I wanted to be a first grade teacher. It wasn't until I transferred to a four-year institution that I was able to observe a classroom teacher. My first experience was in a first grade classroom because that was what I had my heart set on. That experience changed my mind drastically and almost made me change my major. If I did not have a professor guide me into observing a middle school classroom, I would not be where I am today. Community college teacher preparation programs help to guide students in the right direction. Community colleges are an affordable way for students to discover different degree options and get the guidance and individualized support needed to make career choices. Community college teacher preparation programs went from almost non-existent to offering baccalaureate degrees and post-baccalaureate licensure. I see community colleges as the most cost efficient and beneficial way for students who wish to earn their teaching degree in a setting that is nurturing and provides them with a well-rounded and meaningful education. My main job and focus as a community college professor is teaching. Students learn from content area experts, not teacher's assistants. I am excited to be part of this evolutionary transformation.