Why do we do what we do?

Sometimes I am asked this question when I’m giving a tour of my preschool establishment. I went into teaching 30 years ago and I’ve owned Discovery World for 15 years. When I bought it, there was no guarantee of success, that still holds true. Over the years I have made decisions about what is good for my business, the children, the parents, my staff, and my own happiness. When making choices it helps me to remember the answer to that question, why do I do what I do?

I love children. They genuinely make me happy. I catch myself grinning from ear to ear just randomly getting to witness children in action.

Their little minds baffle and impress me. They tick and I tick with them. I want them to thrive and learn and above all, to have fun while learning. Discovery World gives me the chance to implement math, science, reading, social skills, gross motor, fine motor, cognition, and so much more. I want desperately to make it all fun, and my preschool gives me that opportunity. Is there anything better than seeing children sink their hands into an awesome sensory table? For me the answer is no.

It is all important. Math is not more important than laughter. Reading is not more important than a hug. It is all important, and I try to achieve it all with an amazing staff. The members of my staff are so different, yet so like-minded, all at the same time. They are a force of nature; they help make it all happen. My teachers and aides are inspired by children, they are inspiring to watch, and they believe in the fun of our future.

Having the ears, eyes, and hands of a group has been an incredibly positive tool. Good people make things happen. Our beautiful families at Discovery World come together to make a difference. Can we gather five bins of food for families in need at Thanksgiving? Yes, we can. Can we collect 100 coats this Christmas for people in need? Yes, we can. Can we collect thousands upon thousands of aluminum tabs to help the Ronald McDonald House this year? Yes, we can. Can we read 100 books so we can donate books to children of military families? Yes, we can. Can we recycle ink cartridges to help the world stay green, then donate the money raised to our local hospital’s neo- natal unit? Yes, yes, yes, we can!

All of the above should be the answer to why I do what I do, but instead the answer is purely selfish. For me, and for all my staff, we do it because we love it.

~ Terry Camoratto - Owner of Discovery World