Meet Christy Pettit | Founder/Owner/Director of First Impressions Academy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christy Pettit and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christy, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
My industry is Educaiton, Most people do not know that to teach in NC you do not need a degree, you simply need a certification (which means you have to pass a test, or have a certain amount of time to pass the test), but can have a degree in criminal justice and teach. FIA requires a degree in the teaching field to work here at the grade school level, and for preschool you need a degree in teaching or at least 3 years of training as an aide in a classroom with associate level credits to teach.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am truly passionate about education and the well being of children. I wanted to teach since as far back as I can remember, The second I stepped foot into a classroom as a professional I knew that there was a better way that education could be presented. I wanted to incorporate my love of people and relationships with my talent for teaching. It was my dream to give children the challenge or support they needed in a setting where they felt loved and heard. I noticed so many children being held back to support those in need and many others not given support because of lack of communication. I believe that confidence is the foundation of success and I want so badly to my core to give that to each child I meet., Looking back, the journey was not easy, but going though it was a thrill. Over the last 21 years I have been able to help thousands of children reach their highest potential, I have given teachers a setting and atmosphere where they can grow their talents, and as a bonus I have been able to design and build a school that is home for so many.
I learned way more than I can express, but I will name a few imperative lessons that come to mind. I learned that your dreams can come true if you believe in yourself and that failure is never an option for me. I realized that building a strong team is key to growth and success, both professionally and mentally; and the best lesson I learned during my professional journey, is that what I created works! Each child/family that I have the honor to teach at FIA especially our lifers; move on with confidence, grace and overly prepared for academic success and life relationships.
Not all lessons were easy ones. I also learned that as much as I know and as much as I have proven to so many, there will always be families that do not want to hear the truth, or suffer from “not my child syndrome.” Luckily they are far and few between, but it is impossible to make a difference when support from home is lacking or worse…fighting against you. Unfortunately, this only hurts the child and till this day it eats at me when I know a family is not making the right choice for their baby.
I want the world to know that education, love and communication are so important! If educational excellence and strong character are qualities that a family value, then there is no better school than FIA.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to town, I would take her to eat at Antonella’s. I love her story and her food. depending on the time of year we would go to a Woodpecker’s or Marksmen’s game. I would take her shopping at The Perfect Peace Boutique, and The Promise. Patty’s is also always a fun spot for a night out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shout out goes to my late husband who 16 years ago handed me over his reinlistment bonus to start my own academic based preschool.

Website: FIAprepschools.com

Facebook: Theperfectpeaceboutique

Other: www.JP’sjumpmasters.com