From Student to Changemaker: Aarohi Upadhyay’s Journey in Early Childhood Education
Aarohi Upadhyay’s journey is a powerful example of what can happen when passion, perseverance, and community support align. With a background in English literature and years of teaching experience in primary schools in her home country, Aarohi came to Fleming College to shift her focus to the early years—believing deeply in the critical role these formative stages play in child development.
At Fleming, Aarohi quickly became a standout. Not only did she graduate at the top of her class, but she also gave back as a peer mentor and tutor, all while continuing to access tutoring herself. Her time at Fleming taught her not only academic skills, but also the value of leaning on others and supporting fellow students through community and mentorship.
Her deep curiosity and dedication to understanding children’s learning extended beyond the classroom. Aarohi would spend time at the local library listening to storytime sessions with infants, observing their reactions to different books and learning what stories sparked their interest. It was a small act, but one that reflected her thoughtful and child-centred approach to education.
After graduation, driven by her passion for making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families, she began her career at a small childcare center. She later joined City of Peterborough-operated daycares, working through the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. As an educator, she built strong partnerships and secured new resources, significantly enhancing the quality of care provided. Her hard work and dedication earned her well-deserved recognition, and she now serves as a Children’s Services Case Manager with the City of Peterborough.
Her impact didn’t stop there. Aarohi also developed mentorship modules for Early Childhood Education (ECE) professionals in collaboration with Fleming College, Investing in Quality (IIQ), and the City of Peterborough. These modules are now available through IIQ. “ECEs help build the foundation of human growth,” she says. “That foundation shapes the community.”
Now a faculty member at Fleming College, Aarohi brings everything full circle. She guides students not only through the curriculum but also connects them to essential resources in the community—particularly for international students who are adjusting to a new environment. “I always tell my students—tell me the wrong answers,” she laughs. “Without the wrong, we wouldn’t know what’s right.”
Her focus on creating a supportive space stems from her own student days. “There are no wrong questions,” she says. “Until you ask, you won’t get clarity.”
To Aarohi, true success lies in the journey of trying, failing, and persevering.
“Even now, if someone needs support, I’m always ready to offer it,” she says. “It’s my way of giving back.”