Originally recognized as “Armistice Day” to celebrate the end of World War I, Veterans Day is a time to recognize members of the United States Armed Forces.

Every year, we celebrate those who’ve served — especially Bright Horizons employees. We recently sat down with Nicole McClain, a Health and Safety Director at Bright Horizons’ One Financial Center and former Sergeant in the Army National Guard, to talk about her service.

The Army National Guard

At seventeen years old and a junior in high school, Ms. McClain enlisted in the Army National Guard — she says, “I remember telling my mom and being really nervous that she wasn’t going to be supportive.” The same day she told her mom, they went to the armory, spoke to a recruiter, and she enlisted. “I wanted to travel the world. I loved the idea of wearing a uniform and being a solider. I chose the National Guard because I wanted to help take care of situations on U.S. soil…providing food…providing service during a natural disaster…I wanted an opportunity to help people.”

Ms. McClain was stationed in Massachusetts, where she still resides today. During her time in the service, she was deployed to Iraq twice — in 2004 and in 2008.

The Support to Serve

During her second deployment, Ms. McClain was working at Bright Horizons as a teacher. “Bright Horizons was very supportive of my military service in the National Guard,” she said. “They have a process and protocols in place that allowed me to work in the center while serving. When I came back home, my job was waiting for me.”

After her service ended, Ms. McClain’s transition back to civilian life was pretty seamless. Continuing on her path in early education, her military experience aided in her decision to stay with Bright Horizons. “Having a military background, I always knew what I needed to do to be successful,” said Ms. McClain. “And at Bright Horizons you are given a blueprint of what to do to advance our career.”

Following the Path to a Career in Early Childhood Education

Ms. McClain rejoined Bright Horizons in October 2021 after some time away. Why? She says it was the nurturing environment, trainings that help develop her expertise, and the pathways needed to take her career further that brought her back.

Take it from Ms. McClain: “If you are a veteran out there and you’re thinking about a career in early childhood education, you should consider Bright Horizons. You will be supported, and your career path is clear.”

Celebrating Veterans

When Ms. McClain thinks of Veterans Day, she finds validation in her time in service — it has become one of her favorite holidays because the whole country celebrates those who have put their lives on the line.

This Veterans Day, we want to acknowledge all veterans and active service members — those working at Bright Horizons and nationwide. Thank you for your dedication to our country!