International student in ECE but dreaming big… need advice (reality check)😭💛

Hey everyone! So I’m an international student currently studying ECE. Honestly, my first choice was to study International Relations, but my college didn’t offer it and I couldn’t find another program that would give me a PGWP… so I ended up choosing ECE.

BUTTTT… plot twist… I’m actually loving it?? 😭 I never imagined I’d enjoy working with kids this much, or be this invested in the classes. I’m really happy with my program and my placement so far.

The thing is… I don’t want to stay only as an RECE/teacher forever. My long-term dream is to work with international child-focused organizations like UNICEF (I know I might sound delulu LOL but let me dream 😭).

So now I’m trying to figure out if my goals are realistic or if I’m just dreaming too big. I really wanna grow in this field, maybe even do a PhD one day in something related to children, human rights, or global development.

So here are my questions:

1. Is it realistic for someone with an ECE background to work in international child organizations like UNICEF?

2. What bachelor’s degree should I take after my ECE diploma to move toward that field?

3. What higher education pathway (BA → MA → PhD) is best for working in child rights, development, or global organizations?

4. Does ECE have good long-term career growth in Canada if I don’t want to stay in the classroom forever?

5. Lastly Am I dreaming too big? 😭

I’m so lost but also excited and hopeful. I’m new to everything here so any advice would help sooo much. Thank you in advance to anyone who reads this and replies 💛✨