Time Well Spent

And now that we are at the end of the tunnel and indeed can see the light, I feel as if I just started this program yesterday—but please do not mistake this feeling for sadness! J I am ecstatic that this is the end and we are all now ready to again take on the field of early childhood, but we are now armed with a ton of new information, insights, understandings, goals and objectives! Watch out, here we come!

I have learned so much throughout my experience in this program! When I really stop to take the time out to think about it, I think I’ve learned more in these last 2 years than I did when I was back at my university! Maybe that has something to do with maturity however:) 

One deeply felt take away learning experience from this program includes the importance of remaining up to date on current issues and trends in the early childhood field. In our course, Issues and Trends, I quickly realized how ignorant I was to what was really going on in the field, the issues that were affecting our children and the trends that were present. It was during this course that I recognized in order to been seen as a value to the field, I must engulf myself into my field and become an active participant not only in my community but worldwide.

I can honestly (deeply) say I have learned the importance of impactful resources and their ability to convey a message. From the video That’s A Family to the creative Wordle project to the Persona Dolls even to the non-traditional Communications textbook, I have learned that a wide spectrum and collection of creative resources are essential to the education of adults and children alike! I have appreciated the diversity of resources and educational experiences this program has offered, I have taken away much information with these different resources as I would have with a regular traditional textbook.

 

The last deeply felt learning experience/lesson that I have gained from this program is that I am not alone. There are many, many individuals who are just as committed to the early childhood education field as I am. I have learned that there are so many different opinions, thoughts and ideas from others that I can learn from and use to help me grow both professionally and personally. When I speak of these individuals, I am speaking of my colleagues! It just amazes me that despite not being able to meet face to face on a weekly basis, I have learned so much from each and every one of you! This has been a great experience and one that I will continue to look back on and learn from!

One long-term goal that I have is to indeed fulfill my challenge of offering creative arts programs, specifically photography classes to young children and their families who are living in poverty. I am envisioning weekly or bi-weekly classes that can be offered at no cost that will build on one element to the next. The classes will focus on things such as healthy habits, self-esteem, nutrition, etc. I want to use photography just as many programs use sports as an outlet for children and families. I want young children and families to realize that there are all types of creative outlets in the world for them to take advantage of.

Well this is my final farewell message! As I look back at my blogs, I realize how much I’ve grown and I am certain that you all have as well! We have finally made it to the end! What a rush! I truly do wish all of you the best of luck in the future and in your dreams and goals of being a source for positive social change! I want to leave you with the words to one of my favorite songs: I Hope You Dance…Congratulations ya’ll!