Time Well Spent...

It is difficult to believe that after two years, I have finally completed my Master’s program at Walden University.  I remember when I began, it seemed so far away; and just like that…it’s here.  I have learned so much about myself, my career choices, and the early childhood field through this program.  I have grown as an individual and a professional, and I have more confidence and belief in my ability to make positive, lasting contributions to the early childhood field.  

The greatest learning I acquired through this program has been learning about anti-bias education, and how to successfully develop my own curriculum.  Although I had unknowingly used many anti-bias education methods in my previous classroom, I can now do so with intention and purpose; and help children come to realize the beauty in our diverse world.  I have learned that in true anti-bias curriculum, one must include diversity, multiculturalism, family cultures, etc. in the classroom on a daily basis; it is not anti-bias curriculum if we are just celebrating Chinese New Year for a day.  Children need to be immersed in our world and taught to love and accept one another for their whole selves; as each and every child is a unique and wonderful individual that is deeply affected by our early roles in their lives.  

I also learned a great deal about myself and my personal biases.  It was difficult to journey into my childhood and young adult life and dissect some experiences, at which I did not want to look too closely.  It was through those critical assignments that I learned the most about who I am and how my personality and personal biases could positively and/or negatively affect the children and families I serve, as well as my colleagues.  I have picked up the wonderful habit of writing about my daily experiences during which I feel that my life and professional growth is being affected by my personal biases or family culture.  I believe that journaling has helped me to grow increasingly aware of how I impact those around me.  It has been a wonderful tool and one I continue to practice throughout my life.  

I have also come to learn that I am capable of a great deal more than I previously imagined.  Throughout this program, I have suffered hardships, moved twice, worked full time, and have still managed to do well in my classes.  Previously in my life, I would not have thought I could be so successful; especially with so many curve balls being thrown my way.  I have learned how to balance priorities in my life and that early childhood education and advocacy is truly where my professional passions lie.  Early on in my academic career, I believed that I would be teaching elementary school and would be completely satisfied working in a classroom for the rest of my life.  With the completion of this degree, I have come to realize that the sky is the limit for me; that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to, and I plan to test that theory.  

I have many long term goals that I wish to accomplish throughout my professional career.  I want to travel and visit different education systems around the world; to witness how they work and interact with early childhood professionals from different places.  I want to work with inner city families and children and advocate for them so that they can have the same opportunities as their wealthy counterparts.  I want to work with young mothers and help them to understand child development, the importance of the early years in their children’s lives, and help them become connected with resources around them that are available to them, as well as their children.  I would like to obtain my PhD in Family Psychology, or a related field, and work in administrative roles for national organizations that advocate for families and children.  My most immediate goal, however, is to write my first book.  I would like to write about my experiences in working with affluent, suburban families, in comparison to my time working with low income, urban families.  I want to write it as a memoir, but hope to ignite some passions in my readers about the inequities in education that are so widely spread, and so disgustingly apparent.  

To my colleagues:

            Thank you for sharing your experiences with me throughout this course; I have gained so much from you, simply through conversations, blogs, and discussions.  You are all amazing, unique, and wonderful individuals who have chosen a noble career path.  You all have beautiful dreams and ambitions that you have gleaned from our course work and I commend you on your ability to articulate them so well.  I hope that you will all pursue what you have shared with us throughout this Capstone Project.  It is a difficult road ahead of us as early childhood professionals and advocates, but we are now fully equipped with the knowledge, experience, and openness to new ideas that are needed to be successful.  Congratulations to each and every one of you on this monumental accomplishment.  It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with all of you.  Take care of yourselves and the families and children you serve!

Dr. Teri:

            Thanks to you, and my other professors at Walden University, I have made it through this journey.  I appreciate all of the suggestions and thought-provoking ideas that you have given me throughout my work here at Walden.  You were always available for help and encouragement and I never felt alone or lost because of that simple fact.  The assignments throughout this particular course have truly inspired me to become more involved in child advocacy.  The Capstone Project was difficult at times, but reflected my true passions as a professional and allowed me to pursue them in a very real way.  I now believe that I am capable of doing great things; and with that confidence and the knowledge I have gained here, I truly believe that I will accomplish my goals and live up to my own expectations.    

Be well and keep in touch!
rainadouglass@yahoo.com

Inspirational Quotes:

"Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world."

- Maria Montessori

"If you're going to equalize the academic playing field, you've got to get the kids in early childhood programs."

- Paul Vallas

"The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one."

- Malcolm Forbes

"Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.”

- Dr. Hiam Ginnot

"I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think."

- Socrates