Time Well Spent!!!

I could cry tears of joy at the thought of accomplishing my Master's in a field that I am truly passionate to work in. As an advocate and professional in this field, the well-being, mental health, physical health and safety of children will always be my first priority. I want to see children grow and thrive regardless of physical ability, socioeconomic circumstances, race, or culture. All children deserve a fair shot at being successful, and I will WORK every day of my life to ensure that policymakers are implementing fair and policies.

3 Deeply Felt Learnings:

1. I deeply felt the importance of inclusion in early childhood programs. It is important for educators and leaders to show respect and openness to diversity. As educators and leaders, we come across many different cultures, and differences among people. It is important that people are able to feel a sense of belonging upon entering your program or center. Healthy relationships and strong bonds are established through effective communication, effective listening, being accepting and open to diversity and different ideas.

2. Another deeply felt learning that I gained from this program was the importance of play in the early childhood field. I have become more enthused and more of an advocate for play and its benefits among children in early childhood programs, in my community in hopes of eventually ending this challenge on a global level. Play influences a pivotal component of children’s cognitive development, independence, social and emotional behaviors, creativity, as well as how they perceive themselves and the world around them. 

3. The last deeply felt learning that I gained from this program was the importance of collaboration, communication, and coordination and its effects on leadership. Effective listening and communication skills are very important when working as a team and amongst a community of practice, of course, there will be individuals with different opinions, skill levels, ideas, expertise and views regarding plans and goals but a leader must be willing to listen, and be open-minded to diversity when it comes to values, culture, and experiences. Collaboration reaches people on a larger level because it requires a group of trusting, goal oriented, respectful and selfless individuals that possess character traits needed to reach a wide range of people. Collaboration and communication skills influence partnerships and effective team building.

One Long-Term Goal

My ultimate goal as an advocate is to ensure that children are learning and developing in unique ways to meet their individual needs. I hope to push for changes in policies that provide all children, regardless of their circumstances, an equal shot at reaching their full potentials, especially through learning through play in educational practices. In the future I will ensure my professional growth through continued collaboration with effective community’s of practice, continued research on trends, issues, and challenges as well as the many ways to effectively address these challenges in efforts to meet the needs of children and families. 

Farewell Message-- 

Thank you all for all of the positve feedback via discussion posts and via blog each week. I am so happy and proud of us all, it has been a long 22 months, but we have persevered. I want to thank Professor Ernst for the continued support and feedback, quick email and text responses regarding assignments week after week. I could not have completed the course without your help. I pray a positive and effective journey for everyone, please continue fighting and advocating for our children, they need us. 

Email: passionmakella@gmail.com please feel free to contact me with research, questions, etc. I am always eager to contiue learning.