Time Well Spent

            When reflecting upon my time in the Early Childhood Studies program, I realize I have learned many new things and some of those had a long lasting impact on myself.  Within in the scope of my job, I train and work with teachers and directors.  The reason behind my obtaining my Master’s was to be more effective in this area of my job.  The courses I took on adult learning gave me new and useful knowledge.  I have gained tips and techniques for engaging adult learners and supporting their learning whether it is in a two hour training or ongoing coaching support.  I am forever grateful for these courses and the knowledge that I gained from them.

            During my time, I realized the importance of collaborations, how effective they are, and how to do my part to make them effective.  I have always been a person that does not depend on others and would rather do it myself to ensure that it is done correctly.  However this does not always work and sometimes more can be done if multiple people are working together for the greater good.  Over the course of the year I am seeing more collaborations being created in my community on the behalf of children and their families.  I am excited to be a part of these and now have the knowledge to effectively do my part within these collaborations. 

            As a supervisor and responsible for leading a team, I realized that my communication skills needed improvement.  The courses in this program have helped me be more conscious of my communication skills and how to improve them.  A combination of communication skills and knowing how adults learn has helped me to change my approach with my staff, other co-workers, and providers.  The results have already led to a more positive working atmosphere and productivity. 

            I have two long-term goals.  My first long-term goal is to obtain my Doctorate in Early Childhood.  It is a goal I want to achieve but I know that it will take some time before I will be able to obtain it.  I want to take some time to spend with my son and family.  Plus I have added several things to my plate and I need to concentrate on those first.  However, it is a goal and dream of mine and I will achieve it.

            Another long-term goal is to ensure that all the providers in my community have had training and technical support in cultural competence.  My capstone project dealt with cultural competence and I want to continue my work that started in this project.  I do not want my hard work to go to waste.  I want to be advocate for cultural competence and the importance of it for the lives of young children and their families.             

            We are asked to write a farewell message to our instructor and colleagues.  However, I believe that farewell is not the correct word to use.  Due to the passion that my colleagues and I share, I believe that our paths will cross again in the future.  Our futures are bright and I am excited to see what everyone else will do.  In the meantime, I do wish you the best of luck in all that you do in your efforts to improve the lives of young children and their families and the field of early childhood education.  I have gained much knowledge from each and every one of you that has and will continue to make me a better person.  Thank you.  If there is anything you should ever need, email is the best way to reach me.  My email address is myraburrell730@yahoo.com.