Professional Hopes and Goals
It’s that time again time to move on to the next class. I must say that this class has touched my heart string more than any other class I have had. I have learned so much and have grown so much. The three words diversity, equity and social justice have taken on new meaning in my life or I could just say has meaning in my life. We are all different in so many ways but yet the same. This past 8 weeks has taught me to appreciate people for who they are and what they have to offer. I may not be able to speak Spanish but I can learn from and respect those who do speak Spanish. We may not attend the same church or worship the say way but we all have a right to attend the church of our choice and worship who we please. Just because I am African-American and you are of another race does not mean we cannot get along together. I am 58 years old soon to be a senior citizen but I have something to offer just as my classmates who are so much younger than me. We are all unique individuals in our own special way; we all deserve to be given a fair chance at life.
One hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is that I will be open minded, compassionate, understanding , eager to learn, accepting, fair, and recognizing that people are different and they come with a lot to offer if given a chance.
To my colleagues your words have been an inspiration to my life. There is no other class that I have shed as many tears as I have with this class. The words of encouragement and praise that you offered to me during this class will go with me forever. I guess what amazes me the most is that we have never seen each other but yet have shared so much together. I look forward each week to reading your discussion board and blogs. My hope is that I have in some way or another encouraged you as much as your have encouraged me. Thank you for your support and remember we are all unique in our own special ways.
Rosemary, I have learned so much from you as well, thank you!
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading your post I had a thought regarding our openness with each other, too. I wonder how much of it stems from our being online and somewhat "anonymous"; putting us all at an advantage of a common culture of Early Childhood Educators - one goal, one heart for children - irrespective of the other biases that so often get in the way of collaboration in an in-person classroom.
Just one more tidbit (food for though) that you have provided! Perhaps we will meet again :)
Rosemary and Laura-First of all, Laura I really like your prespective on how being an online community has worked to our advantage and we are able to see (or not see depending how on you look at it) each other as just educators and nothing else. Rosemary-As always, I enjoyed having a course with you again and I really hope we are in a course together in the future. I feel like I can be open and honest with you and know you will give open and honest feedback...it is very appreciated!! I was just talking to my old co-teacher today during lunch and she commented how she wished she would have gone for her Matser's. She is about the same age as you, so I'm going to tell her tomorrow about you and tell if she wants to do it, it's never too late!!
ReplyDeleteRosemary I think I am like you on how I feel about this class. I have learned so much and spreaded a wide range of emotions throughout the past 8 weeks. I never thought diversity could play such a huge role in early childhood, but I have to say this was the best class I have encounted at Walden university. Your age gave you a advantage in this class, I caught myself clinking on your responses becasue I always enjoyed what you had to share and offer. Just wanted to tell you thank you for all your insight.
ReplyDeleteRosemary I have enjoyed reading your posts and getting to know you in this course. And just like everybody else said - this cyber class format is great for a course like this because we can only judge one other on our words/ideas. I hope to meet you in future courses because your perspective is wonderful. Best of luck -Koni
ReplyDeleteRosemary,
ReplyDeleteI have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blogs and learning more about you, Take care and i hope to meet up with you again in the near future. Yes, we are very unique and special and I hope to display that same feeling to my children and families.
Lisa