Time Well Spent

Time Well Spent

            When I first enrolled in this Master’s Program with Walden University it was with the attainment of my degree as my ultimate goal.  I felt that having it would give credibility to my actions and words as a professional in the field of early childhood.  I have worked with and for children and families for over twenty years.  Throughout this time my passion for this field and the desire to have a positive impact has grown and ultimately led me to continue my education.  I have experienced much frustration at what I feel is a disregard for the value of children and this profession held by many in positions that could bring about such positive change and impact on countless children, families, and ultimately society. 

            Over the past year I have had the opportunity to meet, learn about and with, and grow as a professional through learning resources, the assignments in each of the courses, shared insights, experiences, and from the wisdom shared by classmates, instructors, and early childhood professionals.

Three deeply felt learnings from this program:

1.  Throughout this program of study there has been great emphasis placed upon developing the skill and ability to self-reflect, assess oneself, and use this insight and knowledge for the betterment of children, families, the field of early childhood and our own personal and professional development.  This was probably one of the most difficult aspects of this program for me.  I am very comfortable with observing others and trying to assist and guide their development and growth.  I am quick to put the needs of others before my own and often they get left out.  I have learned that to help others, I must be aware of who I am, what made me the way I am, and how I react as a result.

“The relationships that we have with the world are largely determined by the relationships we have with ourselves” –Greg Anderson

2.  We must take a holistic approach to learning and facilitating the growth and learning of others.  Learning is a life-long process and does not stop because we age and begins at birth or before.  Our potential is only limited by ourself and the environment we are in.

“When you hold an infant, hold him not just with your body, but with your mind and heart” –Magda Gerber

“If education is always to be conceived along the same antiquated lines of a mere transmission of knowledge, there is little to be hoped from it in the betterment of man’s future.  For what is the use of transmitting knowledge if the individual’s total development lags behind?” –Maria Montessori

3.  Even when I feel frustrated by the lack of concern or knowledge of others, I can still make a difference is I persevere and continue on my path.  I must remember that I am not alone in this journey.  I may feel it at times in my immediate environment, but that can be changed and through the professional connections I have made with classmates and through learning resources I only have to reach out for support.  There are many working towards positive social change and now I know how to access them.

“We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference, and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history.” –Sonia Johnson, American Feminist Activist and Writer

“When we strengthen families, we ultimately strengthen the community.  Our goal is that parents everywhere work with supportive providers, feel confident in their parenting role, and form strong, resilient attachments with their children.  To help achieve this, providers must be responsive to parents, knowledgeable about child development, and eager to see every parent succeed.” –T. Berry Brazelton, M.D.

One long-term goal:

One long term goal would be to find a way to put my challenge for this course into action.  It is okay to start slow and on a smaller scale.  I must take my abilities and limitations into consideration and tap into the strength and passion of those around me.  The end result of bringing about positive social change by improving conditions and the expected outcome of children and families is the goal and what is important.

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”  -Frederick Douglass

“How can we speak of Democracy or Freedom when from the very beginning of life we mould the child to undergo tyranny, to obey a dictator?  How can we expect democracy when we have reared slaves?  Real freedom begins at the beginning of life, not at the adult stage.  These people who have been diminished in their powers, made short-sighted, devitalized by mental fatigue, whose bodies have become distorted, whose wills have been broken by elders who say: ‘your will must disappear and mine prevail!’—how can we expect them, when school-life is finished, to accept and use the rights of freedom?”  -Maria Montessori, Education for a New World

A farewell message to your Instructor and colleagues:

I have had the honor and good fortune to meet and learn with a very diverse community of early childhood professionals as classmates and instructors.  The insight, experiences, and knowledge shared with and by each of you have certainly added to the success of this program and my growth as a person and professional.  It has been both heartwarming and encouraging to be connected with so many dedicated and passionate people working towards the same goal—doing great things for children and families.  I wish each of you every success and would love to hear how progress upon your challenge is being made.

Dr. Dartt, thank you so much for all of the insight, wisdom, and knowledge that you have shared within this class.  The entire experience with Walden has been great and much of it is due to the level of professionalism of the instructors.  I honestly feel that this has been one of the smartest and most worthwhile investments I have made.

Contact information:

Email-    cindyleeferguson@gmail.com