What are you Going to Teach the World?

My mother always tells me I can't save the world. While I may not be able to save the world directly,  I can work to save the children. Before beginning this program, I knew I wanted to ensure we were progressing down the right path for children. Now as the program comes to a close, I have learned that:
              **Diversity is much more than what we see. Diversity also connects in ways we are not even remotely aware of.  I strive to be the leader who looks at disabilities with the realization that each person has the ability for greatness despite their outward appearances.
             ** Listening will move our field so much more than talking. If we would just take the time to listen to children, families, stakeholders, peers, everyone, we will have the ability to meet one another's needs without conflict.
             ** While my experiences are in the state of Pennsylvania, I have connected with other students from other corners of the United States and the world. We were all children once and we share many of the very same struggles. I have learned so much from the student and faculty of this program through the sharing of possible solutions to these problems.
             ** I have learned to trust in myself. In looking back, I wanted to throw in the towel after the child development course. The instructor held the highest expectations of any course I ever had and I honestly thought "It's child development. It will be a cakewalk." I was sadly mistaken and grew in my ability to push forward. I am so glad I did not give up.

Looking forward, I truly see myself as self-employed. I have learned so much from the administrators I have worked under and created numerous connections in this field. My plan is to begin researching my options for opening up my own early learning facility. The choices are limited where I live and the options that are available are low quality. Locating start-up funding will be the biggest hurdle I foresee. In the event this dream does not come true, I will look to become an in-service educator and consultant. I enjoy my role as a CDA PD Specialist, but I know I need the connection with children.

To my past instructors: I thank you for challenging my belief system and encouraging me to think outside the box. The resources that were provided on this journey were completely amazing and I look forward to sharing what I have learned with my peers and staff. I thank you for the endless hours of grading papers and posting on discussion boards. Thank you for always correcting my APA format. I honestly won't miss that at all. You have truly made an impact in my life and I hope that our paths may cross again someday.

To my colleagues: Thank you for your honest and candid feedback. You may not have always agreed with everything, but in doing so, you helped me grow into the leader I hoped to be. From the discussion boards to the blog posts, you were always there to support and provide insight. I found it reassuring that we often shared the same struggles and achievements. I wish each one of you continued success.

 

Arlene McMahon

mcmahonclan5@aol.com