Relationships are important to me because they are the reason I wake up every day and thrive to be the BEST me I can possibly be! I am a nurturer by nature, it is deeply rooted in my spirit to help others. I am persistent in when it comes to working on relations even when it seems all has failed I have the ability to negotiate so that all involved are shaking hands or hugging. Sometimes I fuss but it's out of love and compassion. Relationships that are meaningful to me where respect is earned and joy is shared is worth the effort to endure trials and celebrations together.
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| My two daughters and my husband |
The best part of me are my beautiful, intelligent daughters Dejah (left) and Franqui (right). Our relationship is that of respect, honesty and unconditional love. I have always been "in your face" with my girls about life. They know that I love them even when I have to be tough! My girls know that they can come to me and talk about anything. Some questions I have to bite my tongue and brace myself before I answer because these are my babies. They truly know their mother and they make me laugh now that they are older when they reminisce about the past.
I married my best friend, protector and husband, Quentin twenty-five years ago. We met in college by chance. Can you imagine meeting someone and finding that they care for you and will do whatever it takes to protect you. That is a gift from God! Quentin and I have respect for each other and we provide the support and trust we both need in our lives. I cannot imagine life without my soldier.
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| My two brothers and sister |
My brothers John (shades), Nate ( striped shirt) and sister LaShawn (far right with deuces sign). Our relationship is close and when we get together it's always a Blast! I love my siblings. They are all younger than I am so, I always tell them to watch their tone with me because I used to change their stinky diapers! We are very protective of the youngest because we almost lost him five years ago but God is Good! My brother is walking, talking and running! My sister and I share a special bond though and I cherish her.
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| My sister |
This is my sister Donita, she is special to me because she is always quirky and spontaneous! I just love that about her. If we don't speak to each other for months, it's okay but when we get together, it's as if we have never been separated.
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| Supervisor |
Ms. Nicole is my supervisor, whom I have watched rise through the ranks in our organization. She is intelligent, and beautiful inside and out. I could not ask for a better supervisor that respects me and provides the support I need when times get tough. I am proud of her for her life accomplishments with her husband and children. I admire her and learn from her every day. When she received her Masters in ECE, I knew what I had to do next!
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| Employee |
This is Ms. Pheobe (center standing), she is the matriarch teacher of our center. If she is having a bad day or someone has used an inappropriate tone with her she will let you know about it in her own special way. I love Ms. Pheobe because she is just like me, she loves her job and she never goes home! Whenever the organization needs a volunteer, no fear Ms. Pheobe will be there!
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| Support Team |
Tiffany (far left back row) and Sharon (far right back row with tall hat). I cannot say enough about these two ladies because I depend on them just as I depend on air to breath. Without them I am weak but with them we are a force to be reckoned with. They are intelligent, hard working and creative! I am humbled that they decided to transfer to our new center and I show my appreciation daily. I know that they have my back!
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| Employees |
This is my Filipino family. I was an assistant director at a child development for one year. During this time I made a wonderful connection with a beautiful, loving group of intelligent women that I will forever remain in contact with. They accepted me and there was never a dull moment. One thing I really enjoy is that they love to feed me! My favorite dish is pancit!
These relationships that are personal and professional in my life have posed challenges in maintaining a balance with respect to others feelings and beliefs. I have learned that I will receive as good as I give . If I expect respect and honesty then I must deliver the same. There have been times when I have crossed the line but I always apologize for my delivery and the tone in which I have spoken to someone. I know that I am a loud person and during a disagreement my tone can elevate. I have learned to step back and listen before I speak, this way it not only gives me time to think before I speak but to react calmly.
Special characteristics that make the relationships in my life partnerships are trust, honesty, faithfulness, dependability and honor.
My experiences with relationships including my ability to be an active, reflective contributor impacts my work as an early childhood professional by my ability to see people for who they are and not what they can do for me. I have learned to be a team player. In the field of early childhood we play for our team families and the teachers that provide a second safe haven for children. I have a passion for people, when they hurt I empathize-when they are down I hope that I start their day in a positive light by greeting them with a smile and a "Have a nice day!" Relationships are to be respected even when your point of view is completely opposite from the person your attempting to persuade to see things your way. In the field of early childhood as professionals we know that when a child draws a picture of what appears to be a circle with dots, we better ask them, "Tell me about your picture?" Instead of saying, "That looks like a ball". Children will surely correct you!
