Time Well Spent

     During my journey in the master's program at Walden University three deeply felt learning's from the program that have changed the manner in which I interact with children, their families, and staff for the better are as follows communication, respecting and embracing diversity, and understanding my role as a leader and advocate for the community that I serve.
     Communicating takes on a form of it's own whether it is verbal or non-verbal, expressing ones self to get your message heard, show emotion, or collaborate with others to reach an agreement. In the early childhood field I have learned that listening to others with an open mind and working together to find solutions together as it relates to child rearing, organization policies, and barriers that may occur respectively. I have learned to listen, be heard, and listen again to have a clear understanding of the message, "Listening is a multidimensional process of recognizing, understanding, accurately interpreting, and responding effectively to the messages you hear" (O'Hair, Wiemann, Mullin, & Teven, 2015, p. 152).
     Respecting and embracing diversity is accepting and appreciating other cultures and how their language , traditions, and attire contribute to the early childhood field by enriching the lives of children and my own. Diversity is more then the surface of a culture, it is a way of life. I have encouraged staff to practice removing their personal opinions as it relates to the manner in which they respond to parents that may carry their four year child on their hip or allow their three year to suckle on a pacifier, that is their choice. Our position is not to judge or criticize, but to support and understand.
     I have learned about who stakeholders are and what my responsibilities are to stakeholders. I realize now that children can effect a program as stakeholders, because their development and growth depends on our ability to teach them and recognize when they may need extra academic assistance to be successful. I also understand that the community in which I serve is invested in some aspect and each stakeholder deserves quality.
     One long-term goal that I am preparing for in my career is to become an administrator within my current organization, possibly overseas. I am aware that preparation for this position will take time, and as a director, I am experiencing my share of positive experiences and not so positive experiences in the field. I am learning through each experience that my approach and the manner in which I handle these encounters may effect others who have the ability to decide or make recommendations in regards to my abilities to perform as an administrator. I will continue to provide a quality early childhood development program to the best of my ability that includes the environment and teaching staff until I can reach my goal.
     I would like to acknowledge my instructor Dr. Johnna Darragh, I appreciate each feedback comment that you have provided during this course. I also appreciate the fact that you respond to my discussion posts and personal emails in a timely manner. I feel that you really care about my progress. I can not imagine the number of students you may have during each quarter along with your personal life and continue to remain sane, all while online! I truly respect your position as an educator and the knowledge that you provided. Thank you!
     To my colleagues, I want to thank you for responding and providing supportive and inspiring feedback during this course. We really have a connection even though we are from various walks of life. I have gained professional insight from each of you and I thank you tremendously.
I wish you all good health and much success!

Two quotes from my favorite advocate: Marian Wright Elderman - Activist, Author

     "Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time" - Marian Wright Elderman

     "You really can change the world if you care enough" - Marian Wright Elderman

References

Marian Wright Elderman Quotes (Author of The Measure of Our Success). Retrieved from

 

     https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/73926.Marian_Wright_Elderman

 

O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J. (2015). Real communication (3rd ed.).

 

     New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.



 



 

 

My contact information:

 

Shelita Pierce

 

shelita.l.pierce.naf@mail.mil

 

Please send me an email to keep in touch!