“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions”(Oliver Wendell Holmes)
Completing my Master’s degree has been a goal I set out to accomplish in the last three years due to the changing credentials demands of the workforce. After working as an owner/director in childcare, I realized that I wanted to remain involved in children’s life. My goal was to become a consultant or early care specialist assisting other providers with quality improvement of their program. That goal changed because I realized that by teaching adults in early childhood education I would make an impact on the lives of children. Therefore, I did some research at the local community and two year colleges and realized that my bachelor’s degree was not enough to teach at that level.
My journey started and now it is ending, which is bitter sweet because I will miss my classmates, the blogs, discussions, research, writing assignments and receiving comments, and inspiring feedback from everyone involved. I also realized that the knowledge and experience I bring to this program have been inspiring to my classmates as they start or continue their early childhood journey in the field.
A deeply felt learning experience from this program is my passion for early childhood education will never end because children and family without a voice need someone to be that voice. Also that I must continue working with educators, researchers, advocates, and policy makers to safeguard the well-being of children. The disparity and inequality that is current in low-income communities must end. Advocates are feverishly collaborating with nonprofit organizations, state government and researchers to improve curriculum, professional development and funding opportunities to early care providers so that they can improve the quality of care they provide to children and families.
I learned that as an educator, my education may be complete for now, but I will continue learning as I move on to teach students at the local college. I know that continuing to advocate for young children to influence their lives is still my number one mission. I will accept any opportunity to collaborate and advocate for the well-being of children. Thank you for supporting my journey.
“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing is to keep your mind young” (Henry Ford).
My long-term goal is to remain focused on how to improve opportunities for all children especially those that are undeserved. I also want to have an impact on the lives of young teachers entering the early childhood education field, by passing on my knowledge and experience.
As this course comes to a completion, I want to say that it was a privilege working with Johanna Darragh and classmates in every course at Walden University. You all have been my computer friends every week as I look forward to discussing and blogging with you. You inspired me to excel in my research and writing assignments to ensure that I present the information so it makes sense. Instructor Darragh, you have been a constant wealth of information with your comments and feedback. Thank you. I know that future students will have a great instructor. My current classmates, I wish all of you nothing but the best as you continue you early childhood education journey now and in the future. Each of you have a challenge that you will accomplish now or in the near future. If you need to collaborate with me, please feel free to contact me. I wish you all much success with your future endeavors in the early childhood education field. My hope is that in the near future we can collaborate on a project that will improve the lives of children. Keep in touch! Missing you all!
Emily.carter2@yahoo.com – (404) 867-4799 
emsece 
