Words of Wisdom and Motivation

Sometimes people come into your life and  you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or help you figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be , but when you lock eyes with them, or perhaps just hear their words, you know at the very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way.

Sometime things will happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and unfair at first, but in reflection you find that without overcoming these obstacles that you would have never realized your true potential, strength, will power, or heart.

One such person who has been a source of constant inspiration has been Marian Wright-Edelman, president and founder of the Children's Defense fund and long time advocate for Civil Rights.

Some of her most powerful words I have only seen written...


"If you don't like the way the world is, you change it. You have an obligation to change it. You just do it one step at a time."

"A nation that does not stand for its children does not stand for anything and will not stand tall in the future."

"You just need to be a flea against injustice. Enough committed fleas biting strategically can make even the biggest dog uncomfortable and transform even the biggest nation."


Another person whose words assured my I was on the right path was Lilian Katz. She identified several core dispositions that she believed teachers of young children should possess to be an effective teacher. 

Those core dispositions are:

• Delight in and be curious about children’s
  development
• Value children’s play
  Expect continuous change and challenge
• Be willing to take risks and make mistakes
• Reflect and self-evaluate
• Seek collaboration and peer support
• Actively advocate for children and appropriate teaching practices

On passion, motivations and wisdom of others in the field...if we follow the Perry Preschool Project and the Head Start models that tell us that every child deserves the same educational experiences and that early childhood is the most influential and critical time in a child's life to begin educational successes; we know that it is in our best interest to invest in quality education programs for all children. 

Louise Derman-Sparks calls it serendipitous that she ended up in the early childhood field. I could also say this has been "a happy accident" but moreover I know it was destiny!

If you don't like the way the world is, you change it. You have an obligation to change it. You just do it one step at a time.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/marian_wright_edelman.html#ktth8U1F9JKYHg6k.99

If you don't like the way the world is, you change it. You have an obligation to change it. You just do it one step at a time.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/marian_wright_edelman.html#ktth8U1F9JKYHg6k.99

If you don't like the way the world is, you change it. You have an obligation to change it. You just do it one step at a time.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/marian_wright_edelman.html#ktth8U1F9JKYHg6k.99

Personal Childhood Web...the people who helped me be me!

Growing up my family didn't mean mom, dad and a few kids, it was more like Grammas, Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles and about a million built in playmates (cousins). I can't remember a time when we weren't all together as a kid. It was that love, that feeling of total and complete contentment and support that allowed me to grow into the woman I am; the student, the mom and the wife.

This is my most prized family photo, a five generation photo, far left middle is my great grandmother Evaline, top middle my grandmother Virginia, then my mom, me and my daughter clockwise from top going right.

"Gramma C" and the cousins...Gramma C was actually my great grandmother on my mothers side. She passed away three years ago (in just a few days from now September 25) she was 105. I used to love going to visit her in the summer, she had rows and rows of raspberry bushes in her yard. If you couldn't find the cousins that is where we would be. To this day the smell of fresh raspberries reminds me of her!


“Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones you accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you you no matter what.” ~ Unknown

These are my step grandparents, I met them when I was 4 1/2. I learned about unconditional love and that blood doesn't make you a family, love does. I spent many many hours at their house. It was my Gram who taught me the great "healing power" of toast and hot chocolate, it just makes everything better!

This is my grandfather, when I was very young or so they tell me I don't remember...I called him "Grandpa Dad". He stepped up when my father wasn't in my life and became the positive male role model I didn't have. He is the reason I continue my education. I was the first grandchild to go to college (even though I was 30 before I even attended). He was so proud of my accomplishments. I can remember living with them when I was small, I would go to town with him every morning to have butter horns and milk while he had coffee with the "farmers". Then it was off in the grain truck to haul grain, sometimes I even got to ride in the combine while we cut the wheat.  It was awesome! I lost my grandfather on September 27, 2001. It was a devastating blow, I continue my education in his honor.

My grandma Virginia and some of my very first playmates, my cousins! 

To me family doesn't mean just a mom and a dad and a couple kids. It's everyone who is in your life because they want to be. Family is our past and it is our future, because together we're better.

Passion...

 Passion for some comes in all shapes and sizes, for me it comes in the human form...four feet tall or less, full of wonder and excitement. It is here that you can see the spark of accomplishment, and the pure joy of each accomplishment--large or small. The innocence that is open and honest and ready to learn all the world has to offer.  My passion is fueled by these things and sometimes it amazes me just how much my life can be filled with contentment by being in the classroom!

A few years back I heard a quote from Marian Wright-Edelman and it stuck with me, it inspires me to this day! "If you don't stand up for children then we don't stand for much". Whenever I get discouraged in my job as a director of a child care center I often have to take a breath and remind myself why I am here, and how I got here.  And here is what I have come to understand...I am here to advocate for better treatment and respect of children, to offer them a safe place to explore what it means to be a child. To give them many chances to work on social emotional intelligence skills in a non threatening arena, to show them that learning can be fun and to provide them with the tools they need to learn about math and science, language, literacy and to become ready for the public schools.

I am their cheerleader, their biggest fan and if I can help one child to succeed then I have done my job!

Welcome

As I begin my journey down the road to a gaining my Master's Degree from Walden University I am both anxious and excited. This blog is a course requirement and as such you will be able to follow along that path. Pack your bags and let's get going, don't forget the trial mix!