An education isn’t how much you have committed to memory,
or even how much you know,
It’s being able to differentiate between what you know and
what you don’t
Anatole France
Education is not preparation for life; education is life
itself
John Dewey
I
learned that I am truly an advocate for children. Every day I find myself
trying to see how I can change and enhance an experience for my children
without turning the experience to what I wanted them to learn; but, encouraging
them to challenge themselves and explore in what they are learning. I know the
importance of engaging with them and how it can improve the level of learning
they gain. I know now that the challenge that I presented is a real issue that
I try to change every chance I get. As a the director, I stand out in the halls
greeting my parents, inviting them to come and interact in their child’s class,
or offering them information about what the children are learning including
personal information about their children’s progress. The capstone has helped
me realize just how significant parental engagement is for me.
I learned that I
have a tremendous support system within Walden University. My colleagues and
instructors have agreed and disagreed with me, challenged me to think deeper,
provided me with resources and assisted me in the completion of my Master’s
degree. I will always remember this support; just imagine, through a computer I
built and became a part of a great community. I developed relationships with
people that I never seen; yet, their opinions and trust is valued and strong in
my heart.
In the
beginning, I thought that I would not make it because I still had so many
personal and academic skills that are still developing. I listened, followed
and received suggestion and criticism and I made it. It taught me that I must
fight and change my issues before I can fight for any other issue. I will
continue my efforts to improve myself before my next quest to receive my
certification. I learn that we all have elements in our professional and
personal life that we can change and develop. The key is accepting it and
changing it.
My long term
goal is to own and operate several centers that address the lack of
parent/teacher engagement. I want to be able to provide classes and workshops
that convey the importance of engagement, promote the interaction in the
classroom and provide parents and teacher with ongoing education that will
enhance the experiences that children are receiving in my program. I am
Desperately Seeking to Reach Every Child in my grasp. That will be my lifetime
ambition.
I would like to
extent gratitude to all of my present or past colleagues. Through their
perception, knowledge and wisdom, I have learned so much about many issues
within the educational system, the importance of diversity, the need for
relationships and collaboration, the value and need of research and the overall
benefit of on-going continual education or review. Thank you Dr. Terri, for
challenging me to reach my potential; thanks to Walden University for providing
a program for working adults that provides them with a successful chance to
obtain a degree.
This
path seemed so long from where I was standing in the beginning,
now
I am here. Ready to open the door to the beginning of a new path;
I’m
not afraid anymore. I believe I have gained the skills to handle anything on
the other side of this door. And if by chance I don’t have all that I need,
I
know that I have the ability to obtain it.
