Time Well Spent
In 2017, I started my journey here at Walden University and almost four years later, I get to experience the joy of completing my Masters. It has been a long journey to say the least. Filled with up and downs, pain and loss. This degree will also be something that I hold close to my heart as my time here has proven and taught me so much about myself and about who I want to become. So what learnings will I take with me as my time here comes to an end?
To start I will take my passion with me and allow it to grow. When I started here at Walden, I was filled with so much passion. As time went on and my high moments seemed to be out weighted with plenty of low times, I felt as tho I had lost my passion. It was not until my capstone course that I found that passion again. I just needed a deep reminder of why I joined this field and what keeps me getting up each day. That passion was ignited once more as I realized my passion is and will always be ensuring that all children have access to a proper education.
The next learning that I will take with me are the connections that I have established here and in the community. I am not just referring to connecting with my students or staff but more so about establishing connections with my community of practice. These are the people who will play critical roles in helping me to reach the goals I have set for my professional growth. Through my time here at Walden, I have learned what this community could look like and the importance of communication and seeking help.
The last learning that I will take with me, is the topic in which I have studied during my capstone course. During my time here, my found my passion again which is ensuring that all children have access to a proper education. I know this may be a bigger topic then one person could hope to complete on their own but imagine if I could help one displaced, migrant, refugee child. Imagine if I could help others to understand just how big this topic really is and put them into contact with organization working to make a change and we all worked together to help children right here where we live. We could be the start of a voice for this cause and help others to get involve. This might not be a cause that we see completed in our life time but we can be the voices that starts a movement in the right direction.
With this all said, I am now thinking about my long term goal and what that will look like. Through my research here at Walden, I have been looking deeply at the UNICEF organization. I have heard of this organization before but had no idea of what they really did or stood for. During my time in this capstone course, I have read about the many things that they do to help children here and around the world. I am not only astonished but also inspired. My long term goal is to take some time to do something that I am passionate about which is helping children. I would love to join UNICEF in their fight to get education to displaced, migrant, and refugee children. There are plenty of ways to help and I would love to start this new journey with them.
As I complete this last post, I would also like to send a message to my professors and my colleagues. First, my professors that have been nothing but supportive and communicative during my time here. I thank you for allowing me to try. There has been many times that being a student here was just too much for me to undertake. I fell behind and just wanted to quite as being a "super mom", a student, and an educator was overwhelming to me. My professors gave me the opportunities to do more, to finish it out, to complete my course. They encouraged me and for that I appropriate them deeply. Next, I like to take thank my fellow colleagues that responded to my long discussion post or took a moment to read my blog. I thank you for your feedback and I do hope I was able to provide you with some useful information in return.
To everyone at Walden University, I just like to say thank you for making my time here so very enjoyable. I will never forget what you all have done for me.
With much appreciation,
Patricia.
Wow, Patricia after reading your post it seems that we had similar struggles on the pathway to gaining a master’s degree. I am glad you found your passion and wish you much success with your future goals.
ReplyDeletePatricia,
ReplyDeleteI felt a lot of the same feelings through the last few months/courses. There was some days i wanted to take a break but I knew I had to push through. Being a mother and working a full time job my nights turned into late mornings. Im so excited to see how far I have come. When I think back how nervous I was to start this program but we made it ! I wish you all the best for the future.
Patricia,
ReplyDeleteI think that I would have to agree with you. I started in 2019 and I feel that I have been though so much trying to get this degree while working full time. But I wish you well in the future.
Hi Patricia,
ReplyDeleteThe title of this piece mirrors one of the quotes I use to get through tough times at work and in life. When I am wondering what I am doing in ece, I think of what Sagan said, "Time spent with children is time well spent. Their minds are not constrained by reality or focused on goals. Imagination will take us to worlds that never were. But without it, we go no where".
Enjoyed reading your post.
Travis
Hi Patricia,
ReplyDeleteThe title along caught my attention. I understand exactly how you feel, there were days when it became overwhelming. Many days I wanted to give up but pushed through because I know its something I need to do not only for myself but for the early child hood field. I am excited about how far we have came and want to say I have enjoyed working with you.