Time Well Spent

Getting this Masters degree has been one of the most life changing experiences I have ever had. I really enjoy all that I have learned. I was able to look at my profession from a whole new perspective. I loved being in the company of such driven educators wanting to improve the education system. With each class I fell more and more in love with my career path and know that I am in the right place. I honestly can’t believe that this journey is over. I plan to continue my education beyond this degree so that I can grow as a professional. 

From this program one of my deeply felt learnings was in an area that I love learning about. Culture is such an important factor in early childhood education. I grew up in New York and was always fascinated by the great deal of diversity that I faced daily. Moving to Georgia, I learned that there are still several racial barriers and cultural competencies that have not been accomplished. I am so excited that culture is being pushed in child care centers. The center I worked in would have mostly Caucasian pictures and dolls, but the schools enrollment was very diverse. Today there are pictures around of different races, religions, abilities, and family styles. This program encouraged me to change the face of my school and create a more welcoming environment for everyone. 

I loved learning about inclusion during this program. Inclusion is important for more than just the student who may have a challenge. Inclusion is a lesson for everyone. The entire class can learn to live in a world where people with slight or major differences will be around them. It opens up for a more diverse environment. All of the students will get a more realistic view of life from a young age.

As a fairly new child care director I appreciated learning about budgeting. The class was right on time, because I was working on a budget for the first time. The budget class allowed me to realize how much really goes into a child care program. I learned a great deal about allocating money and emergency funds. I also learned how other child care centers get funding and how to apply for grants. 

My long term goal is to become a professional development specialist. I want to help teachers grow and learn more. I would be interested in teaching in a classroom setting, and possible online as well. I can talk about early childhood education all day. The opportunity to teach others about it and help them find direction and where they fit in is exactly what I want to do. 

This last class has been a challenge. I got some of the lowest grades I have received this entire program. I am now a better writer because of this class. Dr. Teri was blunt and honest about my horrible writing skills. I was near tears thinking I was not going to pass my final class in my masters degree program. Now I am more than grateful for her continuous pushing and support. I thank each and every one of you for your advice, and helpful words. We have grown together and I am grateful for this experience. I wish you all success and prosperity as you continue to work in the education field. 

If you would like to stay in contact place email me at: moniquevw13@gmail.com