Main lessons learned....
1. One of the biggest things that I have learned is the travesty of quality education not being experienced by all, specifically in the U.S.. I was well aware (or at least thought I was) that children living in poverty did not receive the same opportunities as other kids coming from more money; however, I didn't TRULY understand how horrific this gap of education is. Children living in poverty are not provided with quality education; therefore, when asked to perform state or other mandatory testing, they do not perform well. (I am, of course, speaking generally...Many children are resilient.) This magnifies, then, later in life. By not starting children out on the right foot, they are not equipped with the experiences and lessons they need in order to by successful in later years. My deeply felt learning: Early childhood programs MUST be established and maintained for the success of children.
2. Throughout the journey, I have realized how important is to truly learn about your own identity. With this, as educators, we must understand this enough to know that it is essential for children to start the identity formation process in their younger years. Because children learn from others around them, such as TV shows, friends, family members, etc., they may not be learning the correct information about even their own racial, ethnic, or cultural identities. My deeply felt learning: Parents and educators alike must accurately teach information regarding the child's own identity.
3. Along the same lines as #2, it is equally important that we teach children of other cultures, races, and ethnicities. Again, as mentioned previously, children are learning information about others' identities through unreliable sources. This information is a contributing factor to why children grow up holding many stereotypes and misinformation about the people around them. My deeply felt learning: The discussion of differences between children and families is imperative, and it must begin at quite a young age.
Main goal after graduation....
When I think of my goals, I don't necessarily know where things will take me. My main goal is to work with families and children, and be advocates for them... I would like to help them locate and utilize the resources they need, whether it be education or other service. I am not quite sure what this will look like in my future, but I am excited to see where the journey will take me!
So long, farewell....
Wow, what can I say? I have truly appreciated each and every one of your opinions, advice, and feedback. It has been a great pleasure getting to know you, and I sincerely wish the best to each of you. The early childhood field has a long ways to go, but I am confident that with people such are yourselves in the field, positive change will undoubtedly be made.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Ghandi
