Consequences and Goals

I thoroughly enjoyed and learned so much from having the opportunity to explore and find international contacts. It was so far outside my box. I truly did not think that I was going to get any responses. It has been amazing to me that these two people that I have never met before and probably never will were so generous with their time and answered so many questions in order to help someone they do not know. I gained insight from two completely different early childhood professionals.

The first consequence for my professional and personal development of learning about the international early childhood field is that I realized that I can move outside of my own little world here in Orlando, Florida. It has opened my eyes to the importance of learning about other areas. Learning about current trends and issues can extend beyond my own neighborhood. I used to think that I could only make a difference one child at a time and maybe one family at a time. I am now thinking more globally about issues and trends. I may at some point in my career be able to make a difference on a larger scale. I would like to become part of the conversations and debates on the bigger issues and trends. For me, I think that means becoming a more active member of the professional organization that I belong to, NAEYC. Of course I mean after graduation. As I have a lot on my plate right now.

The second consequence that contributed to my professional and personal development is from my contact in Bangladesh. I hope to hear from him again soon as I am so interested and encouraged by his work. He is not a traditional early childhood teacher but he is an advocate for children and families in the poorest and most poverty stricken slums in Bangladesh. He is a creative thinker. He is working to make life more equitable for these families. I learned that I can be an advocate in some small way. I can make a difference in the early childhood field. It takes creative thinking and a willingness to get involved. I am even more passionate now about this field.

The third consequence that I learned that has and will continue to affect my professional and personal growth is that the issues and trends that we face here in the US and in our own communities exist all over the world. We are all facing similar issues. The conversations and debates happening here and happening in other regions of the world and we all need to have a voice and have conversations regarding these issues to find solutions.

My one goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends and the spirit of collegial relations. We must continue to do research on current issues and trends in the field here in our communities and elsewhere. We must continue to be open to working with, contributing and collaborating with fellow early childhood professionals. I have enjoyed working with my colleagues in this course and I feel as if I have learned a tremendous amount from each one of them as they spoke through their blogs and discussions. It is my hope that we cross paths again in future courses here at Walden. We all are learning and growing with each passing course. I wish everyone the best of luck as you move forward on this journey.