Time Well Spent 

This course has taught me to pursue my passions.  I found it easy to come up with the list of words for my Wordle. However, narrowing the list down to the topic of my Capstone Project was more challenging than I would have thought.  I had strong feelings about each of the topics.  I ended up choosing a topic in which I could combine several of my passions: parent involvement, families, nurturing relationships, and professional growth.

This course has also taught me the importance of relying on others.  I valued the input I received each week on how to improve my Capstone Project.  The responses to my Discussion posts were most instructive.  In addition, before this course, I had never heard of a Community of Practice.  I have learned the importance of building a community of practice for support, resources, guidance, and leadership.   

Finally, this course has helped me to see past the here and now and begin to look towards the future.  I have given a great deal of thought to being an advocate for social change for children and families in my community.  This course has helped me to look for other ways in which I can make a difference in my community by using my knowledge of early childhood for the well-being of children and their families.

A long term goal that I have made is to move to a foreign country for at least one year and teach in a mission/orphanage.  This will not be possible until my own children are in college; however, that time will be here before I know it.  I have never been outside the United States, and I would love the opportunity to travel to a foreign country.  I have not decided where, yet.  Do you have any suggestions?  I do know that I would like to use my time teaching young children who are living in a mission/orphanage. 

I cannot believe that this journey has come to an end.  I keep asking my children, “What am I going to do with all the free time that I am going to have?” They haven’t given me an answer, but I think that they will just be happy to have more of their mama’s attention again.

 

Dr. Teri and classmates, I consider you not just my instructor and colleagues but also my friends.  At times, I have wondered if I would make it to this point.  Thank you for your encouraging words, posts, and blogs. I wish you each the best as you continue your careers and education. 

 

The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be. –Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Best regards,

Dianne