Quotes about Passion

Quotes from the two choices for my people chosen:

“I have long believed that the development of a child does not begin the day he is born-or at age three-but much earlier, during the formative years of his parent.”-Edward Zigler, Ph.D.

“It is critical that we teach our future parents the important role that parents can play in stimulating and nurturing their children, and in preparing them to reach their full potential in school and in later life.”- Edward Zigler, Ph.D.

"The principle goal of educations in schools should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done."-Jean Piaget

"During the earliest stages the child perceives things like a solipisist who is unaware of himself as subject and is familiar only with this own actions."-Jean Piaget

Quotes from the media presentation:

“I have always wanted to be a teacher.” “I had a built-in passion that it was important to make a real contribution in the world.” “The passion to create a safer, more just world for all kids is there, and I suppose it will be there until I die, and even after.”-Louise Derman-Sparks

“We, as professionals in the Early Childhood field, have an opportunity to shape a child’s life for the better.”-Sandy Escobido

MY EARLY CHILDHOOD WED

My Dad: My dad always supported me in whatever goal I had in mind. I was the youngest of four girls and I did everything with my dad. He had such a positive effect on me because of his hard work ethic. He sacrificed for me continually. I remember the time I wanted to be a cheerleader but the uniforms were too expensive, and we were living pay check to pay check. He took his hunting rifle and sold it, and brought the money to the school to pay for my uniform. He supported me when I was a single parent, and was a father figure to my daughter.

My Mom: My mother was the one who always told me that I could achieve any dream. We went everywhere together. We shared a short music career together. I never doubted her love for me. She taught me to never let anyone make me feel less that I am. When I was a single parent, she supported me and encouraged me to further my education. 

My Aunt Jean: Every summer was spent in Wake Village, Texas at my Aunt Jean's house. She taught me to love myself just as I am. She treated me just like her own daughter. She taught me how to clean and cook. I learned so much about our family's history during those summer visits. 

My Aunt Emma & Uncle Edgar Stevens: These two people were not actually related to me but I considered them family. We moved from Texas to Arkansas when I was four years old. Their home was where we spent our first night in Arkansas. Christmas at Aunt Emma's house was wonderful. She was the only who taught me how to make candy. She was a truly loving, christian lady. She always told me how pretty and special I was and showed her love with hugs and kisses. Uncle Edgar collected old clocks and was very particular about who touched his clocks. Every time I went to his house, he would take me down and show me all his clocks. He also taught me the joy and fun of playing in the old cotton trailers. 

Picture of myself and my favorite quote regarding children

“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” 
― Albert Einstein

My favorite children's book is "Brown Bear, Brown Bear". I love to read this book with the children because the story teaches rhyming and is very repetitive. This enables the children to help tell the story. 

My main inspiration for my desire to teach would have to be a negative experience that I had with a high school teacher. I was not "a rich, popular kid" in my school. She focused all her attention on that group of students. I have been out of high school for over 25 years, but I still remember that experience. I want to be the type of teacher who supports ALL her students, not just the "rich kids". I want my students to have positive experiences to remember.

First Week of Classes

Well the first week of class and assignments is "in the history books." I currently serve as a PSD for CDA Council. I assist teachers with obtaining their Child Development Associate certificate. 

I had the pleasure of meeting a young lady who was working as an Infant/Toddler teacher. I later found out that she was a single parent who was working to support herself and her child. She had the desire to further her education and obtain a degree in Early Childhood Education but felt the hurdles were impossible to overcome.

Fortunately, I had been in her shoes. I was able to share my experiences, offer advice and give encouragement to this young lady.  She was in tears before long.  I said, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry." She then said, "No, it is just so good to hear a success story from someone who has been where I am right now."

We may be given these opportunities when least expected. Not only are we able to encourage the children we teach, but we are also able to encourage other teachers.