Our Journey Ends

First of all I want to send my condolences to the families who lost their babies on Friday’s outrageous act of violence. How in the world could anyone gun down innocent children that were still babies. The only thing on their minds was learning their ABC’s and waiting on Santa Claus. If you didn’t feel anything then you are heartless. I had to hug my own children and let them know that I love them and I would give my life if it meant saving theirs. I think that is what the adults that were killed were doing. We all vow that the well-being of the children in our care is our main priority. Now is the time to show. If you have children don’t take the moments that we have with them for granted. Things could change in a blink of an eye. Love them like there is no tomorrow.

I would like to thank all the connections that I have made on my journey towards my master’s. I feel that I have met people who love what they do and are doing it for the right reasons. I can’t explain how I feel at the end of each course, but know that I have learned from each of my classmates. I appreciate the comments that you left me and I wish you all luck in your future endeavors. Be Blessed and have a safe holiday.

Adjourning From Groups

Good-byes are always hard; especially if you know that you may never see that person again. AI worked in a textile plant for 10 years. It was my first job in that type of setting. My previous job was in retail. When they announced that they were going to close it wasn’t a shock to us. We knew that the day was coming. Those who had seniority had the opportunity to retire or receive a severance package before the closing day. I was fortunate enough to work until the last day, which made it even harder to say good-bye. The connections and friendships that I made were very special and unique in their own way. Some of the people who started out with me said I wouldn’t make it, but I made it to the end. The mechanics that serviced my machines meant the most to me because they are the reason why I made it to 10 years. They had the patience to teach me things and help me when I fell behind. They taught me shortcuts that no one else knew about. When we had to go our separate ways it was hard because they were close to me. I had a baby during my time spent there and they took care of me during my pregnancy. The last week that we worked we all decided to get together and go out for dinner. That was the time when we shared our stories and said our good-byes. I am so thankful for the social media (facebook).I have managed to reconnect with some of the people who I worked with. When someone takes the timeout of their schedule to show you things just because, it is special. If it had not been for Dan and Woody, I might have lost my job. Believe me, working there was no easy task. The work was intense at times.

The hardest group that I have ever had to say good-bye to is the children that I have spent a whole year with. The time spent with them has been adventurous. Sometimes you want to love them to death, but then there are those not so good days. Nonetheless, they begin to feel like your babies and you hate to see them go. It is important that at the end of the year, you begin the transition. You don’t want them to feel like you are leaving them. I have always had an end of the year celebration in my class after the end of the year celebration for the center. This is something that consist only of my children and families. We celebrate the activities, laughter, and skills learned while they were with me. We sing, dance, and even open gifts. I read a letter to them so that they will know how I feel about them and that they will always be a part of me. Yes! Tears are shed; especially by me. Good-bye is a permanent word, so I chose to use See you later or Until we meet again. We do meet again. I make sure I check on them from time to time. I try to do it after I know they have adjusted to their new environments.

It is important that we adjourn from things because it gives us the chance to express our emotions. It lets the other people know how we feel about them and that we appreciated and enjoyed the time spent together. Sometimes we need to have closure in our lives. If it comes a time when I have to adjourn from the group that I am in, I hope that it will be a celebration. I want to have a lasting impression on the lives that I have touched.

Resolving Disagreements and Conflicts

This assignment is so appropriate for me because I have really been going through a difficult time with one of my parents. I am a teacher that loves to reward children for their accomplishments and achievements. I feel that a child needs to be rewarded when they have done good. This gives them something to work towards each time you set a new goal for them. One of my parents does not want me to give her child any stickers because it leaves a spot on their clothes. When I am giving stickers to the other children, he really wants one. He is a very smart child that loves to learn new things. He is one of my best helpers in the class. He works well with the other children and helps them answer questions. He is only two, so I know he doesn’t understand why he can’t have a sticker. He says, “My mommy said I can’t have a sticker because stickers are bad.” Ugh!!! There is a part of me that wants to give him one anyway.

This week I shared with my parent what I have been learning about NVC and the 3 R’s. She said, “That is what is wrong with teachers now. All they want to do is teach from a book and tell the parents how to raise their children.” She is so difficult that I have started to let my co-teacher deal with her. Now she tells my director that I am ignoring her and not acknowledging her in the classroom. How can I please this woman? I am about to step out of my professional role and talk to her as “Angela”. Then what will she have to say? If I do that, then I will be getting close to her level because getting on her level is impossible.  Trying to talk to her hasn’t worked and not talking to her hasn’t worked. My next strategy will be to take pictures of her child and video him doing something that he loves. Also I think I am going to take a picture of him when I am rewarding the other children and can’t give him anything. If any one has any suggestions I am so willing to listen.