Words From Inspirational Leaders

The words from two insirational people who have impacted the early childhood field.

“We set out to make certain that poverty's children would not be forevermore poverty's captives. We called our program Project Head Start.”          

 Lyndon B. Johnson, 36^th President of the United States

“The family plays a fundamental role, we know, in shaping the lives of children. But in addition, we know that even before the children are born, the conditions, the way the mother takes care of herself has strong dramatic impact on the well-being of the child. And we know that the family in support of the child, whether it's in preschool or in school, plays a critical role.”

Dr. James Heckman, professor at University of Chicago

“If there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived? Find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things happen FOR you, TO you and BECAUSE of you.”

Personal Childhood Web

Creating a personal childhood web was an emotional assignment for me. There were many rough times for me throughout my early childhood. My parents were young parents and divorced when I was four. As I began to think about the five people who made the most impact on my life, I answered the same two people five times (my grandmother and grandfather). As I continued to think about my childhood, I can recall others that impacted my life as well.

Number 1: Grandmother (June Burris)

I could never express in words exactly what my grandmother means to me. What I can tell you is that without her I would not be the person, mother, wife, or teacher that I am today. She gave me security when there was very little stability in my life. She gave me hope when there was very little to be hopeful about. She made me feel proud of myself when I did not realize that I did something to be proud of. She taught me how to be strong when my world was crumbling. She was my mother, grandmother, counselor, supporter, caregiver, teacher, mentor, and anything else that I needed. I owe her the world for the devotion and love that she gave to me and for the wisdom and values that she instilled in me. She will never truly know how much she means to me.

Number 2: Grandfather (Bill Burris)

My grandfather was the person who made me smile when I was down. He would spend countless hours playing with me. He made me feel safe and loved. He was the only person that I let brush my long hair because he was patient and tender. He tried to give me the experiences that he thought all children deserved. I am thankful that he was there to create positive childhood memories with me. Because of my grandparents, I knew that I could achieve whatever I wanted in life.

Number 3: My aunt (Cindi)

 I was at my grandparents house so often that my aunt was more like an older sister to me. Even though she was a teenager when I was a little girl she would spend an incredible amount of time with me. She would take me places, show me how to do things, and was a great role model. I remember going to her high school cheerleading practices and games so often that I became the team's little mascot. Many of the goals that she accomplished in life, I also went on to do the same. She was the first person who made education important to me. She would always say, "No matter what you want to be in life, just promise me that you will go to college." As I grew up and she got married, it meant the world to me when she asked me to be the maid-of-honor in her wedding.

Number 4: Mrs. Baker

Mrs. Baker was my fifth grade teacher. She was a caring teacher who made me feel confident in my abilities as a student. She believed in me and made my school experience such a positive one. This is the year that I decided I wanted to be a teacher. I wanted to impact the lives of children the way that she impacted mine. She inspired me to be a great student, to get a college degree, and to be the best teacher that I could be. Ironically, after she attended my college graduation, the next school year I went on to take over her very classroom because she retired after 34 years of teaching. Now, I am still teaching in the classroom that belonged to my fifth grade teacher.

Number 5: Lauren Miner

Lauren has been my best friend off and on throughout my entire life. We were in the same 2nd and 4th grade classes. She had a great family that was very stable and loving. I learned many family values from watching her family. Lauren never judged me because of where I lived or the things that I did not have. She was my friend because she liked me for who I was. We created a friendship that many people never experience. I am thankful for the times we shared and the many times that her family opened their home and their hearts to me.

After thinking about the people who impacted my childhood web, I began to think about the people who have impacted my adulthood web. It is amazing to think about how many people come into our lives and the many ways they inspire, challenge, and influence who we become.

You Can't Change Their Circumstance But You Can Make a Difference

It was a typical school day, and my planning period and first break of the day had finally arrived. I went to my mailbox in the teachers' workroom to clean out all mail and other school stuff. On top was an envelop addressed to me. It caught my attention because it looked like the handwriting of a child. I opened it to find a three page letter written by a former student. In the letter, she thanked me for caring about her and being such a great teacher. She told me that her current teacher had required her to write a letter to the teacher that had the most impact in her life (it was Teacher Appreciation Week).
To give you a little background, this student moved to my town from the place where she grew up, where her entire family lived, and where all of her friends were. On the first day of school, I introduced myself to my very first group of fifth graders. I could see the fear in this child's eyes. She was the new kid and had just left everything she knew behind. She looked extremely unhappy most days but never complained or gave me any problems. She did what I asked her to do but did not seem to enjoy it. I remember trying to connect with her about my feelings of being a first year teacher to her feeling about being a new student. I remember thinking she was such a sweet girl but can't recall any special attention that I gave to her.
After reading her letter, it changed the way I viewed my career. I realized that I could not change her circumstances and send her back to the place she called home, but what I did was gave 100% to making her fifth grade experience a positive one. It was such an amazing feeling to read her letter that day. As the tears fell down my face, I realized that I had such an impact in her life that she took the time six years later to write me to say thank you. I also noticed that the return address was from a school in her hometown (she moved back). I wrote her back to let her know how much I appreciated her letter. Not only did I make an impact in her life, but she made one in mine as well. In your day to day routine, you can not change a child's circumstance, but you can make a difference!!

There Is a New Adventure Around Every Corner

Blogging is a new adventure for me. I look forward to the knowledge I will gain throughout this experience and the opportunity to collaborate with my colleagues. Welcome to my Early Childhood Studies Blog!