Time Well Spent

The most obvious thing I have learned from this program is more about the early childhood field.  I have learned about child development, effective programs and practices, issues and trends in early childhood, diversity and equity, communication and collaboration, leadership, budgeting, and managing early childhood programs.  Each of these areas will be beneficial as I explore options in the early childhood field outside of the classroom.

On a more personal level, I learned more about myself.  I learned that I am stronger than I realized.  I honestly did not think I had what it took to finish this program.  There were a few times when I wanted to throw in the towel and walk away.  Thankfully, I was able to find the endurance to not only complete this program but give 150% to my education.  There were many sleepless nights and countless hours spent in front of the computer reading article after article but in the end, I am a much better person for it.  I am stronger than I once was and I have found a new level of self-confidence in the end.

Finally, I learned that I not only enjoy what I do but my love goes so much deeper.  I truly have a passion for children and the early childhood field.  I want to make a difference in the lives of children and families in my community but through this program, I have realized that my goals extend beyond my community and into the world.  I want to help create the social change I envision for children everywhere.

If you would have asked me what my long-term goals were at the beginning of this program, I would have told you that I wanted to be a director of an early childhood program or open my own center.  Through my educational journey with Walden University, I have realized that the difference I want to make in the lives of children and their families can be done in many other ways.  While I would still like to open an early childhood program of my own, I have realized that my real passion is with that of at-risk children and their families.  Currently there are not any programs in my community for at-risk children.  I would love to open a community center where at-risk children can come after school or when school is out to work on homework or school projects, tutor in areas they are weak in, enhance social skills through positive interactions with other youth, learn teamwork playing sports, and offer parents and children opportunities for growth through trainings and seminars.   This program has opened my eyes to the endless possibilities I can offer children and families to help them become successful members of the community.

To all of my wonderful colleagues:  Thank you for a wonderful experience.  I do not know if I could have done this without your encouragement and weekly support.  While the past eight weeks have been challenging mentally, I am amazed at the personal growth I have seen in myself as well as my colleagues.  I cannot believe this is the end.  I truly am going to miss our interactions as I feel like I have become friends with so many of you.  Please keep in touch!  I would love to hear about your future accomplishments.  Good luck to all of you in the future.  I will definitely keep each one of you in my prayers.  You can e-mail me at mindi651@yahoo.com or find me on facebook (www.facebook.com/mindi651).

Dear Dr. Teri:  Thank you for your personal support the past eight weeks.  You have helped me turn an overwhelming challenge into an obtainable goal.  You encouraged me when I felt defeated and calmed me when I did not think I could take anymore.  Thank you for pushing me personally, professionally, and academically.  I can see growth in myself in ways I never imagined.

International Organizations Promoting Positive Social Change

The first organization I chose this week was Save the Children (www.savethechildren.org).  Save the Children is an organization that helps meet children’s needs in the United States and around the world.  They partner up with other organizations to provide for children who are in need. 

One job that stuck out to me was the Coordinator for Early Steps to School.   Requirements for this position include:

·         A degree in Early Childhood or related field is preferred but not required,

·         Experience and training working in a home visiting, infant/toddler early childhood/parenting education     program,

·         Experience working with pregnant women, children ages birth to five, and families in rural areas a plus,

·         Experience leading parent or community groups a plus,

·         Experience with timely reporting and maintaining accurate records on program activities,

·         Experience in collaborating with early childhood programs in the community,

·         Individual must live in the Needles CA community

Another organization that I wanted to focus on is World Vision (www.worldvision.org).  World Vision is a Christian organization that works with children, families, and the community to help overcome poverty and injustice.  My family is currently supporting World Vision because of their Christian foundation and their proactive approach to helping people from various countries combat illness, poverty, and hunger while maintaining their Christian beliefs.

                There are currently job openings in many different areas throughout the United States.  Vacancies are in areas such as Finance, Marketing and Communications, Advertising, Call Centers, Internet, and Project Management.  Each job has specific qualifications associated with them, pertaining to the kind of work each position requires.  All positions are Christ-centered so corporate each job requires the leadership of devotions, weekly chapel services, and regular prayer time.  I think this says a lot about the organization.

                The third organization I chose for this assignment was FHI 360 (www.fhi360.org).  FHI is a nonprofit human development organization whose passion is driven by a personal commitment to make a positive difference.  In 2011, the teams of experts from Family Health International and Academy for Educational Development came together to create FHI 360.  Together they work to “empower individuals, families, and communities to tackle their own challenges”.

                I was surprised to see that several of the job vacancies were actually 15 minutes from my home.  I had no idea that this organization had an office in my area.  Unfortunately the jobs posted here involve scientific research or are clerical in nature.  One job that sounds interesting is that of an Administrative Assistant, HIV Prevention Trials Network.  Minimal requirements include: 

·         High School Diploma with 1-3 years’ experience.

·         Microsoft Office Suites, preferred.

·         Ability to gather, recommend and summarize data for reports

·         Finds solutions to various administrative problems, and prioritizes work.

·         Work requires attention to detail in composing, typing and proofing materials, establishing priorities and meeting deadlines.

·         Strong MS Office skills (i.e. Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

·         Excellent written and communication skills