wendynewland2014: Final Walden post

Time Well Spent

My time at Walden was very well spent. I do not have one negative thing about this wonderful University and the Early Childhood Studies Program. I am a firm believer in the philosophies of NAEYC and was not disappointed to find that they were all affirmed by the curriculum at Walden. I am so grateful to all of my instructors who were fair, kind and always helpful in their suggestions and comments. I have been enormously blessed to work with so many amazing fellow Early Childhood Professionals who have encouraged and inspired me throughout the program. I look forward to following everyone's careers and hope to meet many of you at graduation or wherever our paths may cross in the future!

Big Ideas

The Three Lenses

I really grasped the idea that we can analyze any situation through the lenses of our personal life, our professional life and our local setting. When I did my capstone project I really came full circle when I realized that it is when my three lenses line up to show the same vision that I will be the most fulfilled. The conclusion of my Capstone project was that I will be happiest then I include my family in my professional life and together we touch our local community and the world through Intergenerational Programming.

Some Things Remain the Same

Another idea that took hold of me is the constant of being an Early Childhood Professional. No matter how the world changes and the pendulum swings, my commitment to children, families and the Early Childhood Community, including myself, will always remain the same.

It's A Small World After All

It was wonderful attending school on-line because of the exposure I had to so many people from different parts of the country and world. Yet in spite of having different cultural backgrounds, our basic needs to be connected with other people, to be heard and understood and to feel needed and fulfilled are the same everywhere.

Inspiration

I remember listening to this song and learning to conduct to it in my Elementary Music Teaching class when I got my undergraduate degree. It touched my emotions and inspired me then and it still does today. But I feel I have been surrounded by heroes here at Walden and the hug she gives to her teacher at the end is for all of you!
http://www.vevo.com/watch/whitney-houston/Greatest-Love-Of-All/USAV70000013

My Own Intergenerational Community

We will all be in one picture at my daughter's wedding in September!