The Struggle Is Over

 

This course has truly fried my brains. I’m exhausted and I want to rest up for months ahead. But I honestly believe it was well worth it. There were so many times when I wanted to give up after reading my feedback from assignments. I kept thinking I would never get things perfect enough for Dr. Teri. However, she was truly a support in the midst of her pushing me to become stronger.  This class taught me my strengths and weakness of writing. This class has taught me how to push my mind forward when my body was rejecting to move. I also learned of the different ways we can reach out together to help build our children up for the future.

My long term goal is to stay focused and determined to make a difference for the youth of America. I want to influence many lives by letting them know they are loved and appreciated, they can accomplish what they put their minds too.

I thank each of you for your support throughout the course. You all have helped build me up. I have taken your thoughts, suggestions, comments and etc. into mind. Your constructive criticism has helped me to survive the course. Dr. Teri, continue to push and inspire your students to work harder. In spite of my challenges, medical concerns and problems I never gave up. Although I thought I was going to have a break-down at one point. But prayers brought me through. This course has convinced me to receive my PhD, but not at the moment. I need a long break first to restore my mind.  

 

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe."
~ Anatole France

 

 

 

international organizations

Stop Hunger Now

This program reaches out to communities by striving to feed the needed.

The children will receive the food by attending school to better themselves, and 2) there is a new component to this program-a water filtration system- which will reduce the chances of water-borne diseases.

Meal Packaging Event Facilitation: 

Transport materials to and from meal packaging events in large box trucks. Facilitate meal packaging events including the set up of raw materials and equipment, delivery of educational presentations about hunger and poverty and training volunteers on the packaging process.

Current valid driver’s license and clean driving record, commercial vehicle license a plus

· Strong presentation and public speaking skills, comfortable speaking in front of large groups

· Ability to lift 50 to 75 lbs. Truck loading/unloading and moving heavy pallets is involved

· Must be able to work flexible schedule including weekends and evenings

· Experience, education or knowledge related to hunger and/or non-profits strongly preferred

· Must commit to working 25 hrs per month (about 5 events), for one year

http://www.stophungernow.org/

 

Save the Children. I chose this organization because it is seeking to reach out to the youth of the community. Our children now are being mislead, neglected or not noticed so we need to work together to save our future.

The Emergency Child Protection Senior Specialist will address violations of children’s rights to protection from abuse, exploitation, violence and neglect.  Ensure that quality programs are initiated and capacities developed to provide protection to children.

·      International management experience working in emergency response contexts or fragile states

·      Masters level degree in Social Work, Human rights, International Relations, Development Studies or similar or equivalent field experience.

·      Ability to identify main gaps in child protection in the given context to inform a holistic response for children.

·      Good knowledge of and experience in using established inter-agency standards and guidelines in child protection.

·      Experience in monitoring and evaluating child protection programs.

·      Ability to work both in an Advisory and a hands on implementation capacity

·      Experience in capacity building and training

http://www.savethechildren.org/

Children International Organization is an organization that helps the community with serving children in poverty.

They make sure the children are fed and the parents are trained on how to provide nutrious meals.

 

There were no jobs that interest me

https://www.children.org/

 

ECE National Roles

NEA-National Education Association

This is the nation's largest professional employer organization and they are committed to advancing the cause of public education. (National Education Association 2002).  The members work together to create public schools for each child, advocating for excellence in education (National Education Association 2002). I liked this organization because I’m a fan of public schools and I believe they should be the best. Many people prefer private schools when public schools offer the same opportunities.  

Organizational Specialist is the job I would choose because I could work with several agencies, to organize policy issues. I could meet some awesome people.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent.  Minimum Qualifications: Experience as an employee on an Association staff or an advocacy organization.

NAEYC- National Association for the Education of the Young Child

This agency is focused on improving the quality and accessibility of early childhood education programs and services and on enhancing the development of children and families (National Association for the Education of the Young Child 2010). This has always been one of my favorite agencies. I chose this one because this agency encourages family involvement and my challenge is similar to that topic.

HR Generalist

This position would allow me work behind the desk but still be involved with the field and coordinating programs.

Requirements: BA/BS degree with 3-5 years of human resources and experience working in an association/non-profit is a plus.

NAFEP

A- National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators

This agency is known for supporting leadership and management of federal education in America's schools (National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators 2013).  

There was no career section for this organization.

 

National Association for the Education of the Young Child. (2013). Retrieved from

www.naeyc.org

 

National Education Association. (2002). Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/

 

National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators (2013). Retrieved from  

        http://www.nafepa.org/

 

 

 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community

Mississippi Early Childhood Association.

 I chose this organization because they work to improve the quality of the program to best accommodate the child. They work together to improve the health and educational standards. These are two areas that should be kept current with plans. In Mississippi we are known to have high obesity rates so staying on board and up to date with plans would be a great idea.

http://msucares.com/childcare/job_description.pdf

 

SPARK Mississippi

This organization ensures the students are prepared for school and successfully master skills. They help support the students through Early Education Classroom Improvement Plans, Individual Learning Plans, Early Education / School Curriculum Alignment, Support for Basic and Special Needs, Learning Advocates, Local Children’s Partnerships, and Parent Education (SPARK).

http://www.spark-ms.com/

 

Stewpot Community Services

This organization serves thousands of hungry and homeless men, women, and children. They provide them with food, shelter, clothing, love, and encouragement every year. I like this organization because they take time to nurture the needed people in the community.

 

Jobs

Care coordinator- MS Children Home Services

A Bachelor’s Degree in a behavioral health field.

Two years of experience working with emotionally, behaviorally disordered or autistic children/youth.

Must complete training modules as required within the 90 day Orientation period.

 Must have one year of experience working in a behavioral health care, school or clinical setting.

http://www.mchscares.org/support-mississippis-youth/careers-2/

 

Juvenile Detention Officer- Hinds County Sheriff Department

An Associates Degree from an accredited college or university with previous corrections, juvenile or related experience preferred

Or

A high school diploma with previous corrections, juvenile or related experience required

And

Possession of a valid Mississippi driver’s license.

Pre-Employment Drug/Alcohol Testing Required

 

http://www.co.hinds.ms.us/pgs/apps/JobListings/announce.asp?ID=171

 

 

Peer Support Specialist-Hinds Health Behavioral Services

 

High school diploma or GED equivalent required.

Must be a current or former consumer, or first degree family member of an individual who has received treatment for and self-identifies as a consumer or former mental health consumer.

Must have demonstrated a minimum of six (6) months, preferably twelve (12) months, in self-directed recovery.

 Must have completed at least one of the DMH recognized peer training programs such as, Family-to-Family or Family Time Out.

 Must successfully pass the Certified Peer Support Specialist after completion of training. Good communication skills are necessary

 

http://www.hbhs9.com/employment/employment.aspx

 

 

Welcoming Families From Around the World

The country that I chose was China.

I would prepare myself by reading books about their country. Reading would probably inform me of small things they do in their culture.

I would try to find a person that lives in the United States that’s from their country to discover the amazing facts about them such as things they do for fun, how to count and etc.

I would research how their schools are funded and what special programs they have to offer families.

I would learn what gestures are considered to be offensive, and learn how they greet and say good-bye.

I hope these preparations will help me to be comfortable and confident around the family. I also hope that I would know how to not offend them. This will show that I’m prepared to work with children in diverse backgrounds.    

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

One memory I have is this one incident where a group of my coworkers and I were socializing, and someone burst out asking why do black people love fried chicken. I found that to be very disurbing. I angrily replied that all blacks don’t like chicken. My grandfather for example is one. I have never seen him eat a piece of chicken.

I was a bit upset because I felt attacked out of the entire group. She made an assumption on what  she thought blacks liked. Once I gained control of my feelings I realized that she didn’t mean any harm. She was curious to know what was so special about friend chicken.

Microaggressions

I remember this one time I worked at a headstart and this little girl was very active but unique. She did unusual things that none of the teachers understood. I recall this younger teacher asking was something wrong with the child. She use to laugh at her behavior and call her slow. Many of the teachers observed her behavior and discovered that she had similarities of autism.  The teacher of the child, got with her mom and discovered that mom had some questions about her child's behavior also. The mom finally got the child tested and discovered that the child was autistic.
Comparing this situation to the lesson it displayed ableism. The young teacher made fun of a child's behavior and later discovered that the child actually had a disability.

As an adult, I think that was inappropriate. As a teacher we will see alot of things. Its not our place to judge or assume. Our goal is to motivate and develop a child's learning growth.

As I learned in this case when we stereotype something or someone before we know the fullness of the situation we may be misjudging.

Culture & Diversity

Alicia (White Female)

Culture to me means tradition, the way do things. Such as our dress code, or family functions.

Diversity means the different backgrounds we come from

Anthony (Black Male)

Culture means the way we do things that makes us different. What we developed from our past ancestors and family history.

Diversity means what we believe in

Jordyn (Black Female)

Culture is what we believe in, our customs and our patterns.

Diversity means what makes us different from one another such as our backgrounds and ethnicities.  

 

The aspects of culture and diversity are included in relations to the course such as culture being a tradition of how we do things and diversity as distinguishing us apart based on our ethnicities.

I do not believe that anything was omitted.

I also do not believe that anyone can influence my definitions of culture and diversity based on what they think. To me these two words can be explained from a person’s experience or their opinions.    

Family Culture

To choose three different items for me would be difficult because I cherish everything that I have. There are so many things that are important to me but the three I would most likely take would be my laptop, wedding dvd, and cards. To be placed in a different environment where the culture is completely different from yours would be a huge adjustment.

I would bring my laptop because it holds so many memories such as my favorite songs and pictures of my family and friends. Having this would probably help to ease some of my pain. My wedding dvd would express the love, fun and laughter we shared on the day I became one with my husband. Each of our family and friends showed great support towards us. My video shows the different things we like to do in my culture such as jumping the broom at the wedding, lighting unity candles, doing line dances such as the electric slide and the cha-cha at the reception, and watching the groom remove the garter from the bride and much more. The last I chose was greeting cards. I chose this because cards are very meaningful to me. I collect every card anyone gives me. From time to time I like to go back and read the sweet words on my cards, especially the cards where my husband and I first started dating or my first mother’s day cards.

To be loved by so many friends and family is a treasure that no one can take away. So if I had to give up two things and be left with one I would choose my wedding dvd. The dvd to me holds the most sentimental and important moments in life.

This lesson has taught me to be more appreciative to my family and friends. To cherish my culture and to never forget my background and what makes me.

Thank You

To all my classmates I thank each of you for your support and constructive critisim and positive words throughout the course. Many of you have shown me how to look at things differntly, you have helped me to grow and I thank you for that. This was a fun course and I'm glad that I got to share it with wonderful classmates like you. I continue to wish you all the best as you complete the program!
Thank you again...

Adjourning

Saying good-bye to a group of people where you became closely related to can be a sad moment. During my college years I was able to bond with my colleagues learning about them and their personal lives. When graduation came, it was a bit sad knowing that some of us would never meet again. Many of us moved to other states, many found jobs in our field while the other half didn’t. We all were happy that our courses were now complete.

Another experience for me, was leaving my baby alone in the hospital without her parents. Although it was not a complete good-bye, it was still a bitter moment. For a month straight, there were doctors who cared for my daughter in the NICU when I couldn’t do a thing for her. I was glad to see my baby leave the hospital but I was going to miss the nurses who cared for her. I remember taking my daughter to meet the nurses who cared after her for me. I wanted her to meet the wonderful team who cared so much for her.

Both of these experiences were big milestones in my life where I was glad to see them coming, but I was sad to see them leave as well.  

Conflict in Communication

I recently experienced a conflict with my boss before the Christmas Holidays. My principal/boss had got angry with me because a student hopped out my van line and disappeared into the car rider line. The way the issue was resolved was not fair. She basically yelled at me making it seem as though it was my fault. The bad part of it was I’m the teacher assistant not the certified teacher. I believe the issue could have been handled differently. During the heated conflict I surprisingly held my tongue while she literally yelled. She kept asking what happened, so I explained my point of view with a little anger in my voice. She never called the certified teacher that works duty with me into her office. I have no idea why, but I still think this issue has been unresolved. I really wanted to tell her a lot of things on my mind but I remained calm and allowed her to talk so that I could understand her frustration.

 

After being in this course I have learned some things about conflict management that may be useful towards my future conflicts.

 

 

Communication Self-Assessment

Doing this week’s application has helped me to identify where I stand as a communicator. I learned that my communication anxiety level was moderate, my level of verbal aggressiveness was significant and my level of listening was classified group 1 people orientated.

I had my husband and coworker to both evaluate me using the same assessments. To my surprise they both rated me as significant on a verbal aggressiveness scale, moderate on communication anxiety and a group 1 listener.

This was a shocker to me, to know that someone else viewed my communication skills the same as I do. I was a bit disappointed with one of my results. To know that my words can be offensive towards others did not sit well with me, although I have always been a person to speak my mind and be through with it.

I expected my husband to score similar to me, but not my colleague. It was glad to know that she viewed me as being a people person. She knows that I love to communicate one on one, but when it has to done publicly I tend to tense up a bit.

Learning about myself has taught me where my strengths and weakness are, and how I can learn to correct the areas that need improvement.  

 

Cultural Diversity

I think that I do communicate differently with people from other cultures depending on the occasion. I enjoy being around people of different cultures because I can learn from them. However, there have been times where I have become irritated with being around people from other cultures. One experience I remember is when I was in undergrad. I had a foreign teacher whom I couldn’t understand at all. The verbal communication between the two of us was horrible. The way I passed this course was from notes. Luckily, he issued out notes that were typed up to all students.

It is hard communicating with someone who doesn’t share the same culture of you. You all have nothing in common which makes it harder to communicate. It is possible to communicate with people of different cultures, but it may take a few adjustments. When communicating with someone of another culture you must be careful of their language, know what’s considered offensive to their culture, and be aware of any hand gestures and body language they use. The main concern is being open-minded!      

Nonverbal & Verbal Communications

I watched the television show Love That Girl. The show I watched wasn't that hard for me to understand without sound. During the beginning of the show a group of people were sitting around socializing and laughing. It was obvious they were friends. Throughout the show they would gather together having drinks and playing cards. Appearing to be an old male friend came back into the picture bringing a woman with him. During a party an agrument took place. Later in the show that woman no longer appeared. Obviously, it was related to the party because she wasn't seen after that and that old male friend was spending more time with one of the other women from the party. I assumed they used to date and wanted to pick back up on their relationship.
After re watching in sound I learned that everyone was friends. The party they threw was for the guy and his fiancee coming into town. Things went sour at the party because of the comments made about the soon to be groom and his old love. The fiancee was confused of their past and got angry. I was right when I assumed the dude did want to have a relationship with his old friend girl.

I believe this show was easy for me to understand because I read the body language. I paid attention to the characters and their behavior as well as observing their facial expressions.

Competency in Communication

The one person that I feel shows competency in their communication is my grandfather/pastor. When he speaks he is very clear and uses appropriate tone. His messages are always easy to follow along with because he relates his Christ messages to everyday life. Always giving examples of how the two are linked. He makes eye contact with the audience, has a great posture(not slouching), very presentable in clothing. He is very neat and well groomed. His passion for ministering to others about God has opened opportunities for him to speak at other churches, funerals and other events.
My grandfather apperance resembles his character. I would love to model his style. I have learned a lot from him. I've become inspired by his communication skills and the way he represents his self.