Time Well Spent

Upon embarking on my pursuit of Master’s degree in the field of early childhood education, my goal was to improve my performance level as a center director and arm myself with the tools to carry out my daily duties. While that goal has certainly been achieved and today I feel much more empowered by the knowledge I gained, my internal growth was much more rewarding.

“Our passion is our strength”.
Billie Joe Armstrong

Going through my Master’s degree made me reflect on my passion and my motivation. It made me examine what truly gets me going every day and gives me the drive to continue to work in this field. Although I was driven to this field out of love for my own children, I realized that the well-being of every child is what continues to fuel my passion.
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men”.
Frederick Douglass
Secondly, it was a priceless feeling to learn about the effects we, early childhood educators, have on the future generations. The respect I gained for the field and the pride I have in my work increased with every article I read and every research findings I learned on the importance of the early years.
“Research is creating new knowledge”.
Neil Armstrong
Thirdly, I truly enjoyed learning about how to navigate through research papers and getting to actually draft my own pretend research study in the field. Now I am more aware of what it takes to publish a research paper and the ethical considerations associated with conducting research on young children.
“Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment”.
Lao Tzu
Learning about social identities, the many “-isms” around us, privilege and oppression was an amazing experience. My knowledgebase going into the diversity class was far from what I came out with. So much was learned about the various aspects of diversity and social justice, but nothing compares to learning about one’s own social identity and examining my own biases.  
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world”.
Mahatma Gandhi
Finally, ending the journey with a powerful boast on social change was invaluable. We all might have it in us to make a difference, but only a few will attempt to be the change they want to see in the world. The concluding class on positive social change was a great opportunity to examine my strength to be a leader of social change.
“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow”.
Anthony J. D'Angelo

As I move on in my career empowered by the knowledge I gained from this Master’s degree, I have already set my next goal to be earning my doctorate in the field. My quest for knowledge will never dry and as long as there continues to be children in this world, my goal will continue to be ensuring the well-being of these children.

To all my instructors and colleagues who have shared and supported me, thank you. You were instrumental throughout this journey. We opened our hearts and shared our experiences and I hope that I have enriched your journey as you did mine.