Time Well Spent

Please enjoy my photo journey to a Master's in Early Childhood at Walden University:

The Uncertainty of that first step…Enrollment

     


 When I finally decided to pursue this degree, I felt an immediate sense of contentment. It is the same feeling I had when I discovered Walden had the specialization Teaching Adults in the Field. It was a puzzle perfect fit to my interests. I spent quite a bit of extra money to overnight my transcripts in order to start when I did. What a feeling when I got the confirmation that I was in. Talk about a leap of faith! Like this little guy, I have been making my wobbly way ever since.




                                                                

  The Amazement of a developing human life

I found the wonder of human life and development to be fascinating. I couldn't believe after ten years in this field how much I didn't know about those foundational years. I feel especially equipped to address parents' questions and concerns now and am no longer intimidated by what I do not know. I have all the skills and knowledge I need to find the answers.

The Anxiety of a research course

I know I have some friends with this one. I was all bound up with stress about this impending course. I stated research as a weakness and a fear in my foundations course. Being guided through each step and receiving valuable feedback from professors and peers along the way, I was able to finish well. In fact, I entertained the notion of doing my own study. What a transformation!

The Comfort of colleague support

I can't say enough about the support from my peers. There was always a good deal of comfort simply knowing I did not ride on this bumpy road alone. Peer interaction will be a key element in any class I teach.

The Empowerment of a course Conquered

 

This is my favorite photo. I am so proud of how I managed each of my classes and feel triumphant about conquering each challenge that presented itself. Having accomplished this feat and juggling family and work responsibilities makes it all the more empowering.

The Exhaustion of late night assignments

There were days when I wasn't sure if what I submitted the night before was going to be coherent. I learned to balance my time wisely for the most part and had relatively few nights where I resembled this little lady.  

 

Striving to Reach  personal and professional goals 

I wasn't even certain what my goals were when I started this journey. Just as I would discover something new about myself, our next week's assignment referred to it or built off it. I have never grown so much in such a short period of time. I loved the online format so much that a long-term goal is now to teach at the college or university level. 

The Delight of a Problem Statement approved

 

I had particular frustrations with my project problem statement causing a good deal of STRESS. However, once I nailed it, I felt like this little lady. YES! 

The rest of my project then began to fall into place.  I loved the progression of assignments and feedback that made this work manageable. I have a product that I can take and implement to more respectfully serve single parent families. When the model is highly successful, you can all borrow it. ;)

  

Seeing the Light at the end of the tunnel

I remember: 

Finishing the first week...

the first course... 

and the first half of this program.

June 2013 seemed like a world away! We finally made it!

The Exhilaration of hitting that submit button

 

It was just a bit of bi-weekly satisfaction that kept us going. I'm secretly going to miss it. I may have to get started on a doctorate. Well… maybe the summer off first.

 

Education offers the Freedom of options

My options are endless! I have developed a sense of confidence in what I have to offer the early childhood field and with this degree I feel empowered to pursue anything that interests me. I am eager to see where life's roads take me.

Communication & Collaboration around the world

 

I am no longer afraid of encountering unfamiliar cultures. I have learned that we have more in common than I ever realized and have immensely enjoyed my global contacts and my research of local, national, and international organizations. In addition, I have been blessed to get to know my colleagues from other nations and other parts of United States. Stereotypes and biases have been identified and I am aware of my need to self-reflect on a regular basis. Collaboration will allow us to meet the many challenges we face in this field.  

The Satisfaction of a job well done! 

One of the main feelings I have had this last week is self satisfaction. I have never felt so gratified about a job well done. This degree was an immense undertaking and I maintained my focus throughout. I am weary, but fulfilled. 

I   ...WE did it!

Looking ahead to a bright future in the Early Childhood Field 

 My life has been a series of doors. Some have opened new opportunity and others that have shut tight to keep me from going in the wrong direction. I don't know what my future holds but I am ready.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version

 

Thank You!
Thanks to Walden! I am grateful for a consistent structure that fit beautifully into my busy work and family life. I appreciate the depth of our studies and the high standards you place on our work in the early childhood field.

Thanks to my colleagues! I counted on your feedback every week to clarify topics, confirm my thinking and clue me in when LOST. It has been an honor to travel this road with you all! I am proud of all our hard work and collective hoop jumping. Go get em!

I love my computer.

All my friends live in there.

Thanks to my Walden professors! I enjoyed the challenge of getting to know each of you and the unique teaching styles you brought to our learning. I feel fortunate to have gleaned from your varied perspectives and life experiences. I am walking away from this journey with the confidence that I can do ANYTHING I put my mind to in this field. Your words of encouragement as well as your silent encouragement, pushing me to figure this out on my own, have been appreciated. Dr Teri, thanks especially to you for the support with my project. You continually pushed me to the edge of my best and I am grateful for having attained this high standard.

Thanks to my family! For understanding when I didn't have socks clean, dinner cooked or the capacity to listen well. Thanks for forgiving my bouts of stress induced shortness. And thanks for being proud of my efforts and allowing me to pour my best into my work. I can't wait to focus my full attention on you! We did it! 

Keep in touch! My personal email is tammraba@gmail.com