When I first learned about the "international contacts" portion of this course, I admit I was filled with a certain amount of dread. As a typically introverted person, this required me to work outside of my comfort zone, contact a STRANGER, and rely upon them to aid me in meeting my own needs. What I found was something quite surprising.
First, I rekindled a dialog with a former classmate, and had the opportunity to learn more from her than I had in our first course together. She validated for me the universal lack of quality ECE, but also validated the voices that are rising up within the field to effect change. Her passion is strong and her determination palpable. Simply being in relationship with her, albeit through email, pushed me along in this course during days of weeks when I felt myself waning in enthusiasm or energy.
Second, I gained confidence not only in myself personally, but professionally within the EC field. Because we are both still students, some of the fear of sounding less-than-knowledgeable was diminished. Because we are both striking out in a professional field together, we are able to share our challenges and our hopes more openly. Our conversations gave me hope for the field.
Finally, by seeking knowledge from another, I hope that I validated her world view and experience, as she certainly inspired me to look deeper into my own. My stereotypes/assumptions were challenged as well as reinforced. But it is not without seeing the experience through her eyes that I would have had this. For this I sincerely thank her and am in her debt.
My goal for the field of ECE would be this: value yourself, back it up with best practices, and begin to "be the change you want to see" (thank you Gandhi). No one is going to value the field or all that it has to offer if those in the field do not demonstrate their own value through quality, confidence, and knowledge. Every field has had this growing pains as it emerges from it's infancy and childhood into it's full "professional" adult glory. Learn from other fields. Don't stop growing.
Hi Sarah!
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading your posts. I agree that it is important for everyone working in the ECE field to value our profession. When addressing my staff, I remember telling them something that I stole from someone else's voice: "If you don't value what you do, then nobody else will value who you are." I think that sometimes we default to what others think of us and the value that they put on our field instead of holding steadfast in how important it is the future of our children, families, communities and society. I think that it is important for us to continue to learn from others as I too was intrigued by my international partner. Good luck in your future courses and professional growth. I look forward to continuing to learn from you and share with you in the future.
--Sharon
It seem you have learn and share a lot over your time the things your shared was wonderful.
ReplyDelete