WORDS OF INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION

Lyndon B. Johnson (1965) Commencement Address at Howard University stated:

The family is the cornerstone of our society.  More than any other force it shapes the attitude, the hopes, the ambitions, and the values of the child. And when the family collapses it is the children that are usually damaged. When it happens on a massive scale the community itself is crippled.

So, unless we work to strengthen the family, to create conditions under which most parents will stay together, all the rest—schools, and playgrounds, and public assistance, and private concern—will never be enough to cut completely the circle of despair and deprivation (Johnson, 1965).

Johnson, Lyndon B. (1965, June 4). [Commencement Exercise]. Speech presented at Howard University. [Transcript]. Retrieved September 30, 2010 from http://us.history.wisc.edu/hist102/pdocs/johnson_commencement.pdf

Louise Derman-Sparks, Professor Emeritus of Pacific Oak College in California stated that the success of the at-risk children “had nothing to do with their innate ability, but they needed the tools to know how to survive and thrive in the public school system” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). The passion for early childhood [multimedia presentation]. Retrieved September 30, 2010 from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4465394&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=4994376&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1

Personal Childhood Web

My Mentor.  She is a powerful preacher. She is kind and thoughtful.  She genuinely cares about people.  She puts the ministry above her own needs.  She is the reason that I obtained my Bachelor's degree.  She encouraged me even when I wanted to give up or be slack.  She continues to push me to do better.  She stated that "One thing about education, no one can take it from you."  I love her for just continuing to support me and for always telling me the truth.  She continues to impact my life positively and represents greatness for me as an adult.

My father.  We never really had a relationship.  Most of our interactions were negative, but he still had an impact on my life.  He taught me what I did not want.  Today his influence continues to impact my life because I have a desire to be better. I am very grateful that he was in my life.



My father-in-law was quiet always willing to help others, put others needs before himself and his family, very loving and caring.  This person represented the father figure in my life.  He truly exemplified unconditional love when it came to people.  Though he is deceased he continues to impact my life.  I often reflect or think what he would do in certain situations and the answer would always be to give.

My husband, my best friend.  We met for the first time in 1986. He is a comedian. Sometimes quiet.  He taught me how to have respect for myself and others.  He cared for me and has always been there to support me in my endeavors.  Through his support and friendship I can continue to pursue other career goals.  He continues to impact my life and always encourages me. 

My aunt is the family comedian. My mom is from a family of seven, she being the oldest.  This is my favorite aunt who is the second oldest.  She and her family represented stability in a marriage.  She worked very hard and is very good with her hands.  She along with her husband built their first home in which they still occupy today.  She made me feel apart of a big family.  Her influence still impacts my life today because what she had in marriage is what I wanted someday and today I have a family and have been married for twenty-one years.



My sister is very outgoing.  She is ten years younger than I, but she taught me to be responsible, not to be selfish.  She made me feel needed. She continues to impact my life today because I am responsible and I try to put the needs of others above myself.

 

My mom is very quiet but powerful. She represents stability in my life, taught me to be a hard worker. She provided care, love, nurture, and supported all of my extra-curricular activities.  She also introduced me to Christ.  Her influences continues to impact my life today because I am a hardworker.  Also, I am a caring nuturing mother to my son and very supportive of his extra-curricular activities and his education.

 I am so grateful to these individuals that are a part of my life.  Even those that are deceased continue to impact me as an adult.  I would dare say that these are some of the individuals that made me who I am today.



 




 

Corduroy by Don Freeman

I thoroughly enjoy this book because it is very comforting to young children. Starting preschool is a huge step  and sometimes they lose things in their classrooms and are uncertain where to find them. Reminding them about this story and Corduroy’s missing button on his overalls calms them down.

We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today. ~Stacia Tauscher

While we all realize that education is very important for the early learner, this quote helps us to keep things in perspective.  We nurture the current, while educating the future.

OUR PRESCHOOLERS HAVE MOVED ON!!

Today, was the first day for our little preschoolers to start Kindergarten.  It was an exciting day for the preschoolers.  Some were hesitant, others were overly excited.  As for the staff.......we were excited for all of the but we missed having them in our classrooms.  Now we start all over with a new group.  You see, education never stops.