What Resonates With You About Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy?

Part 1: Why did you choose this specialization? 

“ Since it is virtually impossible for children to speak for  themselves regarding their health, education, emotional, and physical need, advocacy is a high priority among Early Childhood Professionals. ( Hemmiger, 2008). I remember initally deciding to enroll into graduate school and selecting my major and upon reviewing the list of options, It was clear to me that I love the work that I do in working with children and families. Everyday holds a new set of challenges, however the rewards of knowing that I am at the service to others, assisting them in their mobilizing efforts of gaining awarenss of topics, ridding generational curses of being the one left behind, and lastly, “promoting ideas and seeking resolutions that will affect children and families in a positive way  are always worth the reward. 

Part 2: Why are advocates essential in the early childhood field? 

My favorite qoute by Albert Einstein is “Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living” I whole heartly believe in this statement in all of my efforts to strengthen the areas of opportunity concerning children primarily in my community, yet not limiting my efforts to effect those far away. Everyone can be an advocate. An advocate is defined as “anyone that contributes to the betterment of others” (Kieff, 209). Generally “Early Childhood professionals are often the first to recognize a child’s or family’s need for assistance”( Kieff, 2009). I am reminded of a participant in a program, She was considered homeless venturing from couch to couch and staying where she could;this person was also a teen parent and in additon to finding a place to be able to call home had to struggle with balancing being a high school student and mom. An issue arose where the teen mom was not able to purchase her cap and gown to graduate and comunicated the need to me  I inturn was able to connect with someone who volunteered to pay the cost of the cap, gown and tassel just off the understanding of the hardship of the teen parent. 

Part 3: What do you hope to learn about public policy and advocacy? 

Iam hopeful that I will be able to “Identify strategies being used to influence the political will toward improving early childhood systems” ( Kieff, 2009) “Hypothesize about changing public opinion regarding the value of quality early childhood services for every child” ( Kieff, 2009) Lastly, I would like to gain better understanding of ways to apply a working knowledge of how I can contribute my efforts on a local, regional, or national level. 

Reference

Kieff, J. (2009). Informed Advocay in Early Childhood Care and Education. Making a Difference for Young Children and Families 

Collaborative Learning Community

Before enrolling into this course I thought I had a pretty good undertanding about what it means to communicate with someone else. It wasn't until I was forced to take another look at myself and the way I choose to communicate with others that I am able to realize some new things. For instance the value and importance in how communication is made with families, children and colleagues.

Communication has it's challenges as well "clearly effective communication is essential in all aspects of life, but we seldom get the guidance needed to develop the necessary skills associated with it". ( O'Hair, Wiemann, 2012) Working with non english speaking families i find myself trying to find creative ways to express information to them by using google translators, hand signals, pictures and repeating words i am comfortable with in spansish to the family.

I am often reminded of my favorite resturante to eat at, although the food is delious it always my experience that when i go in i am greeted with a warm and welcoming smile. We have small talk about my day and or week. It's even more warming when i call and order somehing different from my usual and the lady responds "oh, you're stepping outside of the box this time around" we laugh and say see you soon. I've notice that "Mona" does that for all of her customers.

Acknowledging that everyone's differences showcases various ways that they can impact another life. Commuication is such a beautiful thing because it encompasses "the process by which individuals use symbols, signs, and behaviors to exchange information"( O'Hair, Wiemann,2012)

It has been an absolute pleaure working alongside each and everyone of you. I've throughly enjoyed our disussions, providing me with increased knowledge to take with me on my continued journey.
As the days come to an end if there is any way possible i can be of asstance to any of you please do not hesitate to contact me. Best of luck to everyone.

Ebony

Reference:
O'Hair,D., Wiemann,M. Real Communication An Introduction (2012). Bedford/St. Martin's Boston. New York.

Team Building and Collaboration

Adjourning is an essential part of teamwork, because it dissolves the group signifying the end of an error. In undergrad the graduating class of 2011 came in four years earlier as young, inexperienced, some immature teenagers seeking a holistic college experience of overall personal and educational growth. Many of the students came to North Carolina from different cities, states and countries. Nervous  and unsure of what was to come the students; myself included created friendships, sister and brotherhoods through the Sororities and Fraternities and learning communities.
         Having some of the same professors and learning about others would have been one of my fondest memories about college. When it was time to graduate it was heartwarming to know that the  relationships/friendships created will last a life time. Facebook and other social media sites also aid in keeping the connections. The joyous time did not go without tears, Tears shed toward the time learning about self and who were going to be. Many of the individuals of my graduating class I'd attended campus functions with, rooted for in elections of all sorts; student government, dorms, majors , etc., and served on school committees alongside.
         The group of graduates were highly motivated to finish the year off strong. Encouraging others to friendly competitions of receiving what the school offered as Blue Bear Dollars, a student was able to utilize the fake money in the book store and shop for wanted or needed items, the distribution of the blue bear dollars came durning assemblies with the entire campus through the College President for good conduct, grades, achievements , etc.
         At the time of graduation many teams were shed from the group. However the promise of attending our school's Homecoming, which brings all past alums home in the fall. Proved to continue those memories while reflecting on the past ones. In completing my course work towards completing my Master's Degree I believe I will adjourn from my colleagues by sending well wishes while encouraging all the amazing things we've all learned. All the while keeping Graduation in sight and being able to put faces to the individuals names.

       

Resolving Conflict

I was seeking to have some cupcakes created for my boyfriend’s birthday and I did not just want any kind of cupcake these had to be “Pac-Man” themed, this task of finding someplace to create what I wanted appeared harder than I imagined. A co worker of mine suggest a place in which she loved and raved about. I contact the bakery explained my order and further followed up an emailed about the logistics. We emailed back and forth and I was told and assured it would be no problem to meet the need.

The day arrived and I went to pick up my order, extremely excited about the evening activities and being able to celebrate with the cupcakes. I looked over the cupcakes and was immediately disappointed; the icing was sloppy and they did not look anything like the picture I shared with the bakery. I was upset that the job was not completed to my liking and when the person at the bakery was made aware of my concern he apologized and made mention the cupcakes would not look exactly like the image and offered to remake them. Unfortunately I was under a time crunch and could not wait the time needed to redo new cupcakes. 

The only other alternative was suggested was to keep what I had or come back the next day because they were closing up the shop. The level of service was left a bad taste in my mouth and I know I will never order anything from the establishment again. 

Strategies’s I’ve learned that could have helped me resolve the conflict was 

1. To pick up the order much earlier than I needed it.
2. Ask for a picture of the finished product before picking up an order.
3. Changing out what I was given with pre made cupcakes in the shop.

Similarities and Differences

In thinking about the similarities and differences between how I evaluated myself as a communicator and how others evaluated me I was able to signify things that surprised and highlight insights about communication I've learned. 

Listening style profile categorized me in group number one based off the assessment i took and the judgement of my boyfriend and sorority sister evaluated me on. I believe it is important to remain open minded and keep a sense of non shockability. I believe when i verbalize to my clients “you can’t say anything that i have not heard or will make your feel uncomfortable for telling me”.

Doing this helps me in my brain to be aware of anything that may come out. Often times the students desire a non judgmental ear to listen to their troubles. I am aware that time is important and I am aware to schedule orientation appointments far in between in the event time runs longer, and gives me time to drive to my next appointment with the safety factor of not rushing. Also while giving the family the time to express all that they wanted to share. 

Knowing one’s audience is important to realize, I sometimes feel nervous when presenting in front of teens parents because I am constantly taking in to account my visual aids,tone of voice, and movements and time talking to ensure active participation and engagement. My Colleague expressed she enjoys hearing me speak because my ideas are beneficial to all areas of the work that we do with children and families. 

After working out and eating healthy and looking in the mirror at results to getting on the scale and not seeing the exact change in pounds you may have though resulted in one’s efforts. Some times we can be extremely difficult critics on ourselves than others. 

The Carmichael Show

The show that I choose to watch is the Carmichael show which comes on NBC. The episode title was "Disorganized Religion" in this episode the setting is at a home with people sitting at the table talking. The members sitting at the table consists of 4 males and two females. The dynamics of the relations appear to be a father, mother, two sons, and a reverend. I watched the video without the volume and with it, by doing so i was able to gain more insight of the conversations.

Without the sound:
I viewed the individuals sitting at the table about to partake in a meal. The table was set formally, and a bottle of wine was present, everyone's cup was filled with water except for the Reverend he had wine in his. I inferred the type of role everyone played because of the Fathers character sat at the head of the table, the other gentle man sat on the other end. One of the young men that was sitting at the table when the scene began made me sense he and the young girl character was romantically involved. The girl would lean in very close when she needed to whisper something to the young man. As they sat at the table i observed the female character place wine in the cup of the gentleman that sat closest to her at the table, he must of asked for more drink because she again placed more in the cup, so much so that it almost ran over. The male leaned over without holding the cup and slurped the drink out. He then tucks his napkin inside the top of his shirt indicating he was ready for dinner.

The mom character with the assistance of another male which i believed to be her other son sat at the table with a ham. I observed the older man praying over the food, and the girl keeps her head up and eyes open while everyone else bowed their head and closed their eyes. It appears the Rev asks her some questions about why she didn't participate along with them by bowing her head and closing her eyes and saying Amen. She smiled uncomfortably and I saw her lips mouth Amen.

With the sound
Rev Carlson sat at the table telling a story about Moses in the bible, he mispronounces the name incorrectly and began add his own dialog to the story which wasn't from the bible. Rev Carlson stated to Maxine "More wine" in which she replied "oh no thanks " he proceeds to tell her "no for me" she added a couple of drops, he followed with keep it going until it almost spilled over. The Rev told maxine he want his cup to look like an infinity pool.

The mom (Cynthia) brings the main course the ham to the table and asks the Rev to pray over the food. Everyone at the table bows their heads and closes their eyes except Maxine. Rev Carlson ends the prayer with Let us all say Amen. Maxine remained quiet and the rev repeated let us all say amen. Maxine says " I thought it would be more respectful no to join in because i'm not christian, Amen".
Maxine expresses that she is Jewish and everyone around the table adds their commentary about her statement. Cynthia questions maxine stating of course your christian what else could you be? Rev Carlson comments "Jesus was a jew; look how that turned out".

The dialog around the table continued with Maxine stating her views on the subject and Cynthia ending the conversation by changing subjects.



Watching the same episode with the sound offered so much clarity and insight into the areas of the broadcast that i was not able to pick up on. I struggled with reading the characters lips, however some of the facial expressions helped bring some sense of understanding to the scenes. It solidified that we are very much guilty of misinterpreting thing that people say based of non verbal communication. In instances of the show there were some serious topics concerning race, religion, sin, drinking, lying, and perception shown in the episode.

Competent Communicator

I’ve never met President Obama or ever had the chance to be in his presence however in the event I was I would first like to give him a hug, secondly I’d like to sit and chat with him while racking his brain and asking all the questions imaginable. “It has been noted that President Obama possesses an ability to use oration to win the hearts and minds of listeners”. McGraw Hill, 2008

He has shown great skill in using key communication practices to inspire people, securing their loyalty and passionate support.   Together, these outstanding communication practices enabled Barack Obama to overcome obstacles that would have hindered another politician—his age, his race, his "exotic" name, his unconventional personal story—to become the president-elect of the United States. We have much to learn from him, as we see in the book Say It Like Obama (McGraw Hill, 2008)

My first inkling of knowing about him was seven years ago I was a college Sophomore, Aside from the fact this was the first election I would be able to be apart of I was so exited, I simply loved the idea that I could rally with other youth and register people in the community to vote and explain the concept of exercising your right to choosing the next leader of the free world.

I still remember hearing him on the TV, “his ability to use communication in all of its forms—from body language, to voice inflection, to gestures—to establish a strong first impression and to sustain that positive impression” and listening to how he encourage all to become apart of supporting the campaign even if you only had $5.00 send it and you’ve made all the difference in pledging your support.  

The day my classmates and I walked to our local voting areas and placed our ballots in Support of our 44^th President of the United States of America was simply amazing and committed to my memory for years to come. I believe I’ll be able to share my experience with my children and describe what was going on, how I felt, and the history that was made.

I enjoy listening to President Obama speak on television I feel like his voice commands that you listen and it is my desire to give him respect. His words echo in the ears of the American people so much so that it is clear and concise about the direction he chooses to lead. It doesn’t matter the setting our present is in to know that he is a class act and portrays himself as a gentleman, family man and overall visionary. “It is through his ability to use communication to tear down barriers and build up bridges, focusing on areas of commonality that enable him to gain support from a diverse set of people”.  McGraw Hill, 2008

References:

McGraw Hill, (2008) retrieved from  www.sayitlikeobama.com

Shel Leanne (2008) The Communicative Power of Barack Obama: How He Became President-Elect  retrieved from http://www.fastcompany.com/1070311/communicative-power-barack-obama-how-he-became-president-elect