Growing up I was always the one family and friends called on to babysit. In the beginning it was my way of making money as a young teenager. However, after a couple years I really loved babysitting. It was amazing how well I connected with them and how well they grew attached to me. Many weekends my days were filled with laughter, crying, rocking, and changing diapers. I learned how to multitask even while babysitting. I can remember a time when watching my god daughter, she would not let me put her down. I had to place her in a carrier on my back while doing my house chores. At first, I thought man this is ridiculous but I had a weakness for her and I couldn't handle her crying out for me.
Early Childhood Education was not my first career choice. I always said I wanted to be a lawyer. I wrote down my ten year plan as to how I was going to get my law degree. Everyone expected me to be the family lawyer. The majority of the shows I currently watch has something to do with the law. However, In 2009 I had a experience of a lifetime. I was privileged to be able to work with 2nd and 3rd graders at a local high school. I was a junior in undergrad and initially working with these children was just fulfilling an internship requirement.
The first day working with children I went home crying. I thought to myself...How come they are so angry? Why don't they want to read out loud? Why do the parents not take interest in there child learning development? These were all questions that haunted my mind in only working at the school for one day. Working with these children changed my mind set. I walked away from the internship with the made up mind that I will make a difference in the lives of children. Currently, I'm getting my M.S in Early Childhood Education and I'm providing childcare from my home in hope to one day owning a childcare center.
I love that children were able to bring out the hidden passion that you had for them. I know it must not have been easy to walk away from something that you had put so much hard work into, but I am sure that the children that you teach are grateful for you.
ReplyDeleteHi Lynette,
ReplyDeleteYour comment about the first day working with children you left crying is one I can relate to as well. I was practically born in a classroom; however, I never knew working with children can be a difficult job. I had a head teacher that briefly explained an assignment, and I was expected to complete it with the students. Everything I did that day was wrong. I made it to last recess, and I went home. I remember the only remark that was made is how dare you walk out on my kids. Quite honestly, I never did go back, and I can relate to the frustration. Working with a child even for a short while will make a difference with him or her, I have seen it happen.