Hello, my name is Nicole Cunningham. I am the younger
of two siblings, born and raised in New York. I currently reside in Atlanta, Ga.
I attended High School in Georgia, graduating at the age of 17. Immediately
following, I attended Atlanta Metropolitan College, where I graduated Cum Laude,
achieving my Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. I directly continued
into my Bachelor’s program, graduating with my BA in Sociology. Working in Early
Childhood for 9 years, my level of experience has granted me the ability to
explore new interests, as well as challenges. Prior to working in the field of
Early Childhood, the option of me becoming a center director, much less an Owner
of an establishment were the farthest things from my thought process. Since
engaging in such thoughts, it has forced me to conduct my own evaluation of
myself and such qualities that make me who I am, as an individual. Entering into
the field as a part-time after-school teacher, to a supervisory position as an
Early Head Start Lead Teacher, I have learned a lot, not only in regards to
Early Childhood Education, but also about myself. This field caused me to
challenge my inner strengths in regards to patience, confidence and humility. I
always believed that I lacked the quality of patience, but working in this field
made me realize that my level of patience was beyond my expectations. I have
learned to be confident in my work and achievements while remaining humble in
the process.
Working a full-time job, becoming a new mom, not to mention a full-time wife, and all the duties that come along with that, are just a few challenges I anticipate while adjusting to an online learning community. However, I trust and believe within myself that I can accomplish any and everything I put my mind to. I live a strong Christian faith and I know that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Throughout this experience, not only am I here to learn and achieve my goals, but I am also here to support the growth of my fellow online community members (ICS-Part1). I love to help others and my faith and lack of myopic views allows me to do this without condemnation. As I look to Walden University for support through my educational and professional journey, I will gradually acquire the ability to make parallel my professional goals and aspirations with the Vision and Mission of Walden University (http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/EDUC/6005/01/mm/ICS-Part1/ICS-Part1.html).
I admire your passion and your use of the word "myopic" I also choose to have a broad view of the world, the differing views and beliefs of others, and respecting and celebrating diversity!
ReplyDelete“It’s not all about you, you have to take ego out of it and think
ReplyDeleteabout what’s best for the child”
- Renatta M. Cooper
Yes, that is so true. It is not about the teacher, it is about shaping the life of that child. We need to look at each child as an individual, identify their needs and then provide an environment that the child can be successful in. It's not about having the child conform to the classroom, it's about the classroom being flexible enough to accommodate each individual child so that they may successful.