Personal Advocacy Reflection

I am very grateful to have a former Director as my mentor. Marie was my director for 3 years and my mentor for 2 years and counting. She has made a great impact in my personal life and within my career. She has been apart of the EC field for over 20 years and she serves as a member of multiple organizations that are in relations to the field. Once a week she sends me different resources such as EC bloggers, updates, laws and regulations that focuses on the field. Even through this educational journey she has poured incoming love and support. I remember when I got offered a position as an Assistant Director, I remember calling her to share the good news. I believe that she was more excited than I was, if not more. She was a great resource as I worked in the position. Sadly, after working in the position for about 6 months I became overwhelmed. So, with the help of my EC Mom (as I call her) I decided to take a teaching position with 4 and 5 year-olds, until I complete my Masters program. The decision was a tough one because I was excited about finally having a leadership role. I felt as if I was going backwards within my career if I stepped down. However, through my conversations with Marie, she made feel as though my decision to step down was the best decision to make at the time. And looking back I will say I agree. I have been able to dedicate more time to my schooling and my family. Everything has its’ own timing and as Marie says “Sunshine this is only the beginning”. The ultimate goal is to make a difference in the lives of young children. I must say taking these courses and applying the learned knowledge daily within my profession, is a step in the right direction of making a difference.