My journal by

Why I am here!

monique919857 — 2025-05-12 19:24:23 UTC

I have only recently started my path in early childhood development. For the 2 prior years that I attended MJC I was originally majoring in business administration. I ended up taking a long break from school after going through life life-altering divorce. I was at such a hard time in my life where I wasn't even sure what I wanted to do anymore. But after time went by and I was able to reprocess and heal, I started to think more about my education so I could better myself. I have always focused on what was best for my kids and being a mom. I started my kids' education as soon as I could, putting my first child in Head Start, and even enrolling myself once pregnant with my second for home visits from the center, following through until he was old enough to go to Head Start himself. I remember how much I loved the support and how much it helped my kids get such a great start in school and education. I always admired those teachers, and now here I am following in their footsteps, in the hope of helping someone else and their family get a head start.

Journal 2

monique919857 — 2025-05-22 02:12:54 UTC

After watching Verna Myers’ TED Talk “How to Overcome Our Biases? Walk Boldly Toward Them,” I started thinking more deeply about what kind of early childhood teacher I want to be. Myers emphasizes that acknowledging and confronting our unconscious biases is crucial for fostering diversity and inclusion. She explains that biases are the stories we make up about people before we know who they are, and these biases can influence our actions in ways we may not realize. It made me think about how I want to show up as a teacher, which means not just being nice but creating a space where every child and family feels seen and respected. In Chapter 3, it talked about how teachers are role models and supporters, I want to be someone who supports all families, no matter what they look like or where they come from. That also means understanding that there are so many different types of families, and we have to build trust with them by listening and not judging. That’s how we build real relationships. I want to support that by being aware of my own blind spots and staying curious and open in my future work.

Journal 3

monique919857 — 2025-05-28 21:58:31 UTC

What I find most interesting about teaching young children is watching them grow into their own little person. Seeing their cognitive development unfold, watching them figure things out, and noticing how their unique personalities start to shine is just amazing to me. It’s especially fascinating to me how much their brains can develop in such a short period of time. Children really are like sponges; they absorb everything around them, and it’s incredible to witness that learning in real time. After reading Chapter 4 this week, I've realized the importance of observing and documenting those moments, not just for assessment, but to truly connect with and support each child. I’ve learned from past assignments that kids learn the most when we let them explore and play and give attention to how they think and feel. This summer, I’ll be volunteering at a Head Start program to get more hands-on experience, and I’m so excited to see all the different ways children learn, grow, and express themselves. Being part of that journey, helping them build confidence, problem-solve, and find their voice, is exactly why I want to work in early childhood education.