Final Thoughts...for now.

I knew that studying current Issues and Trends in the field of Early Childhood would be fulfilling, but I never would have guessed the roller coaster of emotions I have felt during this course, how much new knowledge I have gained, and how conflicted I would find myself as I pushed deeper and deeper into each issue.

The concept of developing international contacts was one that I likely would not have attempted on my own.  It was a struggle, but I can say that I am pleased with the outcome.  First off, simply determining who I wished to contact seemed difficult, but once I began making contacts, the choices were made for me.  I was surprised to see just how many people from a wide variety of countries were interested in also making contact with me.  The greatest struggle is in the waiting to hear from the other professionals, even in this day and age of superior technology.

The discoveries I made internationally were quite interesting.  While many of us share the same set of values and goals for the field, we also are up against many of the same roadblocks.  It is refreshing and disheartening all the same.  Most of all, it is unsettling to know that while we all understand that we must build up the next generation if we are ever to sustain our nations, they are the first to face hardship, cutbacks, and misrepresentation among politician and big business in most industrialized nations. 

I was also quite challenged by the notion that while Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, they are living an extremely different life on the island.  While it can be understood that they may not receive full representation within our country, I never would have believed the disparity of aid they do receive from us, even though some of it seems to be at the will of their own individual government.

I hope to maintain and strengthen the contacts I have made in hopes that a continued sharing of information will lead, not only to a greater understanding of global early childhood issues, but also in a greater ability for all parties to feel more comfortable sharing their concerns.  Perhaps if we all placed the same value system to our own professional development that we expect of the children and families we work with, we will be able to establish an open forum for creating the change in the field of early childhood that is so desperately needed.

I wish each and every one of my colleagues and professional connections nothing but the best in their quest to improve themselves, the field, and the lives of children and families.