My Supports

The factors within my environment that are supportive of me are my family, friends, and co-workers.  My husband is my biggest supporter.  We met in 1999, and he has been there for me every since. We don't have any family in Georgia.  All of our family live in Alabama.  That doesn't stop my family from being there for me.  My family will travel to Georgia for any occasion.  If they're not able to travel, they are readily available by phone.  My friends have been very supportive over the years.  I have a lot of friendships that I have developed over the years.  I consider this friends like family.  The friendships I have developed here in Georgia are stronger than some of the ones I grew up with in Alabama.  By me not having family here, a lot of the holidays and special occasions are spent with friends.  These friendships have made me stronger because they taught me to trust people outside of my family.  That was hard for me because as an only child it was hard for me to trust people.  My mom always taught me to take care of myself, and not to depend on anyone.  My co-workers are also very supportive.  The field of education can be stressful at time.  We are overworked and underpaid.  If it wasn't for the teachers and administrators that I have met along the way, I honestly would be in another field.  I have to remember the students are my ultimate reason, and that's what keep me going. I honestly don't think I could exist without these supporters because the encouragement is what keeps me on track.  I would definitely be in a bad space without my husband, family, and friends.  The challenge I chose to imagine was trying to live in another country without any kind of support.  I think this would be hard.  I often think about what my life would be like if I had to raise my children by myself, and I honestly don't know how it would be done.  I look at mothers who have more than two children, and they seem like they balance everything with ease.  My two girls keep me busy so I can't even imagine.  I am thankful to have support.  I know the support and advice is what gets me through each day.

My Connections to Play

Quotes

My favorite childhood items to play with.

Barbie

Jump Rope

Skating

Jacks

The Role of Play in my Childhood

Play was very important in my childhood.  My parents and aunts encouraged play everyday.  When I was growing up I would stay outside until it was time for the street lights to come on.  I loved playing outside with my cousins.  We would ride our bikes, skate, and jump rope.  I loved board games, jacks and pick up sticks.  Play taught me how to work as a team, share, communicate, and it helped build self confidence.  I loved to play with my barbie dolls, and play school with my imaginary friends too.  I really feel like play made me the person I am today.

Play Today

Play today is a lot different from when I was growing up.  Children these days don't play outside like I used to.  Unfortunately play is diminishing because of technology.  There are so many technology toys and games that children have no interest in playing outside.  I think technology is actually hindering children more than it’s helping them.  Technology is making children lazy because they don’t know how to think for themselves, they don’t want to play outside or play anything that doesn’t revolve around technology.

Play Throughout Life

Play has changed so much throughout my life.  Play is still very important in child development.  Play helps children develop mentally, physically and socially. Play is essential for adults too. Play helps us come out of our comfort zone and participate in activities that we didn't like as a child.   I still like playing board games.  Board games keep me feeling young at heart.  I hope that as time go on we get back to realizing how important play is.  Play is going to make us a lot healthier and happier.

Relationship Reflection

Relationships are important to me because you learn a lot about yourself and the person you’re in a relationship with.  Relationships help you take a good look at yourself and help you understand who you really are.  I feel like you first have to know yourself before you can truly have a positive relationship with someone else. There are several people in my life that I have positive relationships with. This section is dedicated to the main people in my life who helped mold and shape me into the beautiful woman I am today.  I am an only child.  My mother raised me as a single parent until I was 12.  I knew my biological father, but he was never around during my childhood.  My mom married my step-father (pictured below), and he is the father figure that has been in my life.  My mom has been my rock.  She has given me so much guidance throughout the years. We have a bond that can’t ever be broken.  If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be able to be the nurturing mother I am to my girls. 

                         Mom & Dad

My mom has five sisters.  They are pictured below. My aunts are all like sisters to me. I can laugh and talk with them about anything.  They all gave me advice when I got married, and had my first child.  I am so thankful to have all of these ladies in my life. The relationships formed with my aunts have truly made me appreciate and value life and family.

 

Aunt Savannah, Aunt Ednalene, Aunt Dorothy, Aunt Gennetter, Mom, Aunt Jackie

This last section is dedicated to my wonderful husband (pictured below).  Our relationship started when we met in college in 1999.  We got married in 2003. He has been my biggest supporter next to my mom.  If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have the patience I have today.  Our relationship has taught me to communicate, listen, trust and be honest no matter the outcome.  I am the only child so it was hard to open up and let him be the provider for me.  I was so used to doing everything on my own.  He has truly made me a better person. 

It hasn't been easy having positive relationships over the years.  The good thing about family is we can agree to disagree and still be close as if nothing ever happened.  The experiences that we shared has only made us stronger.  I feel like these positive relationships will impact my work in early childhood because I can adapt and adjust to any situation.  I am now a better listener, and I can take criticism with no hard feelings.