This has been a journey I will never forget with my main supporter, my Mom, passing away, my daughter moving to Georgia, my best friend/sister passing away, my stepfather’s passing, my oldest daughter getting married, to keeping a struggling business from going under, to me taking a leave of absence, and the list can go on and on but then God knew I needed somebody, somewhere, something to get me through in order to fulfill a challenge I created for myself over 3 years ago and that was through all of my teachers, classmates far and near, my friends, the librarians, the tech support, everything that became a focus point to distract my mind from the obstacles I faced, all of you!  I couldn’t have made without all of you and it is with appreciation I say “Thank You!”

Through Walden I have learned so much.  I have confirmed my passion and have a greater love for the Early Childhood field.  I have learned a great deal about the “isms” and realized African-Americans aren’t the only targets for biases, prejudices and stereotyping.  Without intentions, we somehow all could very well be found in one of those.  I learn that in this journey you can’t go alone, you need the help from others and it’s not asking too much to reach out to others in the field. 

My one long-term goal is to make sure every child who comes through my center enjoys learning through play.  I want their early education to be a good, positive experience one they can reflect on throughout their entire educational lives.  I want families to know they play an important part in their child’s life and offer them opportunities to be involved.  My ultimate goal is to remain positive in whatever I do whereas my children will reflect a positive image of their teacher.

There are so many people I want to thank and I’m sure I will miss some but I am so thankful for every instructor who pushed me to dig in more and to put what I already know, what I am already doing down on paper.  Thank you Dr. Embree for listening to me through the tears and giving me that extra push when I had chosen to throw in the towel and settle for my Bachelors.  You wouldn’t let me stop there. To all my colleagues, thank you for those who chose to comment on my post.  I will never forget one of my very last post one of my colleagues, Leigh D., suggested I should be a speaker!  Hmmmm, something to think about!  This degree will be that key that opens the door to the blessings God has stored up for me.  So it is with sadness on one hand, but JOY on the other that I say “FAREWELL!”  May God forever bless and keep you.  As Early Childhood Educators, may we continue to make a great impact on the little lives and their families we touch daily and be the voice to be heard for those who cannot speak as we strive to reach the next level in early childhood!

God’s Blessings,

Roslyn Brooks