I have been fortunate enough to study at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas for three years in the Family Sciences department.  I have learned many things that I will carry with me into the job field.  Not only have I hade the opportunity to study under some of the best professors in the state, but also some very respected people in the family sciences field. 

            The Family Science department has fostered my love for children and has helped me to really reflect on how I want to use that love for the betterment of children.  I have been able to gain numerous observation hours in daycare settings as well as two internships that have helped me to see where my strengths are and what it is I really want to do with my life.  I have learned that I really love being able to work hands on with children.  I love coming up with activities that the children will enjoy as well as learn from.  During my first practicum I was able to create an art activity every week to help re-tell a bible story.  I loved coming up with creative activities that helped introduce the story to the children.  I have also discovered that I enjoy being in a leadership position.  When implementing my curriculum I was the leader and I made sure that all my volunteers had a job and knew what they were doing. It was very gratifying to get through a day of Mission Quest and to hear about how all the pieces fell into place to create a fantastic learning experience for the children. 

            Children are amazing people and they never cease to teach me something.  During my many observation hours in a day care setting, I learned many things about the pre-school child that I had not known previously.  For example, I learned that when given the chance a four-year-old child could really come up with some creative ways to solve a problem.  I watched as two boys played dress up and one boy was discouraged because he could not fit all his toys in a back pack, so his friend helped him problem solve and they got a blanket and put all their toys in the blanket and then gathered all the corners to carry the toys around.  I would have never thought that a four-year-old would have come up with that particular solution.  I have also observed the many challenges that a day care teacher faces daily.  From one teacher I observed, the biggest struggle was trying to get all the “extra” stuff done while still getting all of the essential tasks completed.  For instance, the teacher was struggling with creating a decent portfolio for each child because it took too much extra time.  All of these observations have made me aware of the things I may face while working with children and I am able to think about how I might solve those problems in my own classroom.

            Overall I feel that I have had a wonderful academic experience.  I have had the pleasure of learning from experienced instructors, working with committed students, and have the opportunity to really experience what I am learning in the classroom.  Education is the most precious gift anyone could ever receive, and I have received a true blessing from Texas Woman’s University.  I can only hope that I give back all that I was given in my three years at this fantastic institution.