Words of Inspiration and Motivation

LYNDON B. JOHNSON

Here is a small clip of President Lyndon B. Johnson's State of the Union address declaring War on Poverty. Here Johnson explains the execution of plan to diminish poverty rates in America and methods to provide education and funding for families. I chose this particular clip because it perfectly exemplifies the procedures taken in the beginning of the Headstart program, one of Johnson's several programs in the War on Poverty.

T. BERRY BRAZELTON, M.D.

 

-Pediatrician who worked in the Health and Well-being sector of the early childhood field.

 "All adults who care about a baby will naturally be in competition for that baby.... Each adult wishes that he or she could do each job a bit more skillfully for the infant or small child than the other."-T. Berry Brazelton, M.D.

  "It was a joyful experience where I felt that everything in me was being called on to teach- and also, it was very rewarding, it just made me feel whole. It made me feel whole, it made me feel creative and so, it became my lifelong work, with early childhood education. and to make sure that all children were taught in enviornments and in ways that truly nurtured their ability to grow and develop to their fullest ability"-Louise Derman-Sparks

Professor Emeritus, Pacific Oak College, CA

 

 

 

 

 

REFERENCES

 

Video: Laureate Education, Inc. (2010). The passion for early childhood. Baltimore: Author.

Multimedia Program: "Sectors of the Early Childhood Field" http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/EDUC/6005/04/mm/Sectors/Main.html

PERSONAL CHILDHOOD WEB

 My mother, Joann Applewhite, of course was the first person to show me love and care. Throughout the years of my life, my mother has clothed me, fed me, given me shelter and shared very memorable moments with me in life such as how to ride a bike without the training wheels and losing my first tooth.  I remember time when I were afraid of certain things such asthunderstorms, being alone in the dark or the “boogeyman” my mother would comfort me and reassure me that I did not have to be afraid because she would always be there for me. Growing up in my Teenage years, my Mother taught me valuable life lessons that I could take throughout the course of my life: how to be respectful and use manners, to have a great sense of honesty and integrity and to always strive to be the best that I can be. My mother always made me feel special mostly because even in the midst of my downfalls, disappointments or failures, she always gave me unconditional love and I greatly appreciate her for that.

Second is my Father, Eugene Palmer. My father is like my best friend, I can talk to him about almost anything. He always supports my decisions and backs me up whenever needed. Growing up, my father would always take me to the park and feed the ducks. This was a special activity for me because I loved going to the duck pond, It was a way to gain peace and turned into our special outing together that we did at least once every month. My father always found time to spend with me and be there for me whenever I needed. He was always the one who I would confide in when needing advice on how to handle certain situations. He would inform me when I am wrong and give alternatives to turn negative situations into positive. My father brought out my personality and is partly responsible for the kind person that I am today.

Third is my uncle, Cleaster Applewhite, my mother’s brother. My uncle has played a major role in my life as well because he served as a second father to me. For a period of time in my life, my uncle lived in the same household as me. Out of my mother’s three brothers, he was the “fun” uncle that everyone loved. I remember times when he would always give me money and help me catch the ice cream truck when it came through our neighborhood for the summer. We would sit on the front pork and talk, he would share memories about the times when he was growing up along with my mother and two uncles. My uncle was a fire-fighter when I was around nine years old. He would sometimes take me to the fire station and give me a tour. I loved looking inside the firetrucks and especially riding in them. My uncle was also a lifeguard at a local pool and he would sometimes take my siblings and I and open the pool during closing hours specifically for us so we could go swimming. My uncle was also the one who taught me how to drive a car.

Next is my Older Brother, Dietrich Neal, We have an incredible Bond. Although my brother is five years older than me, I feel as if we are the same age sometimes. Growing up I would always follow behind my brother when he would leave the house or play video games, he would never get angry at the fact of me tagging along with him, instead he would let me know that it was okay to hang with him and he enjoys my company. My brother has also taught me many things and speaks on past experiences and mistakes and helps me to dodge them before I run into them. In our younger years I can recall breaking one of my mother’s expensive vases and my brother took the blame because I was afraid of getting into trouble. My brother always made me feel safe and would always protect me when needed. I love the fact that I have siblings that I can always count on. Until today my brother and I still keep a close relationship, despite the fact that we live in different towns and have responsibilities of our own. Our bond will never be broken.

Last is my cousin Dr. Lakeisha Richardson. Dr. Richardson is considered as a big sister to me, she is also one I can talk to when dealing with certain issues especially school related. Dr. Richardson was the one who gave me vital information on the situations that come with entering womanhood, gave me books and pamphlets on avoiding different illnesses and how to stay Healthy. My senior year in high school, Dr. Richardson prepped & tutored three days a week prior to taking my ACT which was a great Help. Dr. Richardson is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. During my undergraduate years at MVSU, Dr. Richardson assisted me in gathering proper material in order to pledge. Thanks to the help of Dr. Richardson. I now wear the same Greek letters as her with Dignity and pride.

My 1-year old son is the top priority that fuels my passion for the early childhood field. The fact that I look at him everyday and pray for nothing but the best for him is enough. I try to teach him what's right and how to be respectful. His education and well being mean the most to me. Therefore, I hope to play a vital role in children's education just as I want for my son.

A Child who touched my heart is a 9-year old boy by the name of Cameron Douglas. Cameron lived in a one bedroom apartment with his mother who served as a single parent. the neighborhood that Cameron lived in was filled with poverty and had a very high crime rate. Every morning Cameron would catch the bus and go to school. Cameron was very quiet child and never spoke much, but was very intelligent for his age and made very good grades. One day Cameron came to school with the same clothes he had worn the pervious day. Teachers took notice but did not question his appearance until he reported to school wearing the same attire three days in a row. When asked about his clothes, Cameron stated that his mother had been sick and could not care for him and he had to dress himself.  Authorities were sent to his home only to find that Cameron's mother had recently died in their home the day before. I was truly touched by the fact that Cameron, a 9-year old had taken responsibility of himself at such a young age. He reported to school everyday and still did his best while unknowingly losing his mother at the same time. Cameron is now in custody of his grandparents and still excelling is his studies. Cameron is now a 7th grader at his school and I am extremely proud of him.

I happen to love the book "The Little Engine that could" This book is very encouraging for children who feel that they can not succeed in a certain task. All it takes is a little "I THINK I CAN" and to keep trying and you can succeed. this book teaches children to believe in themselves and to never give up

Here is a photo of a drawing by Ms. Cailey B. Williams a first grader. When asked what was in her drawing, she stated that there is two cats and a dog and the figure above is her teacher, Mrs. Ammons, who is tending to her garden. I thought this drawing was very interesting because the child thought enough to draw a picture of her teacher. I assumed that with a gesture such as this, Cailey looks up to her teacher very much and the fact that she tends to a garden could symbolize that Mrs. Ammons nourishes her students as well so that they my grow up to be successful beings, just as she manages to grow beautiful flowers.