This Master’s Program has taught me many things. I am gratified to say the three most significant lessons that I am walking away with are:
- Being agents of positive social change is a lifelong lesson that requires an attentive ear for listening and the ability to adapt to change.
- Communication and collaboration is a necessity in the field of early childhood in order to create equity and partnership amongst teachers, parents, families, and other educational and non-educational professionals.
- Advocacy is a tool that can be used to make positive impressions for all children and families.
One long term goal that I have for myself is:
To obtain EdD/PhD in Leadership with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education. My overall goal is to open my own non-profit and advocacy center for children and families.
A Note of Thanks
To all of my colleagues I am forever indebted to your kind words of support and encouragement. Throughout the course of this program, I have had various glitches in my life including two major surgeries that landed me in ICU. But, through all of it several of you stayed positive and encouraged me to stay the course. For that I send an abundance of love and gratitude to David, Caitlin, Beth, and Opal! You have been a silver lining in my times of doubt. For the rest of my colleague’s though you were oblivious to my personal challenges your words and support were always positive. Thank You!
Dr. Dartt, you took me under your wings at the beginning of the Master’s program and have guided me along the way through Black Board, text, emails, and telephone calls. Your understanding mannerisms and your attentive ear for listening and providing clarity were without saying a lifesaver. I am forever grateful. Thank You!
To all of you, my current COP, I wish you the best of luck in all that you do to instill positive change in the lives of children and families.
“Men often become what they believe themselves to be. If I believe I cannot do something, it makes me incapable of doing it. But when I believe I can, then I acquire the ability to do it even if I didn’t have it in the beginning”
~Mahatma Gandhi
janellamalonebarnes 
Good for you! I hope you accomplish all you desire! I know you can! Opal
Thank you Opal! You have provided a lot of insight throughout this process. I know that your future will be very beneficial to every family you encounter.
Jan I admire your goals and can definitely relate to what you’ve learned! I am so glad we have been able to depend on each other and learn from each other. I enjoyed reading your wordle as well. I wish you the best of luck in the rest of your endeavors, and hope you continue to advocate for your passions. Please contact me if you ever need anything! Have a great holiday 🙂
Thanks Caitlin! Our collaborations and ability to gain insight from each other was and is very valuable. I’m always here if you need me and I can’t wait to meet the little bundle! With a mommy like you she is sure to be the next Ambassador or Senator!
Janella- You are a true inspiration to us all as you have overcome hurdles that would have left many of us running for the hills. I remember reading about your story on the Walden Facebook page. What an accomplishment to make it to the end! I wish you the best on your goals of continuing your education and advocating for children and families. Best wishes,
-Arlene
Thanks Arlene! This process gave me a new sense of accomplishment. I saw things differently after my experiences and I was treated negatively by some people and that only made me want to help others realize that everyone has the ability to do something. I have enjoyed the interaction with you throughout this course. Thanks again.
Jan
Janella,
I admire your tenacity and your insight! Thank you for all of your feedback and guidance along the way. I am glad that we had a chance to go through this final step of the journey together. Good luck in all that you do!
Penelope,
I was elated to meet someone with the name “Penelope” my youngest sister has called me that all of her life! It has been a pleasure interacting with you throughout this course. Best of luck in all future endeavors.
Jan
Thank you for all your insights that have helped me as well as our other colleagues. I wish you all the best in your career and life, hoping that you attain your goal of obtaining an EdD/PhD in Leadership. It is inspiring hearing about your goal to open a non-profit center for families, helping others who may not be able to help themselves.
Thank you! I am elated to have reached this milestone in life and I am looking forward to everything that the future holds. Helping others is my passion and I am inspired by the will of others to advocate and embrace positive change. Best of luck to you and your promising future.
Jan
Aloha Janella Malone-Barnes,
Wow! I think we made it and what a wonderful pleasure it has been working with you. The passion and insight you bring to the table is remarkable. It has been a learning experience and a honor working with you and our other class mates as well. Mahalo Nui Loa
Aloha David Powell,
Mahalo Pomaika`i
Mele Kalikimaka
Jan
I definitely believe that effective communication is necessary for any collaborative work in the field of early childhood education. I also believe that advocacy is highly needed in our profession. I wish you good luck on your next journey. Thank you for sharing yourself and your learnings to the class.
Thanks Bernice, this has been a whirlwind experience. Wishing you an abundance of success.