A quote that you find inspirational regarding the role that advocacy can have in the lives of young children and their families. Then, post responses to the following:
One of the people I interviewed stated that there have been many times when she was the only one who stood up to do the right thing for a parent or child. It is so much easier to dismiss wrong doings because we are so busy and can easily use that as an excuse. She went on to say that making excuses is such a waste of time and even if we don't succeed, at least we tried.
- What inspires and excites you most about your advocacy plan and being an advocate?
- I have a goal and want to accomplish it. My plan is to bring awareness to breaking the cycle of poverty through literacy. It is exciting because literacy really can make a difference for those children who are stuck in poverty. It is their way out if we can get parents to buy into the importance of education for their child. I have never thought of myself as an advocate. The person I work with is a great advocate and always knows exactly the right people to contact and she doesn't stop until she has accomplished her goal. I wish I had her confidence.
- What challenges and/or anxieties do you feel related to engaging in the advocacy efforts you have targeted?
- I am an introvert and don't enjoy stepping out into the spotlight so the biggest challenge has been the anxieties that comes with collaborating with people and asking people to attend my presentation. I have to have a good relationship with a family before I am comfortable presenting my ideas to them. Hopefully this class help build my confidence.
- What do you believe will be most effective in helping you overcome any challenging emotions you may be feeling with regard to presenting and implementing your Advocacy Action Plan?
- I think I would feel better if I knew I was on the right track and that my presentation is what the professor is looking for. I don't like feeling unsure about my work and get stressed out.
- How can you encourage others in their advocacy efforts, and how can others encourage you?
- If you want me to review you advocacy plan, I would be happy to review it just to see if I understand what you are presenting. If anybody wants to read my advocacy plan and give me feedback, I would appreciate it.
- Best of luck to everyone!
Very nice blog post Wendy. I do appreciate your cause. When you talk about literacy, I think about where reading can take you. Books allow you to go to places you may never physically get to go. It can be a great avenue for developing bigger, more positive aspirations.
ReplyDeleteI understand about your being an introvert as well. I do not like to stand out. It will be a challenge to present my advocacy plan. At this point I am not ready. I am not confident in the process we are walking through.
One foot in front of the other....best to you!
Because this is a new process, I am also very uncomfortable but have so much going on in my life at this time that the presentation is the least of my worries. My daughter is getting married in three weeks followed by my husband going in for spinal surgery at the end of June. One exciting event, one very scary. On top of that I have evaluators coming into the child care and preschool center I am the director of and everybody is on edge at work. I am very disappointed with myself for blowing my 4.0 in this class. I worked so hard to maintain it through the past three years that it doesn't seem fair for it be gone now. I have been getting about three hours of sleep because of all of the stress. I will take your advice and put one foot in front of the other. Thank you for your support, Wendy
ReplyDeleteWendy:
DeleteYou do have alot going on in your life. Things are crazy at my work as well. We are going through a lot of changes and after 20+ years I am not so sure where I fit. I keep entertaining thoughts of looking for a different job but do not want to make any stupid decisions.
I am sorry about your 4.0. Is there no way you can recover? Remind me where you live. Send me an email on the college email diane.ruh@student.kendall.edu and possibly we can talk on the phone. This has been a unique experience. We had a rough start with most of the resources not available. Hang in there. Diane
Hi Diane,
DeleteI live in Vermont. I will email you tonight.
Wendy
Poverty can have a severe effect on a child’s performance at school. Students from a low socioeconomic background lack access to nutritional food and basic health care as such items are often much more expensive than the alternatives of fast food or going without care. Your issue is important. Parents want to do good for thier children sometimes live under the poverty belt just gets the better of us. When my daughter was 10 we became very transient, I could not find work. I worked in exchange for a room, then spent 9 months living in someones basement. I look back now, 12 years and thank God my daughter turned out well,but I was so consumed by just working, I know I had some good friends that kept an eye on her and helped with homework. But we were kinda lost in poverty.
ReplyDeleteI also see the poverty and literacy problem in the parents at daycare, they dont read in English or thier home language and it is hard on them.
Congrats on keeping a 4.0 these last few years. Mine has always hovered around 3.7. Will you graduate this summer? I am excited after being in school for 7 years to finish. My after school kids keep asking if I am leaving when I graduate. I think I will stick it out through summer, I have had some of them in my group for the 3 years that I have been at Kendall. They want to come to my graduation.
Great job on the post also.
Rita
Hi Rita -
DeleteThank you for sharing your story with me. It sounds like you have been through a lot and overcome the obstacles. Your comments reflected what my research and experience has revealed. The children are at a huge disadvantage and we have to do something to fill the gap.
I believe I have lost my 4.0 and have lost more sleep than I care to admit over it. I have worked so hard over the last three years and to watch it go out the window is heartbreaking. I thought I was on the right track and then found out I had derailed. I don't know if I will get grades strong enough to make up for the assignment that tanked. It sucks but will be over soon (graduating in June) and I can dust off my knees and move on to my next challenge when my husband goes in for spinal surgery the end of June.
You should be proud of your 3.7. You have obviously worked hard. Keep up the good work! My best to you, Wendy
We have worked so hard on this Internship these past two semesters. I was hoping we would all get the chance to share and see each others AAP's but do not think that is part of the assignments, is it? Too bad, because I have been inspired by what I have read in the discussions and last semester's Blog assignments. I would be honored to look over your plan, if you want to send it by e-mail.
ReplyDeleteHi Gerry,
DeleteI would be grateful for your input. My presentation is on Wednesday of this week so I am in overload at this point. What is your email address?
Wendy, I am so sorry I did not check back again. I hope your presentation went well and you at least felt the support of my thoughts and prayers.
DeleteWendy,
ReplyDeletePlease feel free to email me your advocacy plan if you want an extra opinion. I would love to read it if that would help at all. I am an introvert as well and giving a presentation is a difficult task when one is already shy. This class will help to build your confidence and assist you in overcoming the fear of presentations such as this. In terms of your mentor having confidence, that is you. You are confident, Wendy. Part of having confidence is believing it and believing in yourself. It is hard to step into that role if it’s unknown, but the hardest part is taking that first step. After that, the steps are lighter and not as difficult to make. This is that first step. Make a grand entrance with that one step! Good luck and have the knowledge that you are confident.
Summer Greene
Hi Summer,
DeleteThank you so much for your encouragement. Do you do many motivational speeches? You should. I feel better already!!! Send me your email and I will send it to you.
Thank you, Wendy
Wendy,
ReplyDeleteI feel you have such strength within your focus. Literacy empowers and it warms my heart to see you passionate about it. Keep talking about your cause. Talk to any and everyone that will listen. This will help you build your confidence with your audiences and you will internalize your passion and new learning at the same time- share your passion! KEEP TALKING!
On a side note, you are not the only one that has hit a wall with this course. Perhaps it is part of the learning? I carry a 3.9 GPA and am experiencing a lot of stress over this course (tanked APP 1 and 2). This struggle has helped me become more resourceful- I have really reached out to other professionals and am gaining new insights (hope it helps for the course-LOL!)
Hang in there!
Libby
Hi Libby,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your advice to keep talking and working. I am trying to let go of the 4.0 but have worked so hard for three years and to lose it now seems like such a waste. I should take the attitude you have but feel so defeated that I am having a hard time dusting off my knees. I keep saying it is okay but don't truly feel that way. I want to feel that way so I am still trying. I have my presentation in two days and am not really sure I am on the right track. School will be closing soon and the group I am presenting to will be off for the summer and not available if I need to redo assignments. So I am praying to God that everything is acceptable.
Congrats on your 3.9. That is very impressive.
Wendy
Wendy,
ReplyDeleteLet's hope I can keep it- it's questionable right now. No matter what happens I have gained new insights into advocacy in general. By reaching outside my box I have built new partnerships and gained wonderful mentors. These are supportive relationships that I can enjoy for years to come.
Let me know how that presentation goes! Best wishes!
Wendy:
ReplyDeleteI wanted to take the time to tell you thank-you for your support and encouragement throughout this internship. I am assuming there has been a wedding??? How did the presentation go? I did my presentation and just submitted my application 4 assignment...now I anxiously wait.
No matter the grade, your communication reflects your compassion and that is what truly matters. Best to you.
Diane