Graduation Dec 11, 2010
Easter 1987Two of my favorite quotes about children are very common quotes but are nothing short of the TRUTH "Children are our future" and "It takes a village to raise a child". These two quotes kind of go hand and hand because the values, goals, and morals that we instill in our children, along with the educational oppurunties provided, shapes a childs future. By everyone working togather to raise children (parents, extended families, teachers, early childhood providers and those who work in the early childhood fields outside of the classroom) we can offer our children all of the oppurtunies that will better their futures. By children having access to a better future will bring about a positive change in the present and years to come.
One story about a child that touches my heart is the story of a little girl who touched my heart 3 years ago when she entered my classroom as a three month old infant. From the moment I laid eyes on my Mooga (I will use her nickname to protect her idenity and privacy) I feel in love. She was the cutest and happiest baby that I had ever seen. Mooga and her borthers and sister came from a drug addicted mother who often left the younger children in the care of their 10 year old sister. Mooga thrived while in my class and became a beautiful and joyful toddler. Her foster parents, along with myself. gave Mooga the unconditonal love and support that she did not recieve the first 3 months of her life. I lost touch with Mooga because she, along with her brothers and sisters, were sent to leave with family after being in foster care for 2 years but the last time I saw her she was your typical 2 year old and I will forvever love my sweet baby!!!! No matter how old she becomes she will always have a special place in my heart and will always be Miss. Quasia's baby!!!!!
I love that you used the quote, "It takes a village to raise a child". I also believe that is true. It takes many different people, in many different roles to help a child take the correct paths on their journey to childhood. Parents, teachers, doctors, clergy, mentors, aunts, uncles and grandparents (to name just a few) have different relationships with children that lead to varied contributions. When all of these people work together toward the goal of guiding the child in the desired direction, the efforts are successful and the child flourishes.
ReplyDeleteYour account of Mooga's development is inspiring. It shows that the past cannot be changed, but the future is limitless. I believe that children know intuitively which people they can trust and who truly cares for them as opposed to those who show up for the paycheck. It's obvious that you love Mooga and that she reciprocated those feelings. I have no doubt that Mooga's progress is due to the loving care that she received from you, your staff and her foster parents.