Learning.......

Webster defines learning as: 1) to gain knowledge, understanding or skill by study or experience; 2) to commit to memory; and 3) to find out.

I've always enjoyed learning. I remember, as a child, I loved school. My plan was to go to school to become a psychologist. I wanted to help people with their problems. Even as a young person, people felt comfortable telling me things. However, at age 20, during my sophomore year in college, I accepted the Lord as my personal savior, joined the church and got married. I started having more children and my education got put on the back burner while I took care of my family and others.

But I longed to return to school. I would have this recurring dream that I was at my high school graduation rehearsal and I was told I didn't have enough credits to walk across the stage. I knew this dream was just a reminder of that yearning for more higher learning.

When the Lord spoke to me to open a family child care home, at age 30, I had three children of my own ages, 6, 8 and 12. I opened it, but I knew in order for me to feel qualified and at peace about providing quality care, I had to learn more about early childhood education. I wanted more than just the minimum requirements of NC Credentials 1 & 2. So immediately, I enrolled in an Early Childhood Education degree program. I completed my Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and also received certifications in Early Childhood Administration and Early Childhood Development. My plan was to return to North Carolina Central University (NCCU) to complete my Bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. However, the following year, I was going through a divorce and the daycare was closed. Therefore, I put off returning to school.

In the fall of 2010, my middle child entered college and I decided I would return to college in the Spring of 2011. I did return to NCCU and I am looking forward to graduating in December 2012 with my Bachelor's Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Child Development and Family Relations. However, I don't want to stop. I'm continuing further. My first desire of helping others with their problems is still in me. I'm learning that I'm a resource person and that if I can't personally help you, I can refer you to someone who can help you. In order to do that I have to be a life long learner, because things are constantly changing.

However, school isn't my only teacher. I realize now that I've been having on the job training. From the time my mom brought me in this world she has been teaching me. The Spirit of the Lord teaches me. My leaders teach me. My husband and family teach me. Life experiences have taught me a lot and I'm still learning. People around me teach me. Learning about who I am and where I come from teaches me. I work with preschool age children and there are things they can teach me. I'm open to the teachings.

Learning opens many doors to you. It allows you to accept other people's thoughts and opinions without getting offended or being judgmental, as you realize everyone has been taught different things. You wonder why there is prejudice, because it was learned. Both good things and bad things can be learned. Knowing the difference in those good and bad things gives us the opportunity to make informed decisions. My prayer is Lord, let me learn everything you would desire for me to learn; then let me use it to better myself and help others.

Yes, I'm still learning.........