A final word of Thanks

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to each of my classmates and supporters of my blog. My journey has not always taken the easiest path. However, the support I received from everyone including Professor Bernice Parrott kept me motivated even when I wanted to give up. This time of parting comes with mixed emotions. While I am relieved to be finished with the critical coursework of ECE455 I am sad to end communication shared with others that I have known for months and even years only in the context of a name yet emotionally bonded as we pursued our degree united by a common goal.  Best of luck to all! In my book you have chosen the best career path in the world!

As I move along in my advocacy journey I continue to seek out information that can strengthen my odds for success. I have come to a point in my voyage where I am questioning the receptiveness of those who will be on the receiving side of my actions.

My plan involves an educational workshop for the staff of my current fieldwork site. I will employ a multimedia presentation as well as fact sheets and a reference list for future list; however, I am looking for creative presentation ideas. Can you help?

Have you ever attended a workshop in which the presenter utilized a fun or creative activity? If so, please share. Do you have any suggestions on how I can teach new information while supporting the teacher’s current level of understanding so I am not demeaning their position or intelligence? Have you ever experienced a powerful exercise that made an impact on you and resulted in self-reflection?

I have no experience in presenting or leading an information/training workshop. So I went searching for tips on the internet. I came across this helpful blog: http://www.speakingaboutpresenting.com/delivery/how-to-go-from-good-presenter-to-great-presenter/ If your advocacy plan involves presenting I highly recommend checking this website out. It hosts a plethora of information and tips on every point of the process.

 

My journey begins...

“Children, after all, are not just adults-in-the-making. They are people whose current needs and rights and experiences must be taken seriously.” - Alfie Kohn

I like to compare my advocacy journey to a dip in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean on an early summer morning. Invested and up to my waist in water at this point, I am committed to seeing my goal come to fruition and diving into the unfamiliar water. I am already halfway there.

 Am I excited? YES! Am I anxious? Absolutely! What excites me the most is how my efforts have the potential to change the lives and experiences of exceptional children and parents whose faces I may never see. I have spent years advocating for various needs of individual children in assorted preschool settings. However, this is the first time that I have vehemently advocated for children that I did not know personally. At the same time I am plagued by self doubt and lack of confidence. Am I qualified to carry out such an advocacy plan? Will my goals be attainable? When I am through with this class will I continue to advocate for this cause and reach my long term goal?

I feel competent in my knowledge of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the preschool classroom; however, I am concerned how others will perceive me. Will they take me seriously? I am still a student. How does a research paper plus 15 years of experience make me an “authority” on ASD?  To overcome self doubt, I will need to believe in myself and my ability to carry out my plan. And if that does not happen in the next few weeks, I will hold my head up high, "act" like I know what I am doing, put my apprehensions aside and focus on the children whose lives may be bettered as a result of my advocacy work.

I encourage everyone to look beyond their inhibitions as they venture further into their advocacy project. When I reflect upon my life experiences there has been a common theme; the most significant periods of change came when I moved outside my comfort zone. I challenge each of you to put aside your fears and remember why you chose to embark on this journey to begin with. For those of you looking to send some encouragement my way, a few words of affirmation as to my ability to educate others on the topic of ASD would be greatly appreciated.