Issues and Trends...Fuel for Continual Learning

This course has been amazing for strengthening professional connections for me.  I took a break from my classes at the end of the summer, so I have gotten to know a completely new set of people through this class!  The further I get into my master’s program, the more I enjoy interacting with my classmates.  As my knowledge grows, so does theirs.  This enables our conversations and interactions to be more meaningful. 

When I look at international EC issues, I am torn.  Some of the issues abroad are so much greater than issues here in America.  Then consequence of this is that I think less of our issues in the States.  Although issues abroad might be greater that issues here, I cannot let myself think that our issues are unimportant. 

Another consequence is that through all of my explorations, I have only found more information.  That is more stuff to read, more people to meet/listen to, etc.  These are things that I will have to earmark for exploration at a later time when I am not bogged down with school work.  On the bright side, this gives me more resources for later classes, as well as opportunities for continued learning after class is over.

I think the biggest consequence of learning about the international early childhood field is that I am only getting a birds-eye-view of the issues that exist.  Without actually immersing myself in the EC setting across the world, I cannot get a full 360 degree picture.  This is what has inspired my goal to travel.  Not travel for travel’s sake, but actual travel to immerse myself in my field across the world.