Relationship Reflection

I have several circles of relationships in my life. Some are personal, some professional, and some started as a professional connection and became closed friendship and a source of support and inspiration. My first and most cherished circle is family and it includes my parents and my nuclear family which is my relationship with my children and husband. This relationship taught me the power of unconditional love and endless support. Another circle of relationships is the one I have with my friends, that some go way back with me since my childhood, which demonstrates that meaningful relationships can maintain time and distance. This kind of relationship is characterized by loyalty. Lastly, my third circle is my professional relationships with my mentors, colleagues, and college instructors. These relationships are defined by mentoring, guidance, and professional development and growth.
I feel that my relationship with my husband is the main and the most supportive system I have. Through our in-depth conversations, I learn more about myself, and through his unconditional love and support, I learned to spread my wings, and fulfill my dream of becoming a lifelong learner.

Another meaningful relationship in my life is with my best friend. She was my first mentor at the beginning of my professional journey. She provided me with guidance and support when I opened my first program in California. When a challenge arises, I can consult with her, learning from her personal experience in the fields, and her wisdom. furthermore, she provides me referrals to resources and with professional development information such as articles, websites, or workshops. In addition, H., is my close friend, my sister of the heart.

My last circle of relationships defines my professional life as a professional early childhood educator. One of my significant professional relationships is with Y., a psychologist that supported my students with special needs and provided me with vital information regarding Autism at the beginning of my journey with inclusion. in addition, Y, guided me with ways to adapt my learning environment to meet my student’s needs, supported me through my first interactions with parents as we undergo together with the process of screening, and the individual educational plan meetings. I feel that Y. provided me essential tools, professional guidance that contributed to my competencies, growth, and the many hats I was wearing at a time: a director, teacher, mother, and friend. I became a better person through the guidance, the highlights, and the insights I gained from our professional meetings and reflections.

I believe that the various relationships in my life contribute to the person I am now, personally, and professionally. I am a respectful individual and teach my children and students about the value of respect. I practice active listening in order to encourage others to talk. I constantly reflect upon my relationships in order to learn more about myself and others. I focus on how to be sensitive to the needs of my students and their families. In addition, through my interactions with the people in my life, I learn about the value of dedication and success, the powerful tool of reflection, and knowing at all times, that there are always people who believe in me. These are the tools, the competencies, and characteristics I take with me daily, as I strive to become a prominent early childhood professional.