The biggest surprise was learning how resilient I am. I have never really considered this in the past. I know see my resilience has gotten me through many hard times. It has led me to wonder how or why I have developed a strong resilient personality. “Many studies show that the primary factor in resilience is having caring and supportive relationships within and outside the family. Relationships that create love and trust, provide role models and offer encouragement and reassurance help bolster a person’s resilience” (Newman, 2005). While I did not grow up in the most loving household, I have worked hard to create a loving family. As a child I was fortunate to have loving role models outside my family.
In the future my aspirations are to work as an early childhood instructor for a community college. I hope I can share my accomplishments and strengths. I dropped out of school as a teenager when I became pregnant with my daughter. Soon I will complete my Ed.D. in Early Childhood. I am living proof anything is possible. It was a long windy road but I did it. My motivator has remained constant – the children. The more I know the more I can help provide better environments for our future leaders.
When I look at the traits of resilience what I see is an early childhood educator. The APA defines several additional factors of resilience. They include:
- The capacity to make realistic plans and take steps to carry them out.
- A positive view of yourself and confidence in your strengths and abilities
- Skills in communication and problem solving
- The capacity to manage strong feelings and impulses.
Any early childhood educator with these qualities has an excellent chance at success.
References
Newman, R. (2005). APA’s Resilience Initiative. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 36(3), 227.
Doctorate Program 