Relationship Reflection

Relationships are what make the world go around.  Without the many connections (lasting and/or momentarily) we make there would be no motivation to improve the quality life.  Of my many associations that I have developed throughout my life, I can say without a doubt my existence would be unimportant had I never taken the time to get to know their memorable characteristics.  As I continue to forge my relationships, I have to acknowledge the interdependence that comes with the alliance is what supports my being as I grow and develop into someone who values life. 

The current and lasting people in my life include my husband (LaMar), my sisters (Vicki, Sheryl, Deanna, Linda, Becky, and Shawna) and there spouses, all my extended family, my mentor teacher (Jana), the people that I work with, and many friends in Idaho and Utah.  The interesting fact about all those relationships is they each deal with children in one way or another.  They all care for, love, and work with children and families in various ways. 

Each relationship gives positives in many ways, but two stand out as the foundations for which all others are supported, trust and unconditional love.  I can say without reservation that each is a trusted family, friend, and/or colleague, and each offer unconditional support and love.  At difficult times in my life, relationships have been my saving grace.  Depending on the struggles I have faced, I knew that someone close would be there to lift and walk with me through each unique tribulation.  One such test I face now is making it through my courses and Walden and at the same time teaching a fifth grade classroom of twenty-nine (29) students.  The torment was that I added the classroom of fifth graders in the second quarter, because their first teacher had the unfortunate malady of having to retire due to Multiple Sclerosis.  I really didn’t know what I was thinking when I said that I would change from my ELL (English Language Learners) position to teaching fifth graders other than the challenge.  It has truly been a challenge, but because of supportive individuals like LaMar, Linda and Tom, Jana, Vera, parents of children in my class, and other family and co-workers, I would not be able to see the “light at the end of the tunnel”.  They have been my saving grace as I have worked, studied, and prayed for guidance and help.

Such dedicated individuals deserve reciprocal behavior from me which includes unconditional love, support, positive affirmations and whatever I can give they may stand in need of.  Let me add that I want to do what I can to assist, help, and lift them, because they are my true confidant.  When one has genuine caring relationships, one yearns to grow, develop, and succeed academically, personally, and within the work place. 

LaMar is dedicated to stopping by my classroom after he has completed his day of working with delinquent students each day and helps me correct papers, input grades, discuss issues for the day and plan remedies, and is my proof reader for my Walden coursework.  Linda volunteers in my classroom and has also helped in correcting papers and disseminated great ideas for working with students that need extra motivation.  Tom supports Linda in her giving of her time to help me.  Jana shares her great ideas for making learning valuable, gives me positive affirmations about my work with students, and keeps me on the straight and narrow concerning requirements and rules.  Vera strives to make me feel part of the team and aids me in making sure I understand and implement required daily duties, and always has time to answer my questions with a smile and positive confirmations that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.  Wow!  How wouldn’t someone thrive with all that encouragement?  It is their consistent help that spurs me on in making my work with children valuable and rewarding. 

While doing this assignment it was refreshing to review and remind myself of all the positive influences I have in my life.  Sometimes we tend to dwell on the negatives, but when we review the positives we realize how much influence for good we have in our lives.  It also makes us realize that we must take the time to identify and thank those who are influential in our lives.  I have so much for which to be thankful, “my cup runneth over”.